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exorcismemily's review against another edition
5.0
When I first read the synopsis for this book, I wasn't very excited. I thought it just sounded okay. I was very wrong, and damn, was it good. It's a solid thriller and I tore through it. I didn't figure out many of the answers until the author actually said them. I recommend this book!
maelyn's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- 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
3.5
kthorson2022's review against another edition
5.0
I finished this book in a matter of hours. The plot was exhilarating and gripping, the topic was contemporary and the tidbits of rural Australiana was extremely relatable (especially to a country boy).
The small town of Kiewarra was suffocating and small, it felt as if the whole town was a town of secrets and was eerily reminiscent of many small struggling towns today.
Harper did an excellent job of seducing the reader to read on and I found myself turning each page daring to claim it would be the last page for the night.
The intricate characters were all compelling candidates as killers and the multiple storylines deepened this massive scope of who in the town killed the Hadlers (and in the extension of this Ellie Deacon). I could picture the horrific scene at the Hadler farm perfectly and it will haunt me for a long time.
The end of the book was a little underwhelming for me, it felt like the plots were all tied up a little too quickly but nonetheless, this book is a brilliant Australian crime thriller and an amazing read. Highly recommended.
The small town of Kiewarra was suffocating and small, it felt as if the whole town was a town of secrets and was eerily reminiscent of many small struggling towns today.
Harper did an excellent job of seducing the reader to read on and I found myself turning each page daring to claim it would be the last page for the night.
The intricate characters were all compelling candidates as killers and the multiple storylines deepened this massive scope of who in the town killed the Hadlers (and in the extension of this Ellie Deacon). I could picture the horrific scene at the Hadler farm perfectly and it will haunt me for a long time.
The end of the book was a little underwhelming for me, it felt like the plots were all tied up a little too quickly but nonetheless, this book is a brilliant Australian crime thriller and an amazing read. Highly recommended.
chloes_books's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- 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
4.5
nachosandcheese's review against another edition
3.0
It wasn't as good a read as 'the lost man' but this being the author's debut novel makes up for it.
It's a tragic tale that would've been far better when written by the protagonist as an onlooker's perspective instead of a cop's perspective. The clues felt incredibly amateur, for one, and the progression of the story felt forced.
The book left we with a lot of loose ends and a lot to ponder.
It's a tragic tale that would've been far better when written by the protagonist as an onlooker's perspective instead of a cop's perspective. The clues felt incredibly amateur, for one, and the progression of the story felt forced.
The book left we with a lot of loose ends and a lot to ponder.
sophieamreacher's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- 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? No
4.0
Slow, atmospheric, mysterious. I enjoyed the setting and the characters. I enjoyed the flashbacks and the hints.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Addiction, Alcohol, Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Death, Grief, Blood, Gun violence, Infidelity, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Dementia, Domestic abuse, Incest, Homophobia, Medical content, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Misogyny, Murder, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Racial slurs, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicide, Violence, and Vomit
wondernikel's review against another edition
4.0
4! Really enjoyable read. Another novel where the plot gave be whiplash with the time traveling! Australian detectives...quite nice! I think this is the first series where the main character isn't American...for me! Love it! PS...a car covered in shit!!! Wowzah! BUT I did enjoy unraveling this small town's murders!!
ktmonson's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
donnanoble's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
4.0