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savannahldarr's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this mystery. I loved that the story was told from three different perspectives: Silja, Ruby, and Angie. It gave the story a strong context and fullness. I could predict some of the smaller plot developments, but the large ones I never saw coming. I love that. I love a book that keeps you on your toes. It was equal parts disturbing and intriguing. I also appreciated that the story was set in the 1960s and that the characters were shaped by events like the Cold War and racial integration. I've read a lot of mysteries/thrillers lately and most are set in present day. It was fun to read something that was not.
I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley for an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley for an honest review.
cdelligatti13's review against another edition
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
ruthmittiga's review against another edition
4.0
This is the second Cynthia Swanson book I have read. I believe it may actually be her second novel. I was a huge fan of The Bookseller, so when I was offered an advance copy of this book, I said yes immediately. Was not disappointed at all. Just like with The Bookseller, I could not put The Glass Forest down. I read this on a kindle, and I usually have trouble finishing books on e-readers for whatever reason, but this one I flew through in just a few days. This authors stories really suck you in immediately. I think they get categorized as thrillers, which to me always conjures up thoughts of scary books. These books aren't scary but I guess they are actually for real thrilling. The chapters alternate between the points of view of the three main women who the story revolves around. There are two men (brothers) who are main characters as well, but we don't get to see what their motives and private thoughts are, but those become more and more clear throughout the book. I thought this story was very well done. You definitely have suspicions about a few characters, but you're never quite sure if they are the bad guys or not. Everything becomes clear at the end, but it doesn't feel stupidly hacked together or tacked on like with some mystery/thriller plots. I don't think this is a spoiler, but towards the end, I was really like 'wow, men are such jerks'. But I think we all knew that before reading a book, didn't we? I loved this story and since I loved her last story too, I will definitely plan on reading future Cynthia Swanson novels.
kmbachus's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- 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
3.5
courtneyptum's review against another edition
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
redvelvetpenguins's review against another edition
4.0
This book completely took me by surprise. I was not expecting to get swept up into these characters but alas, here we are. Silja's story broke my heart. But it's a great reminder that it truly was not that long ago where women had these lives and lost these lives. My heart aches and this story will stay with me for a long while I think
cjbennett308's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0