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courtthebookgirl's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Amidon expertly crafts a mystery surrounding the death of a young newcomer, Eden, who has befriended some local wealthy teenagers. The air of suspicion follows main players Christopher, Jake, and Hannah who were the last to see Eden alive.
Simultaneously, we are embroiled in the drama of the neighborhood adults, including the parents of the accused teenagers. And no one is quite who they seem.
From the very first chapter, the reader is propelled into the lives of the townsfolk of Emerson Heights and left to wonder: who really killed Eden?
This book warrants content warnings: sexual assault, BDSM, pornography, infidelity, racism, sexism, drugs, and more. I’m a pretty sensitive reader and I didn’t have any trouble with this book, but I’d advise others to read up a bit to be sure it’s your speed.
I was drawn in by the excellent writing and stayed for the captivating storytelling. The ending was perfection. 5 stars.
Graphic: Sexual content, Sexual assault, and Drug use
kayla_hehe's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
3.0
Graphic: Drug use, Death, Racism, Alcoholism, Classism, Infidelity, Rape, Sexual assault, Murder, Misogyny, Addiction, and Suicidal thoughts
jamiesbookstack's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Graphic: Drug use and Sexual assault
noladawnreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Nine Adults. Four teens. One unsolved murder. And one of the best prologues I’ve ever read. Stephen Amidon’s novel is a slow burn thriller/domestic suspense.
Eden Perry is found dead in a house on Locust Lane in the small New England town of Emerson, Massachusetts. She’s been a drifter but seems to have found her way into the lives of Hannah, Jack, and Christopher. After one tragic night Eden is dead and the three of them are implicated in her death. Their parents become the catalysts in the drama to come.
The audio was narrated by Cassandra Campbell and with such a huge roster of characters she did an impeccable job.
I was on the edge of my seat from the prologue!! Never have I been so gripped with anticipation. I wanted to know everything about Patrick immediately.
I’m a note taker so that helped me a TON with a book like this with so many characters and storylines happening. The long chapters were a tad stressful for a chapter reader but I adapted fine.
I look forward to Stephen Amidon’s next book.
Thank you to Netgalley, Celadon Books, and Macmillan Audio for my gifted copies!
Graphic: Drug use and Alcoholism
Moderate: Child death, Sexual assault, and Bullying
daniallreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Its drama. Drama. Drama. ALL THE DRAMA!
In my head I was thinking "Wow. This is very similar to the show "A Million Little Things" just centered around murder and with extremely unlikable characters." [So nothing like the show Danielle? You dingus.]
Now don't get it twisted, I was thoroughly entertained the entire book. It was like seeing a couple fight in public. You don't wanna look but you can't stop yourself from looking.
I hated every single one of these characters. I hated what they stood for. I hated the slimy things they got away with.
I kind of felt filthy being absorbed into this story. I felt like I was a peeper onto this families love triangle of a drama filled nightmare. It felt so wrong to be entertained.
But I feel this was the message Stephen Amidon wanted to send to his readers. He wanted you to have deep rooted hatred for his characters.
I think this is a thriller that I will continue to look back on and sort out my feelings about the plot.
It's a deep look into society. How corrupt that the world can be. It's hurts my head just to think that all the wrongness in this story exists in our world.
This was a good read. Not my favorite but it has a message that will make you think about society as a whole. What's right, what's wrong. What can you do to make a change in the world.
I have to brutally honest, it is a slow burn but the drama will keep you gripped into the story. The rich white women of the story really know how to dish out the neighborhood scandal. The rich entitled children running around will appall you. The secrets that are deep within each of these characters souls will shock you.
Speaking of rich women, Cassandra Campbell did a wonderful job narrating this book. Her voice is very easy to listen to. I thought she presented the character well especially Alice and Celia. I was very entertained to the point that I binge listened to the entire ten hours in two days.
I am here again to remind you sweet souls to check the trigger warnings on this book. It gets extremely intense. It notes a wide variety of sensitive topics especially race, classism, rape, sexual abuse and bullying.
Thank you Macmillan Audio for the advanced listener copy and Celadon Books for the advanced reader copy!
Graphic: Alcoholism, Murder, Sexual violence, Toxic friendship, Rape, and Drug use
Moderate: Bullying, Classism, Gun violence, Police brutality, and Racism
Minor: Cancer and Domestic abuse
emmas_bookshelf's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Murder, Alcoholism, Classism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Adult/minor relationship, Addiction, Death, Infidelity, Alcohol, Drug use, Eating disorder, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, Grief, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racism, Police brutality, Racial slurs, Toxic relationship, Rape, Self harm, and Violence
ems_rxlibrary's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child death, and Death
Moderate: Gun violence, Drug use, and Drug abuse
Minor: Cursing
theoceanrose's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Alcohol
Moderate: Drug use, Death, and Sexual assault
a_stylish_bookworm's review against another edition
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Alcoholism and Drug use