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A review by ojtheviking
The Broken Girls by Simone St. James
4.0
This was such an excellent read. A very well-written story from beginning to end. One of those page-turners that you simply cannot put down.
I try not to research novels too much before reading them, to avoid spoilers, and I'm extremely glad about that in this case, as this is one of the finest examples of a pleasant surprise. I initially bought this book because it was on some sort of list of current bestsellers, and I expected an above-average/decent crime story. I got that, but also so much more.
Two mysteries across time, bound together by a third, preceding mystery. And the way one storyline ultimately affects the other one is very cleverly put together. All the characters are so fleshed-out, and St. James' writing style is captivating. I mean it in a good way when I say that the overall mystery sometimes comes in second after the character development. It makes you truly care for them all, and the things that have happened to them therefore feel more tragic. Because there is a recurring sense of bittersweet tragedy throughout this story, with people being very much haunted by their past, quite literally so at times. But it's not done in a way that is draining; the writing is still compelling enough for you to thoroughly enjoy the experience.
This is my first time reading any of her work, but I'm definitely interested in reading more after this.
I try not to research novels too much before reading them, to avoid spoilers, and I'm extremely glad about that in this case, as this is one of the finest examples of a pleasant surprise. I initially bought this book because it was on some sort of list of current bestsellers, and I expected an above-average/decent crime story. I got that, but also so much more.
Two mysteries across time, bound together by a third, preceding mystery. And the way one storyline ultimately affects the other one is very cleverly put together. All the characters are so fleshed-out, and St. James' writing style is captivating. I mean it in a good way when I say that the overall mystery sometimes comes in second after the character development. It makes you truly care for them all, and the things that have happened to them therefore feel more tragic. Because there is a recurring sense of bittersweet tragedy throughout this story, with people being very much haunted by their past, quite literally so at times. But it's not done in a way that is draining; the writing is still compelling enough for you to thoroughly enjoy the experience.
This is my first time reading any of her work, but I'm definitely interested in reading more after this.