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emmaseyb's review
dark
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Gun violence
Moderate: Suicide and Child death
Minor: Racism, Alcoholism, and Addiction
asourceoffiction's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I found this really surprising - I was expecting something dark and twisty, and it didn't disappoint, but it was also incredibly human. Seeing the bleakness of a town in the grip of drought and the way it changes the inhabitants' behaviour was a huge part of the story, and gave it a sensitivity I haven't often found in a thriller.
I was immediately invested in the mystery of the Hadlers' deaths (thanks to a brilliantly atmospheric prologue!), and was constantly trying to guess the truth, along with the connection to Luke and Aaron's tragic past. There were elements I half predicted but I was second guessing right to the end.
This is a fantastic debut; gripping, frustrating and emotional.
I was immediately invested in the mystery of the Hadlers' deaths (thanks to a brilliantly atmospheric prologue!), and was constantly trying to guess the truth, along with the connection to Luke and Aaron's tragic past. There were elements I half predicted but I was second guessing right to the end.
This is a fantastic debut; gripping, frustrating and emotional.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Child death, and Child abuse
Moderate: Racism
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