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yuyuv's review
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Body horror, Death, Infidelity, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Murder, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
melissalivanos's review
I was ready to give this book 2.5 stars, until the final chapter when the detective who had been working on the case victim-blames the girl for her own murder. “The truth is she killed him as much as he killed her.” NO. Because she hurt his feelings, so he ACTUALLY LITERALLY killed her. The book does not challenge this quote at all, and the story wants us to take it seriously, despite that those two actions are in fact VERY VERY NOT EQUIVALENT. Then in the end, the murder of this girl serves as a redemption arc for a different man and a moment of catharsis for the detective. The detective who LITERALLY says “... I think Hattie is to blame.” For her OWN. MURDER. This is also putting aside the statutory rape in the book which is painted as understandable, and the creepy rage the victim’s dad has when he finds out his daughter has been having sex, and the fact that the book has an understanding pity for the “poor boy” who actually committed the murder. I cannot with this book. I cannot believe it was written by a woman. Would not recommend this misogynist garbage, would not read again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence and Violence
Very infuriating victim-blaming of a woman
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