talknerdybookblog 's review for:

The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean

4.5

adventurous dark emotional informative mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

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Representation: Japanese-American main character, Lesbian supporting character, Lesbian side character, Sapphic side relationship

Mature Themes:

• Sex (not explicit)
• Swearing
• Alcohol consumption

Possible Triggers: Yes

• Sexism
• Racism
• Classism
• Cults
• R@pe
• Confinement
• Captivity
• Murder
• Gun violence
• Threat of gun violence
• Domestic abuse discussed 
• Murder of main character's sister discussed
• Grief (see above and below)
• Main character's father dies from c@ncer
• Alcoholism of supporting character alluded to

Ending:

HFN. Case solved, bad guys put away. Main character gets closure regarding what happens to her sister and is finally able to move on from the past. She reconciles with her husband and plans to move to a new town for a fresh start. I cannot tell you how RELIEVED I was that the husband was exactly who he came across to be!