emmadobson_2812's review
5.0
If I could give it more stars, I would. A brilliant book. Moving, heartbreaking and ultimately uplifting. Highlights the power of love and acceptance, and recognises the amount of courage it sadly still takes to be who you are.
marxistjudas's review
CW (for the book): transphobia, violent transphobia, hate crimes, transphobic language, racist language, discussion of transphobic views
Having the one trans character in the book be the murdered girl doesn't seem like the best choice to me - having at least one of the other characters be trans would have made the book more effective, especially in terms of how the crime would have affected them, a living trans person, and having their perspective on the aftermath. It's also important in terms of representation - to have trans representation only/mostly be tragedies and dead people is a disappointment, to have trans people living & thriving so that every variant of trans experience is represented is an infinite improvement.
Having the one trans character in the book be the murdered girl doesn't seem like the best choice to me - having at least one of the other characters be trans would have made the book more effective, especially in terms of how the crime would have affected them, a living trans person, and having their perspective on the aftermath. It's also important in terms of representation - to have trans representation only/mostly be tragedies and dead people is a disappointment, to have trans people living & thriving so that every variant of trans experience is represented is an infinite improvement.
bgg616's review
4.0
I waivered between 3 and 4 stars on this but at the end, it wrapped up quite satisfactorily. Steve, a father of two, and widower, sends his elder daughter, Allie, age 18, to her end of secondary school dance and celebration. A few hours late, the police come to his house. Allie has been murdered. Allie is a transgender teen who after a few years of struggle at school, is experiencing support and acceptance. This detail is not a spoiler as the book's back cover reveals that this is the story of a transgender teen.
The Manchester Police mount a major investigation to find Allie's killers. The unrolling of the investigation is described in detail. There are numerous characters including the police officers, and those caught up in the investigation. The book is written in short chapters each from the perspective of one character. One of the most interesting is Jade, a novice detective, with a complicated but undisclosed history. She is of Asian (Indian, Pakistani or other from the Indian subcontinent) heritage which is relevant because of the hostility directed at her by some. While there was adequate description of Allie's story, some may feel it is too cursory. No one from the LGBT community is asked to provide advice or insights regarding who to look at, what to look for, and more. But one positive touch is the presence of the gay mayor of Manchester at a vigil for Allie, a mayor who appears by name, and has been a guiding force in the fight against violence against people who are transgender.
The culprits are identified fairly early, but there is another twist that makes this an above average crime novel.
The Manchester Police mount a major investigation to find Allie's killers. The unrolling of the investigation is described in detail. There are numerous characters including the police officers, and those caught up in the investigation. The book is written in short chapters each from the perspective of one character. One of the most interesting is Jade, a novice detective, with a complicated but undisclosed history. She is of Asian (Indian, Pakistani or other from the Indian subcontinent) heritage which is relevant because of the hostility directed at her by some. While there was adequate description of Allie's story, some may feel it is too cursory. No one from the LGBT community is asked to provide advice or insights regarding who to look at, what to look for, and more. But one positive touch is the presence of the gay mayor of Manchester at a vigil for Allie, a mayor who appears by name, and has been a guiding force in the fight against violence against people who are transgender.
The culprits are identified fairly early, but there is another twist that makes this an above average crime novel.
kba76's review
4.0
When you find yourself with tears on your cheeks upon finishing a book, you know the author’s got to you. Lots of unanswered questions at the close of this, with a description of a vigil that is tapping into a mood that’s been all too evident in Manchester this year but this book ended on a really hopeful note that should be celebrated.
Cath Staincliffe knows how to deliver a decent police procedural. We follow this investigation from start to a finish of sorts, learning some of the methods used during a major investigation the likes of which most of us will never have knowledge of. Thankfully.
The opening of the novel felt a little slow. We’re introduced to Allie (dressed up and about to go to her prom), Oliver (a stereotypical moody teen) and a number of detectives. It felt rather disjointed initially, but when we see one of the detectives arriving at a crime scene and we make the connection with the green dress Allie was wearing it starts to fall into place.
Your child not returning from a night out is every parents’ nightmare. This story taps into our deepest fears as parents, but it’s given contemporary appeal because Allie was transgender and seems to have been murdered because of this.
