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heyfarahey 's review for:
The Only Child
by Mi-ae Seo
The Only Child by Mi-Ae So is a tragic psychological thriller that follows Yi Seonkyeong, a criminal psychologist whose life became complicated when she was tasked to interview a serial killer whose gruesome murders shook the world. On the same day, Seonkyeong’s husband came home with his daughter from a previous marriage after her grandparents have died under questionable circumstances.
I liked the premise and I especially liked the central question that was posed about serial killers: what make serial killers who they are? It tapped into the whole nature vs nurture stuff. The book started with a pulse beating, almost poetic suspense that made me feel like this is going to be a good read but unfortunately I started to lose interest at 30% of the book because of several issues (repetitive, plot holes, characterisation).
The novel could have been good but the storytelling (or translation?) felt disjointed which made it very heavy going. What makes the reading felt even more like a chore was the fact that the characters had no personality and depth. I also get that the author tried to connect the key behaviours and traits of the serial killer to the stepdaughter but I honestly think that it was unnecessary and the story of the serial killer definitely went nowhere.
The plot twist, while not shocking, was still surprising enough. It was tragic and devastating which made me close the book with a heavy heart. I would recommend this book if you’re looking for a fast-paced domestic thriller read and a read on psychological effects of childhood trauma. Thank you Times Reads for sending me the book in exchange for an honest review. This book is available at all good bookstores around you. Actual rating: 2.5 stars.
I liked the premise and I especially liked the central question that was posed about serial killers: what make serial killers who they are? It tapped into the whole nature vs nurture stuff. The book started with a pulse beating, almost poetic suspense that made me feel like this is going to be a good read but unfortunately I started to lose interest at 30% of the book because of several issues (repetitive, plot holes, characterisation).
The novel could have been good but the storytelling (or translation?) felt disjointed which made it very heavy going. What makes the reading felt even more like a chore was the fact that the characters had no personality and depth. I also get that the author tried to connect the key behaviours and traits of the serial killer to the stepdaughter but I honestly think that it was unnecessary and the story of the serial killer definitely went nowhere.
The plot twist, while not shocking, was still surprising enough. It was tragic and devastating which made me close the book with a heavy heart. I would recommend this book if you’re looking for a fast-paced domestic thriller read and a read on psychological effects of childhood trauma. Thank you Times Reads for sending me the book in exchange for an honest review. This book is available at all good bookstores around you. Actual rating: 2.5 stars.