Reviews with content warning for Addiction - Things We Do in the Dark

I don't think I've read a thriller that has so many pieces that fit together as perfectly as Jennifer Hillier has managed in this story. I felt like I was both outsmarting the twists while still being surprised. And each surprise was perfectly planned - unexpected while still remaining reasonable.

Content Warnings

chaptersofchase's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? It's complicated

5.0

Things We Do in the Dark

Genre: Mystery
Format: 📖
Pub Date: 7.19.2022
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

"While you can reinvent yourself, you can't outrun yourself. As a woman once reminded her a long time ago, the common denominator in all the terrible things that have happened to you is you."

Jennifer Hillier is an auto0buy author for me. She always will be, and she can do no wrong.

While Things We Do in the Dark wasn't as terrifying as Jar of Hearts — it was still excellent and kept me hooked. I had to stop myself from flying through the story as I so badly wanted to do. But, I made myself read 50 pages and stop, then repeat later in the day.

It was fascinating to reading along as Hillier revealed all of the details of Paris's past; it was a slow burn for the mystery lover. Drew was a great addition to the story, and his determination to discover the truth was unmistakable. It gave me all of the true-crime podcast feels, but I didn't have trouble sleeping at night since it was fiction 🙈

There were a couple of twists throughout the story, and I did predict one, but I loved how Hillier led the reader to the reveal. Exactly the book I needed! It was perfection.

🗣 Multiple Perspective
⏳ Past & Present
🔎 True Crime Feel
😬 Suspenseful & Mysterious

There are several triggers throughout the book, and I applaud Hillier for listing them at the beginning. I wish more authors would do this — they aren't spoilers; some people are impacted by certain content.

❌ - child abuse, sexual violence, suicide, and addiction.

I recommend adding this to your reading list. It was unputdownable and the perfect book to read while lounging in the backyard or by the pool.

______

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Content Warnings

ekmook's review against another edition

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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? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Content Warnings

letmetakea_shelfie_'s review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional mysterious slow-paced

4.5

As the title suggests...this book is dark. (See CW's below).

It's been awhile since I've read a thriller; I've forgotten how incredible it is when a story comes together like this one did. When I started the book, I had no idea where things were going - but I like that about a book. If you are willing to give it time, this one is worth it, trust me.

CWs: child abuse (physical and mental), sexual assault (physical and mental), suicide, addiction, body shaming, mental health, misogyny, racism

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