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pallavi_vats's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
4.0
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Medical trauma, Domestic abuse, Violence, Sexual assault, Sexism, Pregnancy, Physical abuse, Murder, Miscarriage, Suicidal thoughts, Stalking, Sexual violence, Emotional abuse, Car accident, Alcoholism, Misogyny, Gaslighting, Death, and Child death
luverbyrd's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I would almost compare this book to a Criminal Minds episode. So if you've ever loved binging those, this book is for you.
Its very evident the author was previously police because of how she writes the perspective of Ray and Kate. As an American, I really don't understand how the courts work in the UK, but having more realistic information helps.
Look up trigger warnings for this book if you are sensitive! I went in blind and still almost put it down because of how emotionally hard certain parts were to read. VERY well written "villain".
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Domestic abuse, Death, Violence, Rape, Car accident, Child death, Infidelity, Trafficking, Stalking, Sexual assault, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, and Misogyny
Minor: Animal cruelty and Animal death
kersley's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Death, Miscarriage, Rape, Sexual content, Body shaming, Child death, Infidelity, Bullying, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, and Sexual harassment
dalmavatai's review against another edition
- 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
From part two, the pace definitely picked up and I mostly enjoyed my time reading it, although I didn't really connect with the characters so I didn't much care about domestic stuff in their lives or their relationships, plus I thought the descriptions were a bit overwritten at times and I was just like, okay can we move on now.
The last third of the book was by far the best part, very adventurous and well paced. I got through that portion in one day because I couldn't wait to find out what happened. I will say that I didn't see the main twist coming and I thought it was somewhat satisfying, however, I do think this book is a bit overhyped because I did not find it as shocking as other people seemed to have. It was okay but I was expecting something a bit more groundbreaking [cue the clip from The Devil Wears Prada with Meryl Streep].
Overall, I'm a bit unimpressed with this book due to the hype, but I did enjoy reading the second half, particularly the last third, so maybe I'll pick up more from this author if she has some faster paced books. I'd recommend this one to fans of slow-burn mysteries, adult readers with spouses and/or kids (who will be able to relate to the main characters), and lovers of emotional and/or hard-hitting mystery/thrillers.
Graphic: Car accident, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Grief, Misogyny, Murder, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Stalking, Toxic relationship, and Violence
julied's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Graphic: Alcohol, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Bullying, Car accident, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Stalking, and Toxic relationship
rodiemom's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, Grief, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Murder, and Rape
amywong's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The story is also much darker than I expected. MAJOR trigger warning. This was surprisingly very immersing and I believe accurate (I can't say for sure because I have never been through what's portrayed so I may be wrong) portrayal of domestic abuse. It brings you from beginning to the end of the relationship and it gives you both perspectives, not equally though, the abused's perspective isn't given in the same amount as the abuser but I found the abuser's perspective more interesting as in it kind of gives a why and his logic. Not justifying it, but it's again an account that isn't always done as well as it was done here.
Because of the type of story this thriller develops into, one part of this story just shattered me. Well, many parts hurt my soul because that character is one of the most disgusting vile characters I've ever read but that just means Mackintosh wrote him very well because damn he incites so many feelings from me. This is definitely worth the read. I do understand the lower ratings though because truly the beginning is slow and I barely remember the beginning at all. But for the revealing of what happened and the specific character, I think it's worth it.
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, and Rape
Moderate: Misogyny, Child death, and Animal death