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thejay2xa's review against another edition
3.0
Jennifer Hillier, a renowned author, has captivated readers with her previous works. With high expectations in mind, I delved into her latest book, "Things We Do In The Dark," following the allure of online praise to "Little Secrets." However, my enthusiasm waned as I found this book to be not intriguing.
Unmasking the Plot: Ruby Reyes, Paris Peralta, and Secrets
The plot revolves around Paris Peralta, who finds herself in the limelight after being arrested for her older celebrity husband's murder. Burdened with the fear of her hidden past being revealed, she encounters Ruby Reyes, a convicted killer threatening to expose all of Paris' secrets. To safeguard her future, Paris must confront her tumultuous past.
Initial Intrigue and Expectations
The initial chapters of "Things We Do In The Dark" gripped me, leaving me eager to turn the pages. However, my enthusiasm dwindled when the story delved into the past timeline. Predictability seeped in, as I accurately anticipated the story's unfolding. The absence of an unforeseen twist left me wanting, hoping to be astounded and proven wrong, but it never materialized.
A Character Study Disguised as a Thriller
Rather than a captivating thriller, the book took the form of a character study, focusing on a woman shaped by a dysfunctional childhood. This unexpected shift in genre left me yearning for the gripping suspense that initially drew me in.
Embracing Its Filipino Essence
Without a doubt, this book encapsulates the essence of Filipino culture. It seems evident that the author purposefully crafted Filipino characters, adding a relatable touch to the story. The presence of Filipino phrases and words throughout the book is something I truly appreciate. However, I had reservations about the portrayal of the protagonist's uncle as "predatory," although I understand its significance in advancing the plot.
Unveiling a Lackluster Resolution
As the past and present collided, I hoped for a thrilling resolution to the murder mystery. Unfortunately, the resolution unfolded in a straightforward manner, swiftly tying up all loose ends. The lack of complexity and excitement in this resolution further dampened the reading experience.
Writing Prowess Amidst Predictability
Jennifer Hillier's writing talent remains undeniable throughout the novel. Her command of language and storytelling shines, despite the predictable nature of the plot. However, the overarching predictability, accentuated by the past timeline, hindered the story's momentum.
Looking Forward to Future Works
Though "Things We Do In The Dark" did not become a personal favorite, I still admire Jennifer Hillier's unique writing style. Her next book and backlist will undoubtedly receive my attention, as I eagerly anticipate the unexpected twists and turns that made her previous work addictive.
In the realm of thrillers, "Things We Do In The Dark" by Jennifer Hillier fell short of its potential. While the writing exhibited undeniable skill, the predictable plot and focus on character study left much to be desired. However, as a fan of the author's style, I remain optimistic about future releases, hoping for the resurgence of the gripping allure that initially captivated readers.
Unmasking the Plot: Ruby Reyes, Paris Peralta, and Secrets
The plot revolves around Paris Peralta, who finds herself in the limelight after being arrested for her older celebrity husband's murder. Burdened with the fear of her hidden past being revealed, she encounters Ruby Reyes, a convicted killer threatening to expose all of Paris' secrets. To safeguard her future, Paris must confront her tumultuous past.
Initial Intrigue and Expectations
The initial chapters of "Things We Do In The Dark" gripped me, leaving me eager to turn the pages. However, my enthusiasm dwindled when the story delved into the past timeline. Predictability seeped in, as I accurately anticipated the story's unfolding. The absence of an unforeseen twist left me wanting, hoping to be astounded and proven wrong, but it never materialized.
A Character Study Disguised as a Thriller
Rather than a captivating thriller, the book took the form of a character study, focusing on a woman shaped by a dysfunctional childhood. This unexpected shift in genre left me yearning for the gripping suspense that initially drew me in.
Embracing Its Filipino Essence
Without a doubt, this book encapsulates the essence of Filipino culture. It seems evident that the author purposefully crafted Filipino characters, adding a relatable touch to the story. The presence of Filipino phrases and words throughout the book is something I truly appreciate. However, I had reservations about the portrayal of the protagonist's uncle as "predatory," although I understand its significance in advancing the plot.
Unveiling a Lackluster Resolution
As the past and present collided, I hoped for a thrilling resolution to the murder mystery. Unfortunately, the resolution unfolded in a straightforward manner, swiftly tying up all loose ends. The lack of complexity and excitement in this resolution further dampened the reading experience.
Writing Prowess Amidst Predictability
Jennifer Hillier's writing talent remains undeniable throughout the novel. Her command of language and storytelling shines, despite the predictable nature of the plot. However, the overarching predictability, accentuated by the past timeline, hindered the story's momentum.
Looking Forward to Future Works
Though "Things We Do In The Dark" did not become a personal favorite, I still admire Jennifer Hillier's unique writing style. Her next book and backlist will undoubtedly receive my attention, as I eagerly anticipate the unexpected twists and turns that made her previous work addictive.
In the realm of thrillers, "Things We Do In The Dark" by Jennifer Hillier fell short of its potential. While the writing exhibited undeniable skill, the predictable plot and focus on character study left much to be desired. However, as a fan of the author's style, I remain optimistic about future releases, hoping for the resurgence of the gripping allure that initially captivated readers.
ellieg2604's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
maracole's review against another edition
3.5
This one was not what I was expecting. Most of it was easy to guess, but there were a few twists that kept it interesting.
lapomnitz's review
3.0
Very disturbing. Child abuse - physical, sexual and emotional. Not my cup of tea.
Enjoyed the ending and the writing style.
Enjoyed the ending and the writing style.
lauramac78's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
assmatica's review
4.0
"Joey couldn't slay all the monsters, but she could slay this one"
Joey. Did. Nothing. Wrong.
Joey. Did. Nothing. Wrong.
sam_inthestacks's review
4.0
◽️B O O K R E V I E W: Things We Do in the Dark by Jennifer Hillier
“Because while you can reinvent yourself, you can’t outrun yourself. As a woman once reminded her a long time ago, the common denominator in all the terrible things that have happened to you is you.”
Paris Peralta is arrested. She’s found covered in blood, holding a straight razor, next to her dead celebrity husband in their bathroom. The media attention worries her for a lot of reasons. She has a past, she worries will be dug up.
Ruby Reyes was convicted of a similar murder, and known as The Ice Queen. She was convicted in the early 90s and knows who Paris REALLY is. Ruby is release from prison, unexpectedly, and she threatens Paris entire identity.
I really enjoyed the multiple storylines in this book, and trying to guess how everything was inter-connected. There was a podcast element so it reminded me of The Night Swim in some ways which I loved.
All in all I gave this one 4.5 stars. I was full invested in the story, and it kept me turning the pages. ◽️
“Because while you can reinvent yourself, you can’t outrun yourself. As a woman once reminded her a long time ago, the common denominator in all the terrible things that have happened to you is you.”
Paris Peralta is arrested. She’s found covered in blood, holding a straight razor, next to her dead celebrity husband in their bathroom. The media attention worries her for a lot of reasons. She has a past, she worries will be dug up.
Ruby Reyes was convicted of a similar murder, and known as The Ice Queen. She was convicted in the early 90s and knows who Paris REALLY is. Ruby is release from prison, unexpectedly, and she threatens Paris entire identity.
I really enjoyed the multiple storylines in this book, and trying to guess how everything was inter-connected. There was a podcast element so it reminded me of The Night Swim in some ways which I loved.
All in all I gave this one 4.5 stars. I was full invested in the story, and it kept me turning the pages. ◽️
shannonxvx's review
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Blood, Dementia, Grief, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Suicide