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kyras_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
While this book wasn’t at all what I expected going in, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I really anticipated this to feel more geared towards the romance aspect but it almost felt secondary to the plot and Ridley’s journey for justice/answers and I honestly think that’s what made it special.
While there was romance, it took its time and the two of them built a friendship and really took the time to get to know one another. The slow burn of this one felt almost necessary so it didn’t take away from the important issues at hand.
The main characters and this town of people were both a joy to experience. It was all the small town vibes I want from a book. From the nosey townsfolk to the MMC being a cranky yet overprotective sheriff.
The mystery aspect of this was really well done and I was genuinely on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what happened.
Tropes:
Forced Proximity
Grumpy x Sunshine
Sheriff/True Crime Podcaster
Small Town
Romantic Suspense
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
The mystery aspect of this was really well done and I was genuinely on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what happened.
Tropes:
Forced Proximity
Grumpy x Sunshine
Sheriff/True Crime Podcaster
Small Town
Romantic Suspense
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Kidnapping, Stalking, and Murder
hopmomma1120's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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? No
4.0
I love the aspect of a mystery and love story rolled into one !!
Ridley’s twin went missing ten years ago. Now she is a podcaster helping others solve cases while she works on finding the person who took her sister .
Colt, over protective brother to Emerson , who was abducted but escaped He also happens to be the town sheriff . Ridley rolled into town to help solve this case . But so much more was discovered.
Ridley’s twin went missing ten years ago. Now she is a podcaster helping others solve cases while she works on finding the person who took her sister .
Colt, over protective brother to Emerson , who was abducted but escaped He also happens to be the town sheriff . Ridley rolled into town to help solve this case . But so much more was discovered.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Kidnapping, Grief, and Murder
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
tmbink's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Kidnapping, and Murder
cgarrity16's review
adventurous
dark
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death, Kidnapping, Grief, and Murder
corinned2000's review against another edition
emotional
tense
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping
Moderate: Rape 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
readwith_joy's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence
Moderate: Kidnapping 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