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srullo's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Addiction and Alcoholism
Moderate: Sexual assault and Murder
boba_n_books'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? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This book is told in dual POVs and dual timelines. Back in 1977, we learn about the Lady Killer Murders: a killing spree in small-town Oregon that left everyone reeling trying to figure out who did it. Beth Greer was the perfect suspect: a rich girl who was seen fleeing the scene of the crime. But when she is tried, she was acquitted and has since isolated herself in her family's mansion. In 2017, Shea Collins is a receptionist with a passion for true crime. Having almost become an abduction and murder statistic as a child, she is drawn to these stories and has an online forum dedicated to solving cold cases. By chance, Shea meets Beth Greer, and though she has declined multiple interviews in the past, Beth agrees to be interviewed by Shea. The two women form a bond through their trauma and the odd presence they both feel at the Greer mansion. Shea can't decide whether she's interviewing a manipulative murderer or hearing the story of an innocent women. Or maybe the truth lies somewhere in the grey.
As with the other Simone St. James books I've read, The Book of Cold Cases applies a supernatural element, which I think just makes the story even more spooky and tense. The more you read, the more twisted the plot becomes, and the more you're unsure of what really happened back in 1977.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat. Fans of psychological thrillers, true crime, serial k!llers, multi-POV, dual timelines, and 1970s vibes will love this novel.
Graphic: Alcoholism, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Misogyny, Child abuse, Car accident, and Kidnapping
Minor: Pregnancy, Rape, and Sexual assault
rgetch06'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
4.5
Moderate: Murder and Violence
Minor: Kidnapping and Sexual assault
missdaniellexo's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Murder, Alcoholism, Gun violence, Misogyny, and Abandonment
Minor: Terminal illness, Pedophilia, Rape, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Injury/Injury detail, Pregnancy, Kidnapping, and Child death
sdurhamohr's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.25
Graphic: Murder, Violence, and Gun violence
theinstabookworm'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? Yes
2.0
Moderate: Death of parent, Murder, and Miscarriage
harpoonholly's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This is the second St. James horror I've listened to, the first being Sundown Motel, which I also enjoyed, but The Book of Cold Cases is more satisfying at the most important times, though the horror/plot of Sundown Motel is more compelling (to me).
Also, I get it, Beth Greer is beautiful, I didn't need to be convinced with repeated assertions. She was hot in her 20s and she was hot in her 60s, noted.
Graphic: Alcoholism, Blood, Sexism, and Murder
Moderate: Sexual assault
The mentions of the attempted sexual assault of a child are not graphic and only referenced (despite the 1st-person POV, the reader still isn't made aware of even passing details), but the trauma related to it is brought up regularly.throwback682's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Ableism, Alcoholism, Mental illness, and Murder
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Child abuse
Much like basically every other mystery: stigmatization of mentally ill peopletearbear418's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Alcoholism, Car accident, and Death of parent
madisonjordan5693's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Kidnapping and Murder
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Police brutality and Alcoholism