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paisleypetty's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- 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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Death, Murder, Alcohol, Panic attacks/disorders, and Vomit
Moderate: Police brutality and Eating disorder
eviemayhem's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- 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
2.5
There were just too many red herrings that the ending had no substance.
The author gave so many ways for this book to end, but never really tied any of them up. Spoilers below.
From the beginning, you absolutely just hate the main character. She's not a good person, her husband isn't a good person and she tells you that straight up. She's vapid and running from her demons and somehow monetizing the renovation of a murder house seems like a good idea.
The premise that she restarts her life with her husband and they just go on the run, DESPITE how much of a social media presence she has, is hard to believe. This had all the beginnings of a good murder mystery. Where was the daughter? Where was Amanda? But so many things just DIDN'T make sense.
How was she getting away with being a therapist? Do they not check credentials in Austrailia?
Why was the whole town conspiring to hide the fact Amanda went missing?
Why was Jeff such a threatening dick bag?
Joe's whole character....just what the fuck.
Wouldn't the main character be well known now since she's A.) Probably all over the news and B.) had a huge social media presence before all this?
The Epilogue: So was the house actually haunted?
This nearly felt like a choose your own adventure book, honestly. The author wanted to keep you guessing to the point that the resolution felt empty and dissatisfying.
Bright side: It is well written. I look forward to reading what the author writes next, I just wish the ending had made more sense and had been more satisfying.
The author gave so many ways for this book to end, but never really tied any of them up. Spoilers below.
The premise that she restarts her life with her husband and they just go on the run, DESPITE how much of a social media presence she has, is hard to believe. This had all the beginnings of a good murder mystery. Where was the daughter? Where was Amanda? But so many things just DIDN'T make sense.
How was she getting away with being a therapist? Do they not check credentials in Austrailia?
Why was the whole town conspiring to hide the fact Amanda went missing?
Why was Jeff such a threatening dick bag?
Joe's whole character....just what the fuck.
Wouldn't the main character be well known now since she's A.) Probably all over the news and B.) had a huge social media presence before all this?
The Epilogue: So was the house actually haunted?
This nearly felt like a choose your own adventure book, honestly. The author wanted to keep you guessing to the point that the resolution felt empty and dissatisfying.
Bright side: It is well written. I look forward to reading what the author writes next, I just wish the ending had made more sense and had been more satisfying.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Suicide, Death, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Mental illness, Infidelity, Grief, Blood, Stalking, Panic attacks/disorders, Murder, Alcohol, Alcoholism, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Eating disorder
theinstabookworm's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- 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
3.0
THE GOOD: This cover is STUNNING. 😍 I also didn't see the twist at the beginning of part two coming, and that was where the story really picked up for me.
THE BAD: It took a while for me to get into the story because there is a marriage in trouble trope that caused awkward tension between the characters from the jump. The author writes Australian phrases and slang in the book, but there is no glossary, so if you aren't Australian, you'll have to Google the words and phrases you don't understand. Also, why is animal poisoning becoming a thing in thrillers?! I hate it. It took me four days to read this because there was too much build-up in part one. There were also many plot holes throughout the book. I didn't love the big reveal and feel like things were tied up a bit too neatly at the end. I wanted it to be a bit more sinister.
Favourite quote: "Don't be afraid of the truth. Be afraid of believing your lies."
THE BAD: It took a while for me to get into the story because there is a marriage in trouble trope that caused awkward tension between the characters from the jump. The author writes Australian phrases and slang in the book, but there is no glossary, so if you aren't Australian, you'll have to Google the words and phrases you don't understand. Also, why is animal poisoning becoming a thing in thrillers?! I hate it. It took me four days to read this because there was too much build-up in part one. There were also many plot holes throughout the book. I didn't love the big reveal and feel like things were tied up a bit too neatly at the end. I wanted it to be a bit more sinister.
Favourite quote: "Don't be afraid of the truth. Be afraid of believing your lies."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Death of parent, Suicide, Vomit, Eating disorder, Drug abuse, and Animal cruelty
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