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avidreaderandgeekgirl's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I read a lot of mystery thrillers and this was a little below average. It disappointed me with its predictability. I did find the characters interesting at least which gave it some more interest than otherwise.
The writing felt more like the author was being paid by the word than it was necessary. And the pace was WAY too slow. It drew out the story too much.
I did like the unusual amount of representation in the book. You had both POCs and queer characters which aren’t usually included in mystery thrillers.
The character development was pretty good, especially for the present-time characters. Though less so in the past-time characters.
My favorite character is probably Saffy. She was certainly the most likable and quite relatable to me as well. Not from the bad mother perspective but from others.
Saffy’s parents definitely fit the Amicable Exes trope, though it makes sense due to their age when they had her. The ending is also a big Babies Ever After trope. Other tropes seen are Bonding over Missing Parents, Brother–Sister Team, Doting Grandparent, and more I’m sure!
I didn’t like that none of the characters other than Rose at the beginning had any non-romantic/familial relationships, aka no one had any friends! Which was very odd. It felt like it was lazy writing.
I think those that don’t read many mystery thrillers might like this book. Or if you enjoy longer mystery thrillers. If you read a lot of them and have gotten good at spotting what might happen then don’t bother with this book.
Graphic: Death, Infertility, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Dementia, Stalking, Murder, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Blood, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
dorsetreader's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Death, Sexual assault, Dementia, Death of parent, Murder, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Infertility, Stalking, Lesbophobia, and Injury/Injury detail
kassidypf13's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Minor: Death, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Violence, Dementia, and Death of parent
amandasbookreview's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
At first glance, this seems like a typical thriller…bodies are found and terrible secrets will be uncovered. NO. NOOOOOPE. The plot thickens with every chapter. Honestly, I forgot about the bodies because I needed to know what the hell Rose was up to! Some readers might be a little put off by the timeline jumps, and multiple points of view, but trust me, it is so worth it! This thriller is so complex but it is a slow burn, so don’t expect it to move quickly.
There are many factors that drive this plot but I try to write my reviews without spoilers, but let me just say that murder and betrayal are barely scratching the surface of this book. I did really enjoy the complexities of Lorna and Saffron’s mother-daughter relationship. They are very different people but it is amazing how this story drives them together. I also loved Theo and Jen’s relationship. They both have their difficulties but they communicate with each other and are a great example of a nontoxic relationship, as most thrillers have the most toxic relationships. Overall, I wasn’t sure at first but I ended up loving this book!
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Infertility, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Dementia, Stalking, Murder, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
lldavey's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Moderate: Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infertility, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Violence, Dementia, Grief, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, and Pregnancy
Minor: Addiction, Bullying, Misogyny, Suicide, Toxic friendship, and Abandonment
amybookss's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Death, Violence, Murder, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Child death, Toxic relationship, and Stalking
Minor: Sexual content, Medical trauma, and Pregnancy