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creolelitbelle's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- 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? Yes
4.25
Truly, I hoped for a little more action, but the story being told from before/night of the murders by Mariella and after the murders by Tessa is a wonderfully creative way to keep questions sprouting and curiosity up throughout the whole book. As soon as I thought I knew what happened, I was proven wrong. Tessa and Mariella both have devastating backgrounds. If only they ever tried to get to know one another, events might have occurred more favorably for all involved. Great unreliable narrator use with ties to the infamous Lizzie Borden murders. Adjectives abound, so be forewarned that at times the writing is overly descriptive with flowery language. That is my only real complaint.
The audio is done all by one speaker, when I hoped for two separate voices for the two different povs, but each chapter announces who is speaking as it begins. That is very helpful with multi-pov books, because I detest having to figure out whose head I'm currently inside.
The audio is done all by one speaker, when I hoped for two separate voices for the two different povs, but each chapter announces who is speaking as it begins. That is very helpful with multi-pov books, because I detest having to figure out whose head I'm currently inside.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse
toonyballoony's review against another edition
Renewed it too many times at the library. Failed to keep my interest, in part I’m assuming because of the constant switching in perspectives between present Tessa and past Mariella.
Content Warnings
Minor: Body horror, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Death of parent, and Classism
cboddie's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
8th & up
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Murder
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse
bellebookcorner's review against another edition
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 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!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Violence
Moderate: Death, Car accident, Death of parent, and Murder
Minor: Addiction
bookishmillennial's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
disclaimer: I don’t really give starred reviews because I don’t like leaving them. I enjoy most books for what they are, & I extract lessons from them all. Everyone’s reading experiences are subjective, so I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not. Find me on Instagram: @bookish.millennial or tiktok: @bookishmillennial
The quick premise is that Tessa & her older brother Vik moved to Fall River, Massachusetts for reasons that still haunt Tessa to this day. Vik’s new girlfriend Mariella accuses him of murdering her parents after he is found standing over their bodies with an axe, covered in blood. Vik can’t remember anything that happened that night, so Tessa takes things into her own hands to figure out what exactly transpired that night. She does this with the help of Phil, who has a crush on her, and he is also Mariella’s best friend. This town is also where the infamous Lizzie Borden lived with her sister and parents!
The book is told in third-person POV, with chapters rotating between present day as Tessa unravels this mystery, and the day/night of the murders from mostly Mariella’s point of view. I sped through it, because I had an inkling of what happened but I needed to find out for sure! Diana Rodriguez Wallach set the tone so well with this young adult sort-of paranormal horror novel, & I really felt like I was in the middle of Fall River! She also provides some historical facts at the end of the book about the town, & Lizzie Borden (I never knew she was an animal advocate👀), which was fascinating! Overall, I devoured this book & can’t wait to read more from Diana! This book felt perfect for anyone looking for a creepy fall read!
cw: child abuse, intimate partner violence, murder, violence, gore, blood, emotional abuse, gaslighting, car accident
The quick premise is that Tessa & her older brother Vik moved to Fall River, Massachusetts for reasons that still haunt Tessa to this day. Vik’s new girlfriend Mariella accuses him of murdering her parents after he is found standing over their bodies with an axe, covered in blood. Vik can’t remember anything that happened that night, so Tessa takes things into her own hands to figure out what exactly transpired that night. She does this with the help of Phil, who has a crush on her, and he is also Mariella’s best friend. This town is also where the infamous Lizzie Borden lived with her sister and parents!
The book is told in third-person POV, with chapters rotating between present day as Tessa unravels this mystery, and the day/night of the murders from mostly Mariella’s point of view. I sped through it, because I had an inkling of what happened but I needed to find out for sure! Diana Rodriguez Wallach set the tone so well with this young adult sort-of paranormal horror novel, & I really felt like I was in the middle of Fall River! She also provides some historical facts at the end of the book about the town, & Lizzie Borden (I never knew she was an animal advocate👀), which was fascinating! Overall, I devoured this book & can’t wait to read more from Diana! This book felt perfect for anyone looking for a creepy fall read!
cw: child abuse, intimate partner violence, murder, violence, gore, blood, emotional abuse, gaslighting, car accident
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Violence, Blood, Murder, Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Car accident, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
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