Scan barcode
A review by sharonleavy
Pine by Francine Toon
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
On their way home from Trick-or-Treating on Hallowe'en night, Lauren and her father encounter a dishevelled, frail, confused woman wandering the roads. They take the woman home, but when Lauren wakes the next day, the woman is gone and her father will not speak of it.
What first appears as a criminal act soon becomes apparent as something entirely more supernatural as we learn that Lauren's mother disappeared many years before. The townspeople are quite closed off - nobody really wants to speak about what happened (and does anyone really know?!). Well, someone knows. When a young woman goes missing, the town are gripped by the notion that history will repeat itself unless someone can find out who is responsible.
This was so interesting and different. And, honestly, in parts very confusing. I was sure I had it figured out but really had to suspend disbelief at some parts. The resolution is satisfactory, though, and makes the story seem more sad than scary. It's very dark and the setting of the Scottish Highlands is perfection.
What first appears as a criminal act soon becomes apparent as something entirely more supernatural as we learn that Lauren's mother disappeared many years before. The townspeople are quite closed off - nobody really wants to speak about what happened (and does anyone really know?!). Well, someone knows. When a young woman goes missing, the town are gripped by the notion that history will repeat itself unless someone can find out who is responsible.
This was so interesting and different. And, honestly, in parts very confusing. I was sure I had it figured out but really had to suspend disbelief at some parts. The resolution is satisfactory, though, and makes the story seem more sad than scary. It's very dark and the setting of the Scottish Highlands is perfection.