carolynmorgan's review against another edition
2.0
The writing kept me engaged, but the plot was not very original, and the characters were not well done.
mattmatt3409's review against another edition
4.0
This was quite the interesting book. I did not like any of the characters especially Stephanie. She was just so gullible and trusted too much. I just could not believe that she would be duped by Emily for so long and so often. Then to top it off she sleeps with her half brother. That's just gross. All the characters in this book are psychotic. I didn't think Emily was dead after she disappeared. I was pretty sure she was alive but I didn't know what her plan was or why she left. The author did keep me on my toes when developing Emily's scheme. I am not surprised that she screws Stephanie in the end. Emily is despicable.
jackpotbrown's review against another edition
1.0
Finishing this book was difficult. The only reason I started was because I had several long flights ahead of me, but I really wish I had passed. While there were some twists, halfway through the book I just wanted it to be over.
sese's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
lola425's review against another edition
3.0
This book was what it was--entertaining and light.
Were there some eyeroll moments? Sure. But I didn't pick this book up thinking that I would be reading War and Peace. I think Bell did capture that ridiculous mommy culture extremely well. I guarantee that if a man wrote a book like this, his would not be taken down the way this book was.
Were there some eyeroll moments? Sure. But I didn't pick this book up thinking that I would be reading War and Peace. I think Bell did capture that ridiculous mommy culture extremely well. I guarantee that if a man wrote a book like this, his would not be taken down the way this book was.
infjkiki's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Murder, Incest, and Infidelity
Moderate: Alcoholism, Alcohol, Drug use, Addiction, and Death
hue's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
well that was abhorrent.
kristennn's review against another edition
3.0
After seeing the movie I absolutely HAD to read this book. Usually, in most cases, the book is far superior to the movie or show. I’m not so sure about this book though.
I will say, the ending to the movie was a bit more impressive than the end of this book. The book just, well, ends. The story was good, but it wasn’t nearly as intriguing or exciting as I hoped it would be. I read the whole book just hoping that it would get better as it progressed, but I just don’t feel like it ever really did.
In its own way I can see how the story could be one that I would have liked....if I hadn’t watched the movie which is the sole reason I give it 3-5 stars. Honest review? Don’t read this if you have chosen to watch the movie based on it. That’ll ruin it for you and give you false expectations. If you haven’t seen it I say go for it though because who knows, you might love it.
I will say, the ending to the movie was a bit more impressive than the end of this book. The book just, well, ends. The story was good, but it wasn’t nearly as intriguing or exciting as I hoped it would be. I read the whole book just hoping that it would get better as it progressed, but I just don’t feel like it ever really did.
In its own way I can see how the story could be one that I would have liked....if I hadn’t watched the movie which is the sole reason I give it 3-5 stars. Honest review? Don’t read this if you have chosen to watch the movie based on it. That’ll ruin it for you and give you false expectations. If you haven’t seen it I say go for it though because who knows, you might love it.
piperroobroeck's review against another edition
3.0
Wanted to read the book before I saw the movie. Although it was an odd read, it was a captivating one. It was an easy read that held my attention to the very end. Will definitely be looking forward to seeing the movie starring the amazing Anna Kendricks and Blake Lively!