Take a photo of a barcode or cover
mrxdg 's review for:
Girl, Forgotten
by Karin Slaughter
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
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:
Yes
So this is the follow-up to Pieces of Her, and honestly, I think it did a good job building on what the first book set up. You get a deeper look into Andy’s father—his backstory, high school days, and how everything ties into the bigger picture. It fills in a lot of gaps that the first book hinted at, and I appreciated that.
That said, the shift in tone for Laura (Andy’s mom) threw me a bit. In the first book, she’s got this tough, no-nonsense energy—clearly been through it and not to be messed with. But two years later in this book, she’s suddenly acting like a full-blown helicopter mom. Felt like a different person entirely, which made me do a bit of a double-take. I get that people change, especially after traumatic stuff, but it was a bit jarring.
The mystery itself was well done. It goes back in time again (earlier than the events of the first book), but the pacing felt tighter this time around. There's a real sense of danger, especially surrounding Emily’s story. Some parts were brutal—especially the scene with the doctor. That one had me ready to throw the book. Probably the most visceral reaction I’ve had to a fictional character in a while. You can tell Slaughter wanted readers to feel how trapped Emily was, and it worked.
The ending wraps things up nicely, though it leaves the door open for a third book. I wouldn’t mind seeing where it goes from here. It’s not necessarily a series I’d binge or keep on my nightstand forever, but it’s solid enough that I’d revisit it down the road.
If you liked the first one, this is definitely worth your time. It’s got more depth, some tough but relevant themes, and still keeps that thriller edge.
4/5
That said, the shift in tone for Laura (Andy’s mom) threw me a bit. In the first book, she’s got this tough, no-nonsense energy—clearly been through it and not to be messed with. But two years later in this book, she’s suddenly acting like a full-blown helicopter mom. Felt like a different person entirely, which made me do a bit of a double-take. I get that people change, especially after traumatic stuff, but it was a bit jarring.
The mystery itself was well done. It goes back in time again (earlier than the events of the first book), but the pacing felt tighter this time around. There's a real sense of danger, especially surrounding Emily’s story. Some parts were brutal—especially the scene with the doctor. That one had me ready to throw the book. Probably the most visceral reaction I’ve had to a fictional character in a while. You can tell Slaughter wanted readers to feel how trapped Emily was, and it worked.
The ending wraps things up nicely, though it leaves the door open for a third book. I wouldn’t mind seeing where it goes from here. It’s not necessarily a series I’d binge or keep on my nightstand forever, but it’s solid enough that I’d revisit it down the road.
If you liked the first one, this is definitely worth your time. It’s got more depth, some tough but relevant themes, and still keeps that thriller edge.
4/5