A review by dr_dr_olshakes
Jackal by Erin E. Adams

dark emotional reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

It's pretty rare for me to say this but I think the supernatural elements could have been left out. Outside of character development, that whole element could be removed and it wouldn't change anything that happened. And even with the character development, it didn't feel necessary because Liz didn't even realize she was changing into something supernatural until the final confrontation. It was a last minute realization and so didn't really influence her actions throughout the novel.

I appreciated the moment where Liz got to commune with the missing black girls, but not so much that I think it warranted the inclusion of the supernatural. Otherwise, it's a solid thriller with compelling characters and the stakes felt real.