Scan barcode
ladycranstonkc's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Torture, Murder, Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Child death, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Dementia, Abandonment, Fire/Fire injury, Gore, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Blood, Mental illness, Confinement, Gun violence, Infertility, Miscarriage, Toxic relationship, Pregnancy, Stalking, Terminal illness, Toxic friendship, and Violence
a_novel_craving's review against another edition
4.0
Graphic: Animal death, Blood, Death of parent, Dementia, Pregnancy, Mental illness, Injury/Injury detail, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Miscarriage, Death, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Grief, Gun violence, Infertility, Confinement, Infidelity, and Murder
thrillofthepage's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I picked this off the shelf at my library first because it’s Jennifer McMahon, second because of the spooky cover. I love the ominous feeling of the title and the creepy vibes of the cover. I’m happy to report that the story inside matches not only the aesthetic, but also the eerie feel. McMahon’s writing is propulsive without being overdone and flashy. She creates an atmosphere that contributes to the compulsive need to flip pages and I found myself wanting to stay up past my bedtime to read. Small town settings are one of my favorites and London, Vermont, along with the Tower Motel, were the perfect backdrop for this creepy story and gave me all the Bates Motel feels.
I loved reading the story from the multiple POVs of Rose, Piper, and Jason. The dual timelines added a layer to the story and had me stumped until the very end. This is common in McMahon’s books and I’ve never figured out the endings until she’s ready to reveal. I really liked the letters from Sylvia to Alfred Hitchcock scattered throughout and thought they helped transition between timelines.
If you’re looking for a mysterious read check out McMahon’s books. I promise you won’t be disappointed. She deserves so much more hype and love!
Moderate: Gun violence, Murder, Animal death, Death, and Mental illness
Minor: Blood, Dementia, Grief, Infertility, Miscarriage, and Pregnancy