The shocks, once they arrive, come thick and fast. From pretty early on we can see who is involved and the story forces us to focus on just how far people will go to protect the ones they love.
Unfortunately for me, though I raced through this and thoroughly enjoyed it, I felt outraged and sickened by some of the attitudes expressed here which is part of the reason why I’d give this a 4.5 rating. The outdated law meaning that Allie is referred to as male in the post-mortem is disgusting, some of the racist and sexist attitudes expressed saddened me (though I know they’ll still be around) and I was sickened by one of the central characters. I sense we’re meant to be, but this character was almost a caricature villain and their actions weren’t always believable.
This is certainly one I’d highly recommend, and I must thank NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this.
Cath Staincliffe knows how to deliver a decent police procedural. We follow this investigation from start to a finish of sorts, learning some of the methods used during a major investigation the likes of which most of us will never have knowledge of. Thankfully.
The opening of the novel felt a little slow. We’re introduced to Allie (dressed up and about to go to her prom), Oliver (a stereotypical moody teen) and a number of detectives. It felt rather disjointed initially, but when we see one of the detectives arriving at a crime scene and we make the connection with the green dress Allie was wearing it starts to fall into place.
Your child not returning from a night out is every parents’ nightmare. This story taps into our deepest fears as parents, but it’s given contemporary appeal because Allie was transgender and seems to have been murdered because of this.
The shocks, once they arrive, come thick and fast. From pretty early on we can see who is involved and the story forces us to focus on just how far people will go to protect the ones they love.
Unfortunately for me, though I raced through this and thoroughly enjoyed it, I felt outraged and sickened by some of the attitudes expressed here which is part of the reason why I’d give this a 4.5 rating. The outdated law meaning that Allie is referred to as male in the post-mortem is disgusting, some of the racist and sexist attitudes expressed saddened me (though I know they’ll still be around) and I was sickened by one of the central characters. I sense we’re meant to be, but this character was almost a caricature villain and their actions weren’t always believable.
This is certainly one I’d highly recommend, and I must thank NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this.
kimbui's review
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
trusselltales's review
5.0
This is a great book. 18 year old Allie goes out with her friends to a 6th form leavers party, but she never comes home. Allie has been beaten to death by two men, a hate crime provoked by the attackers' discovery that Allie was transgender.
The story cycles through multiple points of view: Allie's family, various police officers involved in the investigation and the parents of the attackers.
Each and every character is realistic and the book moves at a fast pace.
What I love about Cath Staincliffe's writing is her humanity, and the nuances of her writing, where everything isn't black or white and layers of human behaviour are revealed.
The story cycles through multiple points of view: Allie's family, various police officers involved in the investigation and the parents of the attackers.
Each and every character is realistic and the book moves at a fast pace.
What I love about Cath Staincliffe's writing is her humanity, and the nuances of her writing, where everything isn't black or white and layers of human behaviour are revealed.
nicspages_'s review
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
Allie and her friends getting dressed to attend their school prom. Allie’s family includes Allie, her little sister Teagen her dad Steve and their dog. Her mom had passed away when she was younger. They leave for school where her friend’s mother would give them a ride to the location prom’s being held at.
Several hours later, 2 police officers arrive at Steve’s to inform him about a murder that has taken place and Allie was found dead at the scene.
It is revealed that Allie’s transgender when the police arrived at the murder scene.
After numerous investigations, they figure out who the killers are and why they did it. (but there’s def a lot of issues and hurdles along the way you gotta read to find out) it’s quite interesting because someone of the higher authority tries to mess with the investigations for a reason!
The story ends the family attending a vigil for their dead daughter/sister organised by the LGBTQ 🏳️🌈 community while investigations would go on.
I personally loved this book because it touched on the difficulties a person faces as a Transgender. It was a very unique plot.
Several hours later, 2 police officers arrive at Steve’s to inform him about a murder that has taken place and Allie was found dead at the scene.
It is revealed that Allie’s transgender when the police arrived at the murder scene.
After numerous investigations, they figure out who the killers are and why they did it. (but there’s def a lot of issues and hurdles along the way you gotta read to find out) it’s quite interesting because someone of the higher authority tries to mess with the investigations for a reason!
The story ends the family attending a vigil for their dead daughter/sister organised by the LGBTQ 🏳️🌈 community while investigations would go on.
