Reviews

Hatchet Girls by Diana Rodriguez Wallach

tiffanyamber's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

4.0

lberestecki's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced

2.5

alli_the_bookaholic13's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious fast-paced

3.75


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bookingwithjanelle's review against another edition

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4.25

 I had a good time reading this book from start to finish. I have always been intrigued by Lizzie Borden and her story. It was interesting to read a similar plotline, fast-forwarded over 100 years.

Although it touched on the sensationalized case/trial of the Bordens, the different spin was a nice change. I liked the viewpoints & jumping around the timeline and the twist I really didn't see coming. Overall, a great spooky read for the season. 

rmreads's review against another edition

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dark informative mysterious medium-paced

3.75

readingwithkelsey's review

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4.0

I received an eARC copy from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

I am so surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I consumed the majority of the audiobook in one sitting because I could not stop listening to it. I did not really know anything about the more true crime aspect of this book, but I feel like the novel envelops the case well within the plot and ties it brilliantly to the more supernatural things that occur. You can really tell how much research Wallach did into this case, and as she explains in her author's note, experienced herself (!!) which added so much more depth to the novel. For the first 2/3s of the novel, it was eerie and atmospheric but that last 1/3 really spooked me and completely twisted the book into something I was not prepared for! And the last chapter?? I just loved how well Wallach tied everything together. I really enjoyed the characters we followed and I was shook when the final reveal happened. This book held my attention the whole time and really surprised me, I had so much fun.

yangelareads's review against another edition

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3.0

I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Copy provided by Penguin Teen, Random House Children's, and Delacorte Press.

Hatchet Girls is a supernatural horror that reminds us family can be our saving grace--or our biggest curse. Set one-hundred years after the Borden murders, this propulsive thriller imagines what a similar trial might look like today.

When the parents of the richest family in Fall River are found murdered by axe, the town is quick to blame newcomer Vik. It does not help that he was caught standing over the bodies with blood on his hands and can not remember anything about the night in question.

But Vik’s sister, Tessa, knows that Vik would never be capable of such a gruesome crime. Haunted by the mistakes she made that led her family to Fall River in the first place, she sets out to prove her brother’s innocence. Her search for answers will lead her into a sprawling, supposedly cursed forest, as well as the childhood home of Lizzie Borden—the original axe murderess of Fall River.

Hatchet Girls was a decent thriller. It is based off of Lizze Borden and her town with some twists which I was intrigued. The book was very slow for my preference and I did not like any of the characters, which may it hard to enjoy the book. The story itself was creepy and gory, but I wish there was more character development and more of a scare factor. I did like the historical facts I learned about the Lizzie Borden axe murders and the Native Americans that perished in that town and on that land. I think if you like murder stories with some paranormal, creepy aspects, then you will like this one.  Also, if you are into YA horrors or thrillers you may like this or you can give this read a shot. 

caitiep92's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

4.25

bellebookcorner's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced

3.5

If you’re looking for a quick horror thriller read for the spooky season, then you can give this one a try. 
 
This story was set after the Lizzie Borden murder that took place in 1892 – one of America’s greatest unsolved murder mystery.  
I didn’t know much about this case, therefore I was very intrigued to read this book. I also appreciate where the author gives information regarding the truth of the case as well as the real history to some places mentioned throughout the story like the Fall River town, the swamp and the forest at the end of the story.
 
I really like how this story incorporate some of the real events and places into this story which makes the atmosphere feels creepier. 
As for the paranormal element with the potions and the mysterious presence near the ending left me with unanswered questions. I kinda wish there’s more information or exploration regarding Mariella’s family. 
 
Overall, it was a unique plot idea which makes an interesting read. However, the pacing was slightly rushed, I don’t mind if the length was longer in order to create room for exploration and development of the plot and the characters. 
 
Nevertheless, this was an enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to read more books by this author in the future. 
 
Thank you to TBR and Beyond Tour, Netgalley, author and publisher for giving me an e-ARC of the book and for having me on this book tour. I’m leaving this review voluntarily! 

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tequilamcknbrd's review against another edition

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dark mysterious sad medium-paced

4.25