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greatexpectations77's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- 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
This was an interesting plot. I did a lot of these studies in college, so it was interesting considering how much info we share with who we consider experts and with therapists. The writing was as usual a little over-explainy, but that helps when the ol' brain is at capacity. Was wondering if the author had sensitivity readers for disability for this one. I really wasn't into the present tense narration.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Bullying, Gaslighting, and Stalking
Moderate: Sexual content, Alcohol, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Infidelity, Abandonment, and Grief
Minor: Classism and Death
jbk77's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Draws you in. Twists that make you think. There were several times I had to put it down to absorb the information I just read
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Stalking
flucas77's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Infidelity, Emotional abuse, Toxic friendship, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Stalking, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Mental illness, and Murder
Minor: Physical abuse and Sexual harassment
astareads's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- 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
An interesting, different kind of thriller where a murder isn't in the forefront and women are in the lead. There was abuse, but not a single rape happened! Quality content, imho.
I kept trying to guess what is going to happen, which is a good sign. I listen to audiobooks while crafting or cleaning, and often the plots don't really get me that interested, but this one got me good.
There were some parts that felt like maybe the authors made a mistake, but with an audiobook it's hard to tell cause I can't go back to double check. The ending was a bit abrupt and felt like they couldn't actually quite figure out how to end the story so they made the villain crumble in an uncharacteristic way, while trying to shoehorn in the reasoning behind it. The main character stayed true to herself, however. She was flawed, but portrayed in a way that made me root for her.
The study of morale was interesting, but felt a bit stretched in parts. The question of whether the punishment should always fit the crime was made a sort of a central point, but felt really vague in context of the story, like it was an idea that the authors wanted to hang onto despite the story itself steering away from it.
I really enjoyed the alternating POVs and their separate readers, it made it easier for me to keep track of what's happening, and I think the readers did a great job.
I kept trying to guess what is going to happen, which is a good sign. I listen to audiobooks while crafting or cleaning, and often the plots don't really get me that interested, but this one got me good.
There were some parts that felt like maybe the authors made a mistake, but with an audiobook it's hard to tell cause I can't go back to double check. The ending was a bit abrupt and felt like they couldn't actually quite figure out how to end the story so they made the villain crumble in an uncharacteristic way, while trying to shoehorn in the reasoning behind it. The main character stayed true to herself, however. She was flawed, but portrayed in a way that made me root for her.
The study of morale was interesting, but felt a bit stretched in parts. The question of whether the punishment should always fit the crime was made a sort of a central point, but felt really vague in context of the story, like it was an idea that the authors wanted to hang onto despite the story itself steering away from it.
I really enjoyed the alternating POVs and their separate readers, it made it easier for me to keep track of what's happening, and I think the readers did a great job.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Toxic friendship, Gaslighting, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Mental illness, Stalking, and Suicide
hazelgirl21's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Suicide, and Toxic friendship
lydiavsbooks's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Ehh this just wasn't it for me
The premise was very intriguing, a psychology study that turns sinister is a cool idea, but I just didn't like the direction it took - so much could have been done with that concept and it just felt like a waste.
The whole tone of the book was so overdramatic for what was actually going on. The main character was constantly referred to as having these 'deep dark' secrets that just turned out to be basically nothing. The whole motive behind the experiment was just eye roll worthy (Mild spoiler:turns out the entire motive behind the whole thing was the psychologist character trying to find out if and why her husband cheated...big let down of a reveal), as was the dramatic second person Dr Sheilds chapters. Dr Sheilds was spoken about as if they were some kind of evil genius who was 'always one step ahead' but they just did not live up to that, they were kinda dumb tbh: petty, stupid, and every time they were a 'step ahead' was just due to a fluke or the stupidity of the main character.
The main character was so ignorant, overly trusting and just stupid that I found it very difficult to have any sympathy for her. If you overlook that many red flags then you kinda have it coming.
Reading a not psychologist trying to write the pov of a psychologist is always a lil eye-rolly, but it was clear an effort was made so fair doos. Although the random summaries of famous psych experiments thrown in came across a lil too much like 'look I did my research, see' and just felt a lil forced.
I didn't hate this by any means, the pace was quick, it was intriguing, kept you reading and was a fun time (if you suspend your disbelief).
The premise was very intriguing, a psychology study that turns sinister is a cool idea, but I just didn't like the direction it took - so much could have been done with that concept and it just felt like a waste.
The whole tone of the book was so overdramatic for what was actually going on. The main character was constantly referred to as having these 'deep dark' secrets that just turned out to be basically nothing. The whole motive behind the experiment was just eye roll worthy (Mild spoiler:
The main character was so ignorant, overly trusting and just stupid that I found it very difficult to have any sympathy for her. If you overlook that many red flags then you kinda have it coming.
Reading a not psychologist trying to write the pov of a psychologist is always a lil eye-rolly, but it was clear an effort was made so fair doos. Although the random summaries of famous psych experiments thrown in came across a lil too much like 'look I did my research, see' and just felt a lil forced.
I didn't hate this by any means, the pace was quick, it was intriguing, kept you reading and was a fun time (if you suspend your disbelief).
Content Warnings
Minor: Toxic friendship, Suicide, and Sexual assault
kamryn_grace_'s review
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This is a really great mystery if you are not fond of gore, and are more interested in the psychological factors in a toxic relationship.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Alcohol, Suicide, Sexual content, Murder, Mental illness, Child death, and Drug use
Minor: Sexism
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