casehouse's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. Reminded me a bit of a jodi. Picoult novel - the story is told through a court case.
ktcarlston's review against another edition
4.0
So good and so hard to read all at the same time. I sympathized much more with Jacob's mother and yet completely understood the father's insistence and desire to believe that his child was innocent. While this book wasn't perfect - it is definitely a good one.
bonnieelise's review against another edition
5.0
I couldn't put this book down. The writing is straightforward and the story moves along quickly. Not an easy subject - the narrator is defending is son on a murder charge - but the story is compelling. Great summer read.
pharmdad2007's review against another edition
4.0
Pretty interesting legal thriller/mystery. The writing style is very interesting, shifting from a present-day grand jury hearing to long flashbacks explaining the story. Unexpected ending, and plenty of action to move the plot forward. A couple of flaws in the plot, but I didn't let them get to me.
omg_carrie's review against another edition
5.0
Omg so good! It's been a while since I've read a book that really held my attention. I flew through this book and couldn't believe the ending!! If you liked the exciting twists of Gone Girl I think you'll like this book (only written in 1 perspective, but I'm ok with that).
aprilbethp's review against another edition
4.0
Where do the ethics of parenthood and society collide?
Landry writes a compelling story in a father's effort to prove his socially abnormal son. The interplay between his own personal ethics, the strain on his marriage regarding intimacy, and the ever present gnawing "what if" he refuses to acknowledge.
Altogether one must struggle with both Andy and Laura as they search inside themselves to find who they owe allegiance to most. Who deserves protecting? Who deserves help? Who are they as individuals if they refuse to acknowledge the mere possibility of hard truths?
Landry writes a compelling story in a father's effort to prove his socially abnormal son. The interplay between his own personal ethics, the strain on his marriage regarding intimacy, and the ever present gnawing "what if" he refuses to acknowledge.
Altogether one must struggle with both Andy and Laura as they search inside themselves to find who they owe allegiance to most. Who deserves protecting? Who deserves help? Who are they as individuals if they refuse to acknowledge the mere possibility of hard truths?
atthediscotech's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
tense
medium-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
2.0
mazza57's review against another edition
3.0
There were many things to enjoy about this book. I liked the structure that had a fluctuating, almost undiscernable time line. The narrative was well told and there were questions for the reader of what would you do in this situation? However, i thought the characters were all unlikeable and I couldn't really accept what Jacob's father did at all. It was quite predictable and even I knew where we were going for the most part. The final twist was rather more unexpected.
jillian_danielle's review against another edition
4.0
Really well written. I found the narrator's voice to be very clear and convincing -- believable -- and it made the book quite a page turner for me. Haven't been genuinely surprised by an ending in years.