Reviews

I thoroughly and completely regret reading this book. Without spoilers, readers should be prepared for multiple rape accounts, marital abuse, persistent gaslighting, a child with an unresolved Holocaust and nazi obsession. I was not surprised at all that it was written by a man and one who was white. The female characters are flat, hapless, helpless, easily persuaded with no joy, sense of self, or ability to recognize danger. Perhaps the author thinks, as he suggested in the introduction, that the book was written for his mother, but if so it is a awful reflection on his relationship with his mother and what he thinks of her.

hyperion77's review

Go to review page

dark mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

joj's review against another edition

Go to review page

lighthearted mysterious slow-paced

3.5

aannaascott's review

Go to review page

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

tough review, in part because I listened to this while mostly delirious and I’m tipsy rn. But I think I liked this. Much gorier than I thought but that didn’t ruin it for me. potentially questionable depictions of racial issues that I’ll have to think on more to decide how I feel about them. Similar for gendered issues. I don’t know for sure but overall an engaging reading experience that didn’t blow me away but didn’t make me want to quit

kobilynn's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark

5.0

akookieforyou's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

*3.5*

I was actually really pleasantly surprised by this book, and how good it was. My rating might make it seem like I didn't enjoy this, but the only reason it has a 3.5 star rating, instead of a 4, is because of the second half. I couldn't help but feel insanely frustrated with the characters, especially our MC, Patricia. Even so, the ending was well executed, and mostly satisfying from a reader's point of view.

My favorite aspects of this book were the atmosphere, the pacing, and the setting. I love that nice small-town neighborhood feel, and even though we knew right away who the bad guy was, it was really interesting seeing Patricia slowly realize, and figure everything out. Honestly it reminded me a bit of a mix between Fright Night (1985) and The Watch (that movie with Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn).

After finishing this, I really look forward to reading more of Grady Hendrix's work in the future.

More...