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jessmaealbe20's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
a few content warnings but nothing unmanageable. the plot was my favorite part, and it kept me really engaged. i usually read romance, so this was a refreshing contrast. i like dark and this was definitely dark. not nightmare inducing but was more a psychological thriller, if you like those. no loose ends either, everything flowed well into the ending.
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Animal death
Minor: Ableism, Animal cruelty, and Homophobia
boba_nbooks'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
4.0
This novel follows Paul Adams--a man who, as a child, was accused of brutal and ritualistic murder of a fellow classmate. Back then, Paul befriended Charlie--a boy obsessed with lucid dreaming and exacting revenge on his "enemies." It's clear Charlie was a part of the murder, but he disappeared without a trace. Thankfully, Paul was set free, but as soon as he could, Paul left his childhood home behind. It's been 25 years, and Paul still has no desire to return. But, when his mother's dementia worsens and she has a concerning fall, Paul has no choice but to come home. While in the dreaded town, Paul discovers that a detective is visiting to try and find any clues to help her solve a copycat murder of the one from Paul's childhood. Suddenly, Paul finds himself dragged back into the past, and he's discovering that, even as someone who was close to the murderer and victim, there are still things he does not know about what happened.
This book was creepy in the best way possible. The reveal was a tad lackluster, but I quite enjoyed the lead-up and the dual timeline showing Paul in both the past and the present as well as the point-of-view of the detective. Anyone who loves psychological thrillers and mysteries will eat this book up.
Graphic: Child death, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Animal death and Suicide
Minor: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, and Drug abuse
opplecopter's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Bullying, Child death, Violence, Blood, Dementia, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Suicide
Minor: Animal death
momo4130's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Minor: Animal death and Homophobia
cozmicdotcom's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Violence, and Death of parent
Moderate: Animal death, Dementia, Car accident, and Alcohol
cyndi1966's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Child death, Death, Self harm, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Suicide attempt, Murder, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Animal death, Bullying, Infidelity, Mental illness, Dementia, and Death of parent
shawniejo's review against another edition
Graphic: Murder
Minor: Animal death
ashleycmms's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Graphic: Child death, Death, Violence, Blood, Dementia, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Suicide
Minor: Animal death
bxnnny's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
2.0
Graphic: Child death
Moderate: Suicide, Violence, Grief, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Animal death, Child abuse, and Gaslighting
haleybre's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
Moderate: Animal death, Bullying, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Dementia, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail