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honeyytree's review against another edition
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Sexual assault, Rape, Suicidal thoughts, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Medical content, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Violence, and Addiction
lacyloveslit's review against another edition
- 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
Synopsis: Rachel Krall is a podcaster who is on her way to a small town in North Carolina to cover a rape trial. While at a roadside diner, she finds a note on her dashboard asking for her help with a murder case from 25 years prior. The writer of the note, Hannah, knows her sister was murdered and did not accidentally drown as was reported. Rachel finds herself intrigued by this mysterious Hannah and the death of her sister and begins to investigate. Meanwhile, she continues to cover the trial of a popular swimmer aimed at the Olympics and accused of raping a 16-year-old girl. Flipping between viewpoints and timelines, the two cases collide leading to a surprising ending.
At times, this book was difficulty to read with trigger warnings galore for rape and victim shaming. While the contents were heavy and dark, I felt like the author handled this topic honestly, and with great sensitivity. I loved the way this book showed the way society looks at rape and treats rape victims. It was almost like the victim was on trial, not the alleged rapist. I also loved how I could almost hear the podcast during those sections. It felt like I was actually listening to ‘Serial’ or ‘Criminal’ while reading the book. I loved how the stories collided and the character who played a part in the collision.
Something I didn’t love- the mystery of Hannah. I don’t really understand why that played a part in the book. I felt like she could have been working right along side Rachel and it wouldn’t have made a difference so I’m unsure what her being so secretive and creepy/stalker was about. Overall, I would definitely recommend this book if you like true crime, alternating POVs, and social justice topics.
Follow me on IG: @lacyloveslit
Graphic: Child death, Death, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
Minor: Cancer, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Grief, Panic attacks/disorders, and Suicidal thoughts
theyarnmaidstale's review against another edition
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Death, Physical abuse, and Violence
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Bullying, Child abuse, and Suicide
erinjulia's review against another edition
- Strong character development? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
Graphic: Rape, Violence, Death, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Suicide