I personally loved this book because it touched on the difficulties a person faces as a Transgender. It was a very unique plot.
caterinaaaz's review
4.0
*CONTAINS SPOILERS* *TW = TRANSPHOBIA*
In my eyes, the most captivating of thrillers are those which merge a classic murder scene or otherwise terrible crime with a contemporary social issue. Jodi Picoult is one of my favourite authors for this exact reason, ‘A Spark of Light’ being a recently devoured favourite of mine. This is precisely why I singled out Cath Staincliffe’s ‘The Girl in the Green Dress’ for review, having found myself engrossed in what is essentially a typical thriller, whilst at the same time it was anything but – the murder in question being motivated through hatred for the victim’s gender identity at the hands of extreme toxic masculinity.
The victim and main focus of ‘The Girl in the Green Dress’ is Allie Kennaway, an 18 year old sixth form student dressed up to attend her prom. However, one thing that singles Allie out from other girls is that unlike her peers, Allie is transgender. Taking a step outside of the prom’s venue in central Manchester, Allie quickly finds herself a target of sexual harassment. She is groped and verbally abused, before her attackers realise she isn’t biologically female – beating her to death once they do. Seeing a main character killed for their gender identity isn’t new, the victim 90% of the time is a woman after all – but it is rare that a transgender individual features in adult thrillers and the dynamic of transphobic abuse is explored. This is the second book I have read where an individual has been brutally attacked due to their transgender status, the first being Cara Hunter’s ‘All the Rage’ – and it certainly makes for educational reading in addition to the expected element of mystery and suspense.
Throughout the book, Staincliffe provides the perspectives of multiple characters on what is often (rightly or wrongly) termed ‘the transgender debate’. She introduces Emma, Allie’s aunt - who fundamentally disagrees with her transition and cannot set aside the view that Allie put herself into a dangerous situation. We also meet Dale and Oliver, eighteen year old boys who give the term ‘self-centred’ a bad name, and think living as openly transgender is one of the most deplorable acts a person can pursue. Similarly, we learn one of the leading detectives working Allie’s case is a pro in victim-blaming when it comes to women and minorities, feeling repulsed by any individual who fails to meet his straight, white, male standards. Despite sincere allyship on the side of her family, friends, and an enthusiastic yet lower-level police officer assigned to the case, Staincliffe does not shy away from what is all too often the reality of society – a culture and set of institutions within which your demographic characteristics will determine the care and attention you receive from it. With multiple attempts made to blame the victim and leave the case unsolved, I felt sheer frustration and heartache on behalf of Allie and every single real human being for whom this has happened to. I enjoyed the ‘A-Z of being T’ book that Allie had created for her sixth form course, found and read after her death by Steve, her grieving father. I feel these small bites of educational material woven into the fabric of the novel truly enhanced its overall quality, and will provide some of the education needed to combat stigmas surrounding marginalised identities.
I rated this book 4 stars, as it was a relatively quick read, but very unique in its content. I will certainly be seeking to read more of Cath Staincliffe’s work in the future, and share what I have read with those around me.
Thank you for taking the time to read my review. I can be reached at [email protected] and will happily receive books in exchange for honest Goodreads, Instagram and Wordpress reviews. Please consider following my Bookstagram @lovingdiverseliterature and I hope to see you soon!
In my eyes, the most captivating of thrillers are those which merge a classic murder scene or otherwise terrible crime with a contemporary social issue. Jodi Picoult is one of my favourite authors for this exact reason, ‘A Spark of Light’ being a recently devoured favourite of mine. This is precisely why I singled out Cath Staincliffe’s ‘The Girl in the Green Dress’ for review, having found myself engrossed in what is essentially a typical thriller, whilst at the same time it was anything but – the murder in question being motivated through hatred for the victim’s gender identity at the hands of extreme toxic masculinity.
The victim and main focus of ‘The Girl in the Green Dress’ is Allie Kennaway, an 18 year old sixth form student dressed up to attend her prom. However, one thing that singles Allie out from other girls is that unlike her peers, Allie is transgender. Taking a step outside of the prom’s venue in central Manchester, Allie quickly finds herself a target of sexual harassment. She is groped and verbally abused, before her attackers realise she isn’t biologically female – beating her to death once they do. