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A review by marvsbooks
Blood Ties by Ruth Lillegraven
3.0
This was a twisty thriller full of surprises. Here’s what I thought worked:
- Multiple POV’s really added depth and strength to the story. I enjoy discovering pieces of the story a little at a time.
- The premise of the book was phenomenal, and I’d be surprised if this series didn’t get picked up as a movie or two.
Here’s what I thought had pros and cons:
- Clara becoming a cabinet member was amazing, and such a great opportunity for her to show that women *can* actually have it all. Unfortunately, this part of the story fell completely flat for me after she ended up being an ineffective appointee and literally got nothing done, then completely neglected to parent her kids and rejected all offers of help…and then the story pivoted to what was happening with her sons, only to have a token “I’m sure she’ll bounce back” moment at the very final chapter.
- Her bodyguard was a really well-written character. Until he broke all protocols and a) helped her cover up what she did in the old sausage factory and then b) didn’t tell anyone what was actually going on with the boys. I thought he came back around full circle toward the end, despite the middle-of-the-book lapses in judgment.
- The disappearance. I really enjoyed reading from the boy’s POV. Learning what the boys knew added a lot to the story (and is a great reminder that kids are always watching!) I didn’t like the actual circumstances related to the disappearance (and who masterminded it) at all.
Here’s what didn’t work for me:
- Clearly the prior murders Clara’s husband was originally suspected of weren’t investigated well. Or maybe this was a commentary on how high corruption goes?
- I lack closure on an incredibly ridiculous laundry list of items from this book. Her mom? The box of items? The journalist’s investigation/story? Her position at work? Her relationship with Axel? What happened to the bodyguard after everything came to light?
- The translation came across as a little choppy and overwhelmingly formal. Maybe that was intentional? It didn’t work for me, but I’m only one reader.
- Multiple POV’s really added depth and strength to the story. I enjoy discovering pieces of the story a little at a time.
- The premise of the book was phenomenal, and I’d be surprised if this series didn’t get picked up as a movie or two.
Here’s what I thought had pros and cons:
- Clara becoming a cabinet member was amazing, and such a great opportunity for her to show that women *can* actually have it all. Unfortunately, this part of the story fell completely flat for me after she ended up being an ineffective appointee and literally got nothing done, then completely neglected to parent her kids and rejected all offers of help…and then the story pivoted to what was happening with her sons, only to have a token “I’m sure she’ll bounce back” moment at the very final chapter.
- Her bodyguard was a really well-written character. Until he broke all protocols and a) helped her cover up what she did in the old sausage factory and then b) didn’t tell anyone what was actually going on with the boys. I thought he came back around full circle toward the end, despite the middle-of-the-book lapses in judgment.
- The disappearance. I really enjoyed reading from the boy’s POV. Learning what the boys knew added a lot to the story (and is a great reminder that kids are always watching!) I didn’t like the actual circumstances related to the disappearance (and who masterminded it) at all.
Here’s what didn’t work for me:
- Clearly the prior murders Clara’s husband was originally suspected of weren’t investigated well. Or maybe this was a commentary on how high corruption goes?
- I lack closure on an incredibly ridiculous laundry list of items from this book. Her mom? The box of items? The journalist’s investigation/story? Her position at work? Her relationship with Axel? What happened to the bodyguard after everything came to light?
- The translation came across as a little choppy and overwhelmingly formal. Maybe that was intentional? It didn’t work for me, but I’m only one reader.