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greatexpectations77's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved this book so MUCH. It's rare that I feel such love and tenderness for male characters, but Max and Drew just stole my heart. I cried so much at the last few scenes lol I thought it was a really smart depiction of trauma and grief and kind of the community mob mentality of being totally for or totally against you. Drew was so steadfast in his search, and Max was such a helpful himbo, and it was just so great. Cannot WAIT to see more from Ms. Lally.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Mental illness, Kidnapping, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Religious bigotry, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Blood, Child death, Death, Child abuse, Misogyny, Murder, Body shaming, Car accident, Confinement, and Physical abuse
Minor: Stalking
nemonobody11's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Major spoilers!!!
To begin with, I must say that I was able to predict one of the plot twists early on. Specifically, I surmised that the man responsible for kidnapping and murdering young girls was doing so in an attempt to find a "replacement" for his deceased daughter. However, I was uncertain of how the author would incorporate the fate of his daughter into the story - whether she had passed away tragically or fallen ill and he was seeking out girls who resembled her. It took me some time to realize that the perspective of Madison, one of the protagonists, was not that of Lola, but rather of another girl who had been taken captive. I believe the author skillfully executed the plot twist and built up to the final reveal quite effectively. All in all, I found this story to be quite enjoyable and would be interested in reading more from Megan in the future.
To begin with, I must say that I was able to predict one of the plot twists early on. Specifically, I surmised that the man responsible for kidnapping and murdering young girls was doing so in an attempt to find a "replacement" for his deceased daughter. However, I was uncertain of how the author would incorporate the fate of his daughter into the story - whether she had passed away tragically or fallen ill and he was seeking out girls who resembled her. It took me some time to realize that the perspective of Madison, one of the protagonists, was not that of Lola, but rather of another girl who had been taken captive. I believe the author skillfully executed the plot twist and built up to the final reveal quite effectively. All in all, I found this story to be quite enjoyable and would be interested in reading more from Megan in the future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Murder, Physical abuse, Violence, Child abuse, Death, Child death, and Grief
Moderate: Blood, Confinement, Stalking, and Mental illness
beckyremillard's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Gaslighting, Violence, Grief, Kidnapping, Murder, and Blood
o_holynight's review
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Heartbreaking and spooky. Kind of predictable but not to the detriment of the story. And obviously, it doesn't impede the eventual reveal.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Kidnapping, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Moderate: Child death
bellebookcorner's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book is the perfect one to close 2023 with, this thrilling story is such a page turner!!
I got the audio version of this book and I really like both narrators, they deliver this story really well and I can listen to it easily and get lost in their storytelling.
The plot started out with a strong opening and I got hooked into story really fast. I didn’t want to stop for even a second because I needed to know what happened next.
This story will keep you on your toes and left you hoping and wondering about the ending!
The last few chapters are very tense and that twist at the end still manage to surprised me since my theory turned out to be true.
For the first time ever in reading a mystery thriller book, I don’t feel thrilled for being able to guess the ending.....
I can’t talk much about the plot in details or it’ll become a spoiler for you guys
For a debut novel, this was very well written and a must read for mystery thriller lovers out there!
I’m gonna keep an eye out for more books from this author in the future!
I received an advanced audiobook copy for free through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Kidnapping, and Violence
Moderate: Child death, Child abuse, and Death
Minor: Blood and Car accident
katiesbeengone's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This book was a gripping read from the first page, with plenty of tense moments and a plot that has the reader second-guessing everything they are being told.
The book utilise dual narrators, following amnesiac Mary who feels unsure about the father she has been reunited with and prime-murder-suspect Drew who is seeking answers to clear his name in the disappearance of his girlfriend Lola.
This narrative drives the plot and introduces the reader to various clues to piece together the full picture and a couple of red-herrings along the way - all of which leading to the satisfying twist ending (and even if you are like me and guess the twist early on, reading to the conclusion is still an enjoyable experience as you will quickly get invested within the story and grow attached to the characters).
If I'm being really picky certain references, such as an early mention of Lizzo being good music taste, will likely date the book in the future (I'm thinking of the current controversy and how this might impact perceptions) however popular culture references can really help solidify some realism.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and it's a really strong debut for Megan Lally, I look forward to seeing what she writes next!
The book utilise dual narrators, following amnesiac Mary who feels unsure about the father she has been reunited with and prime-murder-suspect Drew who is seeking answers to clear his name in the disappearance of his girlfriend Lola.
This narrative drives the plot and introduces the reader to various clues to piece together the full picture and a couple of red-herrings along the way - all of which leading to the satisfying twist ending (and even if you are like me and guess the twist early on, reading to the conclusion is still an enjoyable experience as you will quickly get invested within the story and grow attached to the characters).
If I'm being really picky certain references, such as an early mention of Lizzo being good music taste, will likely date the book in the future (I'm thinking of the current controversy and how this might impact perceptions) however popular culture references can really help solidify some realism.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and it's a really strong debut for Megan Lally, I look forward to seeing what she writes next!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting and Kidnapping
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Child death, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Child abuse, Murder, and Violence
Minor: Stalking and Car accident
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