Reviews tagging 'Domestic abuse'

Possession by Katie Lowe

4 reviews

anni_swanilda's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• 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? Yes

3.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcohol, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Alcoholism, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Emotional abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Gaslighting, Violence, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Sexism, and Toxic relationship

Moderate: Suicide, Self harm, and Eating disorder

Minor: Sexual content and Death of parent

librariangeorgia's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• 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? Yes

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Toxic relationship, Bullying, and Death

Moderate: Murder, Domestic abuse, and Emotional abuse

Minor: Eating disorder, Mental illness, Infidelity, and Drug use

lilifane's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I lost 10 years of my life reading this book (because I went through a lot reading it) and I don't understand the low rating at all. 

I'm a fan of a crime from the past being reexamined in the present, and this was what interested me the most about the book. The true-crime podcast element was a welcome bonus, since I enjoy these a lot in fiction as well. But then there were also some traces of an even older family mystery and a lost place that played a role. Which means this book was practically written for me. 

But there was so much more to the book. The topic that messed the most with my head and heart was the emotional abuse and gaslighting, which is depicted SO realistically. My heart was breaking over and over again while my anger reached unbelievable heights (would not recommend reading this book before going to sleep, you'll be too angry to do so). For the most part of the book, I couldn't decide if I wanted Hannah to be innocent or if I hoped she actually killed her husband because he deserved it! (A warning, though: You will spend a lot of time in the protagonist's head, so this book might not be for someone who expects a fast-paced plot.)

And then there is the true-crime podcast. I think it showed really well how popular this type of entertainment has become and why it appeals to so many people. It showed how it can be used to actually find new evidence or witnesses and be used to give a wrongly accused person another chance. But it also showed the negative aspects really well, the effects such a podcast can have on the people involved in the original crime (like the victim's relatives, their friends, coworkers, etc.). And when Social Media is involved.... uff. 

I didn't know where the plot was going for the majority of the book, which is really rare for me. But I think this is due to the way the author made me doubt every piece of information. When I finally got an idea, things started to come together to what I think is a satisfying conclusion. However, I didn't like the ending. It was ... one step too far for me. And the additional chapter/epilogue thingy in the audiobook only made it a little bit better. 

I loved the explanation of psychological abuse and toxic relationships at the end though and the plea to reach out for help if you experience any of these red flags. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcohol, Blood, Bullying, Death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, and Violence

Minor: Eating disorder, Infidelity, Kidnapping, Mental illness, Pregnancy, and Suicidal thoughts

tracyreads's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• 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

4.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Domestic abuse