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A review by lilifane
Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
4.0
I'm conflicted. On the one hand, this is an extremely well-crafted book, the writing and plotting are exceptional, the character work is amazing, the story is intriguing and thrilling and emotional. But on the other hand, there are really graphic description of violence, rape, and torture. I was disgusted and sick to my stomach. But then again... that was probably the point. I mean, I would be worried if someone wasn't affected by reading those scenes. So if you consider reading this book, please look up the trigger and content warnings. There is a LOT.
So, except for these scenes, I really enjoyed the book. There was actually a perfect balance of humor, emotions, mystery, and horror. The twists the story took gave me whiplash, and I was terrified for the characters. The thing that stood out to me the most were the family dynamics, though. Between parents and parents and their children, but especially between sisters. Those were so realistic and complicated, and I loved it. It reminded me so much of me and my siblings.
Graphic: Gaslighting, Gore, Grief, Gun violence, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Addiction, Alcohol, Blood, Body horror, Car accident, Confinement, Death, Death of parent, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Excrement, Fire/Fire injury, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Stalking, Suicide, Torture, Violence, and Vomit