Reviews tagging 'Domestic abuse'

Not a Happy Family by Shari Lapena

9 reviews

emma6544's review against another edition

challenging dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Murder and Blood

Minor: Domestic abuse, Alcoholism, and Child abuse

bookedbymadeline's review against another edition

dark mysterious relaxing tense fast-paced

• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This is the 5th book I’ve read from Lapena and I think it’s my new favorite from her! I love Lapena’s books and she’s definitely cemented herself as my one of my favorite thriller writers. 

I was immediately pulled in and I couldn’t put it down, finishing in 3 days! There were jaw dropping plot twists I didn’t see coming. Never guessed what happened, the storytelling was incredibly done making everybody seem guilty.

The characters were complex and well written! The pacing was well done, holding my attention the entire way through. I also thought the ending was perfect, leaving the story somewhat open ended which worked well for this novel. Highly recommend for anyone who loves thrillers and psychological family dramas!

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Infertility, Blood, Murder, Death of parent, and Emotional abuse

Moderate: Alcoholism and Child abuse

Minor: Domestic abuse, Infidelity, and Cancer

katieg1015's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Body horror

Moderate: Murder and Domestic abuse

faerietale_princess's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Couldn’t put this one down— finished in a day. I was always eager to know more about whatever secret the author teased.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Death of parent, and Gore

Minor: Drug use, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Pregnancy, and Vomit

juliaaa02's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Murder and Death

Minor: Child abuse and Domestic abuse

kyrstin_p1989's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

This murder mystery is fast paced and interesting. It’s easy to read and the author makes you change your mind about who the killer is repeatedly. Deep down I knew who it was from about the middle of the book but the story telling was engaging enough to keep me second guessing.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Vomit, Terminal illness, Gore, Infertility, Mental illness, Murder, Stalking, Classism, Death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Blood, Cancer, Child abuse, and Violence

hkburke2's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I don't actually know if this book is "good" but it kept me very engaged and the writing style was pretty propulsive. Short chapters always help. And it falls in the "wish I could stay up to keep reading" category for sure. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Murder

Moderate: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Child abuse

saadiasreads's review

dark tense medium-paced

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death of parent, Murder, Violence, and Death

Moderate: Alcoholism, Emotional abuse, Infertility, and Stalking

Minor: Domestic abuse and Infidelity

emily842752's review

dark 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? It's complicated

1.75

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Murder, Infertility, and Panic attacks/disorders

Minor: Stalking, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Alcoholism, Panic attacks/disorders, and Terminal illness