A review by blueskyvibes1point0
Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica

dark emotional mysterious tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.75

"Local Woman Missing" by Mary Kubica is a psychological thriller that revolves around the mysterious disappearance of three women from a small town: Meredith, her daughter Delilah, and a young woman named Shelby. As the investigation unfolds, dark secrets about the town and its residents are revealed. The story explores themes of betrayal, deception, and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets.

1. **Plot and Storytelling:** 2/5 The pacing of the plot was sluggish, to say the least. While the initial chapter captured my interest, I found myself disengaged until I reached the 79% mark. It's a wonder I didn't abandon the book altogether.

2. **Characterization:** 3/5 The characters were adequately developed, although their actions weren't always entirely believable. Nevertheless, they did fit within the context of the story to some extent.

3. **Writing Style:** 4/5 Mary Kubica demonstrates solid writing skills. Despite my issues with the pacing, her prose is well-crafted and vivid, effectively painting a picture of the narrative.

4. **Originality:** 2/5 Unfortunately, the story felt somewhat recycled, lacking in originality. It felt eerily familiar, as if I'd encountered similar plotlines elsewhere before.

5. **Emotional Impact and Resolution:** 2/5 While the story failed to evoke strong emotional responses from me, it did succeed in creating moments of discomfort. I appreciated the tidy resolution with most loose ends accounted for, although I found the ending somewhat far-fetched.

Overall score: 2.6/5

If you’re looking for a good psychological thriller I recommend "The Silent Patient" by Alex Michaelides. It has a captivating plot with a steady pace that keeps readers hooked from the beginning. The characters are intriguing and well-developed, and the writing style is compelling, making it hard to put the book down. It offers a fresh and original storyline that delivers both suspense and emotional depth, providing a satisfying reading experience overall.
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