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momocandy74's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- 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? Yes
3.5
As a Philadelphia native, I loved all the name dropping of Philly landmarks (KOP, K&A, Franklin Institute, Mummer's Parade, Center City, the El, Academy of Music, Broad Street, the Ave, and probably more that I'm missing). I was surprised that the author isn't actually from here, and she clearly did her research with the locals. Especially when it comes to the culture around catholic schools and public schools, especially in the North/Northeast.
However....I didn't love it. The ending was a little anti-climactic andas happy as I was to learn that Kacey was safe and getting clean, her having been hiding away at their father's this entire time just felt so aggravating to me. After all that, she was in Delaware the entire time. And the reveal of who the killer was? I wish we had spent more time with him, making his guilt as the man killing these girls in the neighborhood have a little more weight, his reveal left me a little confused at first because i had honestly forgotten about him.
Overall though, a very well researched story taking place in Kensington and you can tell from every page that a lot of care was given to staying true to the locals and trying to tell the story from the point of a view of a local as best as possible, and I think she succeeded. Wasn't a huge fan of the overall plot (mostly just the ending), but I have to give credit for a great Philadelphia setting. 3.5!
However....I didn't love it. The ending was a little anti-climactic and
Overall though, a very well researched story taking place in Kensington and you can tell from every page that a lot of care was given to staying true to the locals and trying to tell the story from the point of a view of a local as best as possible, and I think she succeeded. Wasn't a huge fan of the overall plot (mostly just the ending), but I have to give credit for a great Philadelphia setting. 3.5!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Mental illness, Police brutality, Stalking, Death of parent, and Murder
betsygrace's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I actually think this book is a great depiction of the reality of today’s opioid crisis. The plot had enough twists to keep me entertained and enough resolution by the time it ended, so I liked it quite a bit.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gun violence, Mental illness, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Trafficking, Grief, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Abandonment, Alcohol, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism