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3.45 AVERAGE
3.45 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Such an amazing concept, but unfortunately, it was poorly executed. This wasn’t a bad read, just a skeleton of what could’ve been a truly captivating story. Janie wasn’t the worst main character, but her cowardice definitely had me cringing at times. Reeve had so much potential to be a cute love interest, but instead, he just came off as a horndog. The story moved at an unbearably slow pace, and I honestly didn’t expect the ending, nor did I feel satisfied with it. I even tried reading the second book for some resolution, but it only made things worse. I wouldn’t re-read this or recommend it to anyone, but I do hope this concept gets the justice it deserves in the future.
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
It was interesting enough to keep my attention, but the book's short length also played a large part in my finishing it. I found the characters really flat. It was just fine.
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
slow-paced
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
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
I listened to the audiobook with my 7th grader. It is very dated and I found the main characters unlikeable. The premise was a bit far fetched and the ending was disappointing.
An interesting idea, but ultimately frustrating and boring to read.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book hooked me from the very first chapter! The Face on the Milk Carton is the kind of thriller that pulls you in with its eerie premise and keeps you flipping pages late into the night. It’s fast-paced, suspenseful, and full of emotional depth—I absolutely loved it.
The story follows 15-year-old Janie Johnson, who lives a normal life until one day at lunch, she glances at a milk carton and sees a picture of a missing child. The shock comes when she realizes that the little girl in the picture is her. From that moment on, Janie’s world unravels as she begins to question everything she thought she knew about her family, her past, and who she really is.
What I loved most about this book was the way Cooney captured Janie’s emotions—her confusion, fear, and desperation to uncover the truth. It felt real, like I was right there with her as she struggled with the possibility that the people she loved might not be who they seemed. The slow unraveling of clues kept me on edge, and the tension built up perfectly as Janie dug deeper into her past.
The relationship between Janie and Reeve added another layer to the story. It wasn’t just about the mystery—it was also about trust, growing up, and dealing with overwhelming emotions. Their dynamic felt natural, and I liked how he supported her even when things got complicated.
The ending left me desperate for the next book. While it answered some questions, it also raised new ones, making me eager to see where Janie’s journey goes next.
If you love psychological thrillers with strong emotional stakes, The Face on the Milk Carton is a must-read. It’s gripping, intense, and thought-provoking—one of those books that sticks with you long after you’ve finished.
This book hooked me from the very first chapter! The Face on the Milk Carton is the kind of thriller that pulls you in with its eerie premise and keeps you flipping pages late into the night. It’s fast-paced, suspenseful, and full of emotional depth—I absolutely loved it.
The story follows 15-year-old Janie Johnson, who lives a normal life until one day at lunch, she glances at a milk carton and sees a picture of a missing child. The shock comes when she realizes that the little girl in the picture is her. From that moment on, Janie’s world unravels as she begins to question everything she thought she knew about her family, her past, and who she really is.
What I loved most about this book was the way Cooney captured Janie’s emotions—her confusion, fear, and desperation to uncover the truth. It felt real, like I was right there with her as she struggled with the possibility that the people she loved might not be who they seemed. The slow unraveling of clues kept me on edge, and the tension built up perfectly as Janie dug deeper into her past.
The relationship between Janie and Reeve added another layer to the story. It wasn’t just about the mystery—it was also about trust, growing up, and dealing with overwhelming emotions. Their dynamic felt natural, and I liked how he supported her even when things got complicated.
The ending left me desperate for the next book. While it answered some questions, it also raised new ones, making me eager to see where Janie’s journey goes next.
If you love psychological thrillers with strong emotional stakes, The Face on the Milk Carton is a must-read. It’s gripping, intense, and thought-provoking—one of those books that sticks with you long after you’ve finished.