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traceyt__'s review against another edition
3.0
2.5 STARS**
Betrayal was one of those reads that had so much potential but was overshadowed by lack of character development, intense plot and somewhat average writing.
The story itself is fairly interesting, with minor mysteries from other characters. Yet, some of them were never explained properly or never mentioned again, which was confusing. - EDIT: this is book two, which means some of what I missed would be in book one.
Also, besides the murder mystery, the bulk of the story is about twin sisters Hayley and Taylor. Whilst there is some conclusion to what they were looking to discover, there isn't a full explanation, which makes me frustrated because I wanted to know more.
What I think was a positive to the novel is the exploration of victimisation and the stereotypes revolving around a victim or criminal. Still, the issue wasn't as fleshed out as I preferred it to be. Olsen did take part of the murder mystery from an actual crime that happened in Italy to base his novel around.
I found it to be an okay read with some highs and lows, but nothing super intricate an suspenseful to constitute as an amazing thriller.
Betrayal was one of those reads that had so much potential but was overshadowed by lack of character development, intense plot and somewhat average writing.
The story itself is fairly interesting, with minor mysteries from other characters. Yet, some of them were never explained properly or never mentioned again, which was confusing. - EDIT: this is book two, which means some of what I missed would be in book one.
Also, besides the murder mystery, the bulk of the story is about twin sisters Hayley and Taylor. Whilst there is some conclusion to what they were looking to discover, there isn't a full explanation, which makes me frustrated because I wanted to know more.
What I think was a positive to the novel is the exploration of victimisation and the stereotypes revolving around a victim or criminal. Still, the issue wasn't as fleshed out as I preferred it to be. Olsen did take part of the murder mystery from an actual crime that happened in Italy to base his novel around.
I found it to be an okay read with some highs and lows, but nothing super intricate an suspenseful to constitute as an amazing thriller.
rikimuk's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this sequel beneath her skin and was glad we finally got some answers about what has happened to Hayley and Taylor but I really hope that there is another book released soon to finish off the story as there are still a number of unanswered questions about these two. This time an exchange student is brutally murdered in a story that seemed very much to mirror the Meredith Kercher story but don’t let that put you off. What I do find with these books mind is that a number of the children in the series I really could slap lol.
rebeccajane's review against another edition
4.0
This was a really interesting book, but sometimes I felt like it culd go without the twin plotline.
annyeongkhim's review against another edition
4.0
Never failed me on the hair raising part same as the 1st book on the series. Same level of deceit, twisting facts and confusion mostly on what is causing everything. Would love to find more about the evil lurking on Port Gamble that ties it down to the psychic twins.
theabglibrary's review against another edition
4.0
Read it in a dew hours. Definitely better than the first. I saw an improvement and I hope to see that even more as the last three books are published. That crazy twist was my favorite part and I was kicking myself for not figuring it out in the beginning! I can't wait to see what is in store for the twins.
azura_moonstar8's review against another edition
5.0
OMG, the beginning of the book was so bone chillingly awesome that I have no other words to describe it! Just being a foreign exchange student is scary enough. But for Olivia Grant, it was more than scary, it was deadly. As the investigation goes on, twins, Hayley and Taylor Ryan find out some secrets about themselves that their parents have been keeping since the tragic bus accident. Later we soon find out that the suspects in Olivia's murder have disappeared, without a trace, and there's more to the puzzle that needs to be discovered.
Betrayal kept me on the edge of my seat and gave me chills throughout. I loved it!
Betrayal kept me on the edge of my seat and gave me chills throughout. I loved it!
duchessofreadin's review against another edition
5.0
Gregg Olsen does it again! I absolutely LOVED the first book in this series, and the second didn't disappoint either. He is a master storyteller, with the knack of bringing the scenes to life, and making you feel as though you are a part of it.
I look forward to more in this series!
I look forward to more in this series!
sarahsez's review against another edition
4.0
3.5
When foreign exchange student Olivia is murdered during a Halloween party, everyone from psychic twins Haley and Taylor Ryan to Police Chief Annie Garnett tries to find out who the killer is.
I thought it was pretty apparent that this author usually writes for adults. Teen pop-culture references and slang were somewhat shoehorned into the story, and there was a creepy preoccupation with thongs. I found myself wondering why the author used mostly female POVs, as many of them seemed a bit 'off,' but once I accepted the over-the-top stylistic choices, I found this to be an engaging mystery. The larger-than-life characters were interesting, the mystery wasn't too obvious, and there were some funny moments - although if I'm being honest, I am not sure they were all meant to be funny...
