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julittleton's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The first two books in the Elin Warner series were both excellent - atmospheric and tense, Sarah Pearse really knows how to use the locations of her novels to great effect. The Wilds is no exception to this. Warner is an impressive main character, tortured by a case which is only ever referenced to us and hounded by guilt. It has destroyed her relationship with her ex, Will, and all but severed her connection to her brother. One budding work-friendship has begun to help her heal and it's this friendship which comes to the fore in this novel.
*Spoilers* I absolutely did not see the (big) character reveal coming in this novel. It was paced beautifully, the revelations coming thick and fast towards the end which were crucial to the novels storyline but also, Warner's. Of course it's fitting to her past that Warner doesn't get a happy ending, but it is also a shame to see her lose a bond which was finally helping her to accept her past. This has been an exceptional series which I've thoroughly enjoyed.
all_books_great_and_small's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
lvleggett's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
A woman goes missing in Portugal. Detective Elin Warner finds herself unexpectedly roped into investigating the disappearance while also repairing her relationship with her brother and coming to terms with her recent divorce.
The book splits the narrative between Elin and the missing woman, Kier. Elin's timeline is interspersed with the month leading up to a big change for Kier.
The book deals explicitly with coercive control and partner abuse so enter it gently. Kier's story is told in first person and with empathy. We follow her as she starts to see her relationship in a new light. Haunted by her past which also features traumatic events, Kier attempts to find a different path.
The shortness of the chapters proved distracting in the first half as I was trying to get to know these characters. It settles into more "investigation mode" in the second half which helped steady the experience for me.
Propulsively written with sympathy for the main characters and a good connection to place. It is intense and uncomfortable in parts. I think this is Sarah's best book yet.
The book splits the narrative between Elin and the missing woman, Kier. Elin's timeline is interspersed with the month leading up to a big change for Kier.
The book deals explicitly with coercive control and partner abuse so enter it gently. Kier's story is told in first person and with empathy. We follow her as she starts to see her relationship in a new light. Haunted by her past which also features traumatic events, Kier attempts to find a different path.
The shortness of the chapters proved distracting in the first half as I was trying to get to know these characters. It settles into more "investigation mode" in the second half which helped steady the experience for me.
Propulsively written with sympathy for the main characters and a good connection to place. It is intense and uncomfortable in parts. I think this is Sarah's best book yet.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Domestic abuse, Murder, Death of parent, Suicide, and Stalking
dogearedandfurry's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse
riinaerm's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A great finale to Elin Warner's story. She has become a better detective in my opinion, there is huge character development. We finally get answers to the questions form the previous books, and it's as atmospheric as ever. Loved it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting
Moderate: Stalking, Toxic relationship, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Grief, and Physical abuse
kba76's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Third journey out for Elin Warner, and this time round the focus is on a disappearance rather than a murder.
Elin and her brother Isaac are on holiday in Portugal when he reveals there is an ulterior motive to their trip. He has promised a friend that he will look into a camp where his sister was last seen.
Nobody is keen to talk. Elin and Isaac are convinced there's something going on but they can't put their finger on exactly what has taken place. There are a number of mysterious coincidences that give them cause for concern, and the details we're given from the past definitely add to the sense of unease.
This was a case that felt frustrating to read about since we were missing some quite important details. However, it helped us to get an understanding of the twins and their relationship.
The resolution when it came felt rather unlikely, but it made sense for the details we were given. Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this.
Elin and her brother Isaac are on holiday in Portugal when he reveals there is an ulterior motive to their trip. He has promised a friend that he will look into a camp where his sister was last seen.
Nobody is keen to talk. Elin and Isaac are convinced there's something going on but they can't put their finger on exactly what has taken place. There are a number of mysterious coincidences that give them cause for concern, and the details we're given from the past definitely add to the sense of unease.
This was a case that felt frustrating to read about since we were missing some quite important details. However, it helped us to get an understanding of the twins and their relationship.
The resolution when it came felt rather unlikely, but it made sense for the details we were given. Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this.
thebookdragon77's review
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Third book in the Erin Warner series, and very different to the first two. Stepping away from the Christie style murder mysteries into a psychological thriller exploring the disappearance of Keir in Portugal.
This story was much slower and featured Erin and her brother Issac heavily. Their relationship underwent much exploration and there were deep undertones around navigating grief.
The chapters alternated viewpoints between Erin and Keir, and I was really drawn to Keirs character. A vulnerable young woman drawn into a toxic relationship with a controlling man. There weren’t the twists and turns we are used to from Pearse. Instead we were given a believable story about domestic abuse which had the writing skill to make the reader uncomfortable. Exploring how easy it is to make excuses for behaviour and to blame yourself in these situations.
This story was much slower and featured Erin and her brother Issac heavily. Their relationship underwent much exploration and there were deep undertones around navigating grief.
The chapters alternated viewpoints between Erin and Keir, and I was really drawn to Keirs character. A vulnerable young woman drawn into a toxic relationship with a controlling man. There weren’t the twists and turns we are used to from Pearse. Instead we were given a believable story about domestic abuse which had the writing skill to make the reader uncomfortable. Exploring how easy it is to make excuses for behaviour and to blame yourself in these situations.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse
mosreads's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship
Moderate: Pregnancy
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