A review by starrysteph
And Don't Look Back by Rebecca Barrow

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

And Don’t Look Back is a twisty thriller with an earnestly likable lead, a fast-paced plot, and a great splash of queer representation. 

Harlow has spent her whole life on the run - switching identities, schools, and homes - with her mom. But after a tragic car accident leaves her on her own, she has to collect the pieces her mother left behind. When Harlow opens a safety deposit box to discover a family she never knew, she decides to head back to the town where it all began and confront her mom’s past. But if the threat is real - she may be walking straight into danger.

My heart couldn’t help but break for Harlow, who is only a teenager but sets off on this terrifying journey all on her own. She’s been raised to distrust everyone but her mom, and that means there’s no one left for her to lean on or to give her advice and support. It hurts. 

Luckily, while Harlow is fierce and independent, she also realizes she can’t live in isolation forever. She gives herself grace and makes decisions with both her head and her heart. Sometimes thriller narrators can be frustratingly obtuse, and that isn’t the case here at all. Harlow doesn’t shy away from danger, and she does still make teenage mistakes,  but she’s clever about her investigation. 

I was hooked on the story right away and ended up reading this in one afternoon. Sharp & short chapters make it easy to keep turning pages, and I was genuinely surprised a couple of times. The twists just kept coming! The writing was descriptive but clear, and I could visualize all the spookiest moments. 

The story is mostly told from Harlow’s point of view in the present, but there are a collection of flashbacks where we learn more about her mom Cora’s past.

There’s a big focus on family, and sisterly love and protection, and knowing when to compromise and when to stand up for yourself. 

Harlow is a lesbian (and a handful of supporting characters are also queer), and it was nice to have her identity casually included. There is a brief romance arc which I kind of wished had a cleaner conclusion - but that’s not the focus here. I hope there’s not a followup novel (because I hope Harlow’s dangerous adventures are over!), but I do hope she gets a shot at the romantic love she dreams about throughout this story. 

I did end with some questions and concerns - and not totally understanding the choices of Harlow’s loved ones. 

CW: death, murder, abandonment, grief, car accident, emotional & physical abuse, child abuse, gun violence, gaslighting, stalking

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(I received an advance reader copy of this book; this is my honest review.)
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