Teen girls who like SVU or detective stories will probably like this series, and the slight paranormal edge might interest those with a taste for the fantastical. The audiobook version was well-done, so this would also be a good choice for people who want something to listen to. There's not any explicit sex and only a little profanity, but there are definite mature themes and a lot of violence, making this one for the older teen crowd.
When foreign exchange student Olivia is murdered during a Halloween party, everyone from psychic twins Haley and Taylor Ryan to Police Chief Annie Garnett tries to find out who the killer is.
I thought it was pretty apparent that this author usually writes for adults. Teen pop-culture references and slang were somewhat shoehorned into the story, and there was a creepy preoccupation with thongs. I found myself wondering why the author used mostly female POVs, as many of them seemed a bit 'off,' but once I accepted the over-the-top stylistic choices, I found this to be an engaging mystery. The larger-than-life characters were interesting, the mystery wasn't too obvious, and there were some funny moments - although if I'm being honest, I am not sure they were all meant to be funny...
Teen girls who like SVU or detective stories will probably like this series, and the slight paranormal edge might interest those with a taste for the fantastical. The audiobook version was well-done, so this would also be a good choice for people who want something to listen to. There's not any explicit sex and only a little profanity, but there are definite mature themes and a lot of violence, making this one for the older teen crowd.
kricketa's review against another edition
2.0
we return to port gamble, washington, where identical twins hayley & taylor ryan use their paranormal powers to solve murders. when british exchange student olivia grant is found stabbed to death after a halloween party, port gamble isn't sure who to blame.
this series is totally ridiculous- poorly written and over-the-top- but at the same time? kind of fun. this installment was loosely based on the amanda knox case.
this series is totally ridiculous- poorly written and over-the-top- but at the same time? kind of fun. this installment was loosely based on the amanda knox case.
gardenrose's review against another edition
4.0
Wow, I mean this Empty Coffin duology isn't perfect but it really is interesting and entertaining.
Betrayal is based on the Amanda Knox case. Foreign exchange student Olivia is at Port Gamble staying with Beth Lee. They both get along and Olivia even gets along with the two twins, Hayley and Taylor. Now, Hayley and Taylor have before found out the an answers to the crime committed in [b:Envy|10586317|Envy (Empty Coffin, #1)|Gregg Olsen|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1304984025s/10586317.jpg|15493643] and the beginning of the book, they start getting weird feelings just like they did with the other crime. But before, Olivia Grant is killed at her new best friend, Brianna Connor's house. Everyone is confused, but the most unusual and strange thing is Brianna almost is annoyed with her friend Olivia's death and why wasn't her boyfriend helping her when she phoned in the murder? Is there more to the murder? Hell yes there is. Read Betrayal to see the journey of Hayley and Taylor trying to figure out who killed Olivia Grant and more information about them and their mother. Also while following Brianna and Drew's journey of being the prime suspect in Olivia's murder. With many turns of events, Betrayal will have you thinking you know the answer but then betrays you and twists the whole story.
I give the book more a 3.5/4 because there was no setting development and it was missing a lot of components to make it a little better. I mean, it's fast paced, every chapter has you guessing and it isn't long but there's no background or development in the book. Even in Envy there isn't. It is entertaining tho and perfect for the October month. Make sure to read Envy first tho s you aren't too lost with the Starla and her mom situation.
Betrayal is based on the Amanda Knox case. Foreign exchange student Olivia is at Port Gamble staying with Beth Lee. They both get along and Olivia even gets along with the two twins, Hayley and Taylor. Now, Hayley and Taylor have before found out the an answers to the crime committed in [b:Envy|10586317|Envy (Empty Coffin, #1)|Gregg Olsen|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1304984025s/10586317.jpg|15493643] and the beginning of the book, they start getting weird feelings just like they did with the other crime. But before, Olivia Grant is killed at her new best friend, Brianna Connor's house. Everyone is confused, but the most unusual and strange thing is Brianna almost is annoyed with her friend Olivia's death and why wasn't her boyfriend helping her when she phoned in the murder? Is there more to the murder? Hell yes there is. Read Betrayal to see the journey of Hayley and Taylor trying to figure out who killed Olivia Grant and more information about them and their mother. Also while following Brianna and Drew's journey of being the prime suspect in Olivia's murder. With many turns of events, Betrayal will have you thinking you know the answer but then betrays you and twists the whole story.
I give the book more a 3.5/4 because there was no setting development and it was missing a lot of components to make it a little better. I mean, it's fast paced, every chapter has you guessing and it isn't long but there's no background or development in the book. Even in Envy there isn't. It is entertaining tho and perfect for the October month. Make sure to read Envy first tho s you aren't too lost with the Starla and her mom situation.