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bells92's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Kidnapping, and Murder
mindforbooks's review
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This was a really enjoyable read!
As a true crime podcast listener and massive romance fan this book felt like it was targeted to me specifically! :D
I've read and enjoyed a few Catherine Cowles, I kept meaning to pick up more but I was too busy rereading books to pick up new ones. Well I'm trying to start the new year reading new books and when this one popped up and fit my #Romanceopoly prompt perfectly I had to give it a go and I'm so glad I did. She has also hurtled her way up my tbr!
The problem I sometimes have with romantic suspense and thrillers is that the thriller part of the story often takes a back seat to the romance brewing between the MC's and therefore the 'case' feels silly, unrealistic or less fleshed out but I personally felt like All the Missing Pieces was the perfect blend. The love story may have been a little rushed but not at the expense of the overall story and mystery. I was so invested in Ridley and Colt and even more invested in catching the bad guy! The perfect combination!
Starting with Ridley's reason for her mission was clever and made me pick her side every time she was being a little unreasonable. It was a heartbreaking beginning and her taking that pain to find a way to help other victims of what her family went through made her very likable. I also loved how she approached True Crime and as the years have gone by, I myself have chosen to source podcasts that focus on the victims and their families over sensationalising the monsters who commit these kind of crimes. I liked knowing that it's highly likely I'd listen to 'Sounds Like Serial'.
Colt was a total grumpyhole, sometimes to the point where I myself wouldn't forgive him but this is grumpy/sunshine and Ridley is a more understanding person than I would ever be. I mean, I get why he was being an asshole, he has massive guilt around what happened to his sister BUT Ridley holds that very same guilt and you don't see her going around being a dick to everyone around her. I do hate that men often get a pass for not being emotionally intelligent because they are men but that's a societal issue that won't be solved today! :D
As a true crime podcast listener and massive romance fan this book felt like it was targeted to me specifically! :D
I've read and enjoyed a few Catherine Cowles, I kept meaning to pick up more but I was too busy rereading books to pick up new ones. Well I'm trying to start the new year reading new books and when this one popped up and fit my #Romanceopoly prompt perfectly I had to give it a go and I'm so glad I did. She has also hurtled her way up my tbr!
The problem I sometimes have with romantic suspense and thrillers is that the thriller part of the story often takes a back seat to the romance brewing between the MC's and therefore the 'case' feels silly, unrealistic or less fleshed out but I personally felt like All the Missing Pieces was the perfect blend. The love story may have been a little rushed but not at the expense of the overall story and mystery. I was so invested in Ridley and Colt and even more invested in catching the bad guy! The perfect combination!
Starting with Ridley's reason for her mission was clever and made me pick her side every time she was being a little unreasonable. It was a heartbreaking beginning and her taking that pain to find a way to help other victims of what her family went through made her very likable. I also loved how she approached True Crime and as the years have gone by, I myself have chosen to source podcasts that focus on the victims and their families over sensationalising the monsters who commit these kind of crimes. I liked knowing that it's highly likely I'd listen to 'Sounds Like Serial'.
Colt was a total grumpyhole, sometimes to the point where I myself wouldn't forgive him but this is grumpy/sunshine and Ridley is a more understanding person than I would ever be. I mean, I get why he was being an asshole, he has massive guilt around what happened to his sister BUT Ridley holds that very same guilt and you don't see her going around being a dick to everyone around her. I do hate that men often get a pass for not being emotionally intelligent because they are men but that's a societal issue that won't be solved today! :D
"Colt, you helped me find all the missing pieces. Even the ones I didn't realize I needed."
Some things I adored:
Bessie - I can safely say that I will never, ever become a van life girlie but I am fascinated by them and will always look at van conversion reels.
Princess Tater and her love bites.
Bowser and his love of everyone but his instant love of Ridley most of all.
Bear, Cheddar and Saber - Emerson's dogs, I hated that she was so traumatised that she was unable to venture out into the world but I loved that she at least had Trey, Colt and her puppies!
Trey and Emerson - I really want them to get their own book and I think that could be done easily in the guise of a copycat or something.
The fact that the twist legit shocked the shit out of me. I usually guess these things from very early on and this one totally got me. Worth reading just for that!
A great way to spend a weekend, I'm so glad I picked it up. The dedication to this book is also very beautiful and worth quoting.
"For all those who have lost someone
they loved beyond measure.
Don't let the pain harden you.
Let it become your reminder
that you experienced
the most beautiful thing this
world has to offer.
And for my dad.
Who would've gotten such a thrill out
of seeing my words in bookstores.
You taught me all the best lessons.
I carry them, and you, with me always.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Violence, Kidnapping, Grief, Stalking, and Murder
frantically's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really struggled with this at first. I just could not get into it and I honestly didn't like Colt all that much. I get trauma and all that but let's be real, he was an asshole.
I took a much needed break from reading at around ~40% and after that, I really couldn't put it down anymore. Ridley and Colt definitely took their sweet time but they ended up working together so well for me in the end.
I loved the podcast theme and the investigation was so well done! I think the twist was a bit disappointing though, there were really no hints – something I wish Catherine would bring back.
I'm super interested to see how this series evolves, seeing as Catherine's broken away from her usual theme of "family with a lot of single children" 😉 but for now I'm excited to see where Emerson and Trey's story goes!
I took a much needed break from reading at around ~40% and after that, I really couldn't put it down anymore. Ridley and Colt definitely took their sweet time but they ended up working together so well for me in the end.
I loved the podcast theme and the investigation was so well done! I think the twist was a bit disappointing though, there were really no hints – something I wish Catherine would bring back.
I'm super interested to see how this series evolves, seeing as Catherine's broken away from her usual theme of "family with a lot of single children" 😉 but for now I'm excited to see where Emerson and Trey's story goes!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, Kidnapping, Grief, Stalking, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death and Murder
cassandra84's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Death, Rape, Sexual violence, Violence, Kidnapping, Stalking, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
sgh11's review
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Grief
Moderate: Kidnapping and Murder
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Violence, and Stalking
casailla_library's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
mels_reading_log's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This is the perfect romance book for lovers of true crime. It seems like a weird mix, but it went together so well in this book. Ridley is a true crime podcaster who ends up in a small town to solve a cold case. When she comes up against the grumpy sheriff, they become an unlikely team to try to take down a monster.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Acephobia/Arophobia and Murder
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
lorilynn44's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Kidnapping
hjb_128's review against another edition
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? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, Medical content, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, Blood, Kidnapping, and Murder
Minor: Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
brittinyh3711's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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? No
5.0
I never would have figured out who did it. The ending had me in tears. Can't wait for the next book
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Death, Gun violence, Infidelity, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail