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nialiversuch's review against another edition
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
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Kidnapping, Toxic relationship, Addiction, Child abuse, Medical content, Alcohol, Emotional abuse, Grief, Drug use, Death, Abandonment, Alcoholism, Confinement, Cursing, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Injury/Injury detail, and Murder
outsmartyourshelf's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
When a young child is found wandering alone, the police & social services are called. A short time later her mother turns up saying that the girl had run off. Everything seems to be in order so the pair go on their way. Miles away, a man is found, seriously injured & floating in a bathtub full of water, but miraculously alive. The case falls to DS Jo Harper to investigate, & she soon finds out that it hits close to home & that someone she cares about is in grave danger.
Several months ago, Ruby is caught spying on the man, Gregor, who lives across the way from her flat, & she isn't expecting them to actually meet & form a friendship. She especially doesn't expect to meet his young daughter, Leonie & her obviously unhappy mother, Constance. Gregor says that he & Constance are no longer 'together' but that Constance is still in love with him, but the more time Ruby spends with Constance & Leonie, the more she thinks there's something else going on.
This was a very slow-building story at the start, so slow that I almost gave up about 20% of the way into the book, but I'm glad I stuck with it as it eventually turned into an intriguing mystery. The main characters, Jo & Ruby, are quite to difficult to like at times, & I don't like it when intelligent female characters make obviously stupid decisions. Overall, although it turned out to be an interesting read with the mythical aspect of selkies, I probably wouldn't read it again.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, HQ, for the opportunity to read an ARC. I am voluntarily giving an honest review.
Several months ago, Ruby is caught spying on the man, Gregor, who lives across the way from her flat, & she isn't expecting them to actually meet & form a friendship. She especially doesn't expect to meet his young daughter, Leonie & her obviously unhappy mother, Constance. Gregor says that he & Constance are no longer 'together' but that Constance is still in love with him, but the more time Ruby spends with Constance & Leonie, the more she thinks there's something else going on.
This was a very slow-building story at the start, so slow that I almost gave up about 20% of the way into the book, but I'm glad I stuck with it as it eventually turned into an intriguing mystery. The main characters, Jo & Ruby, are quite to difficult to like at times, & I don't like it when intelligent female characters make obviously stupid decisions. Overall, although it turned out to be an interesting read with the mythical aspect of selkies, I probably wouldn't read it again.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, HQ, for the opportunity to read an ARC. I am voluntarily giving an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship
Moderate: Child abuse
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