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3.81 AVERAGE
3.81 AVERAGE
I enjoyed the ride while reading this. I didn’t see the ending coming. The audio was excellent
Many things bugged me about this book (see below), but it kept me reading, and unlike with some people, the ending didn't bother me all that much, though I kind of kicked myself for not seeing it coming. Also, although I'm more on the skeptical side on DID, I do feel that the book gave a pretty sympathetic portrayal, despite some people's concerns about hanging a murder plot on it - always stipulating that I don't know all that much about how it's supposed to work.
Things that I didn't care for:
1) Obviously all parents want to believe the best of their children and of course the plot demanded that she be right, but Grace's obsession with proving Penny's innocence to the exclusion of all else seemed pretty irrational at times, and her earlier one about adopting her in the first place also seemed not quite healthy.
2) I'm not familiar with the laws of Massachusetts, but Mitch being a (presumably paid) witness for the defense in a case for which he is treating the defendant in a state facility, for which he is also being paid, seems to present a clear conflict of interest. At least one other reviewer, who evidently is in the same profession, also raised a red flag about that. Positive note: I'm really glad that Mr. Palmer decided not to bring in what almost seems to be the obligatory romance and have him get together with Grace at the end, however.
3) Really, really minor, I know, but considering what a sensational case this was supposed to be, the national media seem to have given it a complete and utter pass. I don't remember reading a word about the family having to deal with reporters outside their home, at their restaurant, at the trial, calling them, etc., which is fairly unrealistic, IMO.
Things that I didn't care for:
1) Obviously all parents want to believe the best of their children and of course the plot demanded that she be right, but Grace's obsession with proving Penny's innocence to the exclusion of all else seemed pretty irrational at times, and her earlier one about adopting her in the first place also seemed not quite healthy.
2) I'm not familiar with the laws of Massachusetts, but Mitch being a (presumably paid) witness for the defense in a case for which he is treating the defendant in a state facility, for which he is also being paid, seems to present a clear conflict of interest. At least one other reviewer, who evidently is in the same profession, also raised a red flag about that. Positive note: I'm really glad that Mr. Palmer decided not to bring in what almost seems to be the obligatory romance and have him get together with Grace at the end, however.
3) Really, really minor, I know, but considering what a sensational case this was supposed to be, the national media seem to have given it a complete and utter pass. I don't remember reading a word about the family having to deal with reporters outside their home, at their restaurant, at the trial, calling them, etc., which is fairly unrealistic, IMO.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I honestly would give this book a solid five stars if it had been less from the mother's pov and more from the therapist or even the daughter.
This book was mildly dark with lost of twist. It was the first psychological suspense I've read and I think I have a new favorite genre. I burned through half of this book in maybe 3 hours. Absolutely glued to it, could not put it down.
This book was mildly dark with lost of twist. It was the first psychological suspense I've read and I think I have a new favorite genre. I burned through half of this book in maybe 3 hours. Absolutely glued to it, could not put it down.
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I absolutely love thrillers involving individuals with DID (which might be a tiny bit niche, I know), they just tend to be so fascinating and make for a twisty plot. I thought the pacing in this was fantastic and I didn’t figure out the answers until they were revealed. Granted, I don’t read a ton of thrillers so I’m definitely not the best guesser, but I was pretty surprised when it all came together. I did think the ending and how it unraveled was a little fantastical which is why I took a star away but overall a really enjoyable read!
This is a slow-building mystery with a surprising, but unfortunately rushed ending. Well-researched and well-written story told from three points-of-view, but not the thriller I was hoping for.
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Likes:
(a) the exploration of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) or what used to be called Multiple Personality Disorder. I found it fascinating and some of my favorite parts of the book discussed this disorder.
(b) the alter known as Eve. She was badass even if she was a little mean about it. She had one job and did it well.
(c) Dr. Mitch. He was caring, kind, honest and truly wanted to help Penny and find the truth ... whatever that truth was.
(d) the family dynamics. This family ia close and the love they have for each other shines through. I also love Jack and how he loved his sister but was still willing to consider that she could be a killer.
Dislikes:
(a) The portrayal of Grace. Man oh man, I wanted to smack her a few times. She doesn't listen, is blind to alternate ideas, and at times put Penny ahead of her other kids.
(b) The middle got kind of slow. There was a whole chapter that I skipped and it didn't effect my understanding of the story.
(c) we didn't get enough time with Penny (or her alters) from THEIR perspective. We heard from them but mainly from the perspective of someone else. I would have liked more of their thoughts.
(a) the exploration of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) or what used to be called Multiple Personality Disorder. I found it fascinating and some of my favorite parts of the book discussed this disorder.
(b) the alter known as Eve. She was badass even if she was a little mean about it. She had one job and did it well.
(c) Dr. Mitch. He was caring, kind, honest and truly wanted to help Penny and find the truth ... whatever that truth was.
(d) the family dynamics. This family ia close and the love they have for each other shines through. I also love Jack and how he loved his sister but was still willing to consider that she could be a killer.
Dislikes:
(a) The portrayal of Grace. Man oh man, I wanted to smack her a few times. She doesn't listen, is blind to alternate ideas, and at times put Penny ahead of her other kids.
(b) The middle got kind of slow. There was a whole chapter that I skipped and it didn't effect my understanding of the story.
(c) we didn't get enough time with Penny (or her alters) from THEIR perspective. We heard from them but mainly from the perspective of someone else. I would have liked more of their thoughts.
Phew! This was quite a ride! I went into the book blind, requesting it because I read D.J. Palmer's book The New Husband and enjoyed it. I don't want to give too much of the book away because reading how it all unfolded was quite the journey! Essentially, it's the story of Grace and her attempt to prove her adopted daughter's innocence when it came to the murder of her biological mom. I thought the story was a slow-burn at first but then the last third of the book had quite the punch! There were lots of twists and turns and I'm still shocked by how it all ended. I recommend if you are in the mood for a good thriller.
*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy. Opinions are my own.
*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy. Opinions are my own.
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
I liked this a lot with a few good twists. I'm still trying to understand the need for the epilogue. In fact I listened to it twice because I thought I missed something. It really did not add to the book for me.