kaia8523's review against another edition
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Very boring in the beginning then got better towards the end.
laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
The Boy
4 Stars
Homicide detectives Nick Fourcade and Annie Broussard investigate the horrific attack on a young single mother and her small son, which left him dead and her struggling with severe injuries. As Nick and Annie question who would kill a child and leave a living witness, they must also contend with the disappearance of the boy's 12-year-old babysitter. Are the events connected and is someone targeting the children of Bayou Breaux?
Series note: As the events take place 6 years following the previous installment, it is possible to read this as a standalone. Nevertheless, readers interested in Nick and Annie's past should definitely read book #1.
Although the narrative is slow to start with the build-up of the details surrounding the crime and the introduction of the various characters and their motivations, the tension soon ratchets up and the climax and resolution are intense and exciting.
Once again, the setting is immersive and Hoag is skilled at drawing out the nuances of a small community with a diverse population as well as providing detailed descriptions for each and every character whether major or minor.
The updates on Nick and Annie's life are one of the highlights of the book. While it is clear that they love each other deeply, their conflicting personalities and the issues they must contend with in their daily lives provide a realistic portrayal of marriage being hard work.
The case itself is gripping with numerous twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. That said, there comes a time when the identity of the killer becomes glaringly obvious and all that remains is to follow along as the detectives reach the same conclusion.
In sum, an enjoyable sequel and I look forward to reading the next book, which comes out in June.
4 Stars
Homicide detectives Nick Fourcade and Annie Broussard investigate the horrific attack on a young single mother and her small son, which left him dead and her struggling with severe injuries. As Nick and Annie question who would kill a child and leave a living witness, they must also contend with the disappearance of the boy's 12-year-old babysitter. Are the events connected and is someone targeting the children of Bayou Breaux?
Series note: As the events take place 6 years following the previous installment, it is possible to read this as a standalone. Nevertheless, readers interested in Nick and Annie's past should definitely read book #1.
Although the narrative is slow to start with the build-up of the details surrounding the crime and the introduction of the various characters and their motivations, the tension soon ratchets up and the climax and resolution are intense and exciting.
Once again, the setting is immersive and Hoag is skilled at drawing out the nuances of a small community with a diverse population as well as providing detailed descriptions for each and every character whether major or minor.
The updates on Nick and Annie's life are one of the highlights of the book. While it is clear that they love each other deeply, their conflicting personalities and the issues they must contend with in their daily lives provide a realistic portrayal of marriage being hard work.
The case itself is gripping with numerous twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. That said, there comes a time when the identity of the killer becomes glaringly obvious and all that remains is to follow along as the detectives reach the same conclusion.
In sum, an enjoyable sequel and I look forward to reading the next book, which comes out in June.
whaney's review against another edition
5.0
Well... started out a bit slow, and some of the characters were really ticking me off. But then it got really good and I couldn't stop listening. Every time I got up from my desk I squeezed in a few minutes.
Did not see THAT ending coming!!!
Did not see THAT ending coming!!!
ecasseri's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The book started off a bit slow but by midway through really had me hooked and I raced to finish! Great whodunnit with an ending I couldn’t predict. I love Hoag’s writing style; her character dialogues and descriptions of settings are fantastic and I’ll definitely be exploring more books to read by her. Gave a 4.5/5 only because some of the very detailed and graphic descriptions made it hard to read at times.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Child abuse, Child death, and Murder
chestermartini's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
absclarke's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
mmchampion's review against another edition
4.0
I listened to this novel and it was all about the narrator. Wow! The story line itself was a page turner. The right amount of whodunnit with a dash of Bayou flavor.
sabrina_mtl's review against another edition
4.0
very solid and smart thriller. wasn't bored for a second. lots of twists and turns. i was wondering until the very end who'd done it. absolute recommendation.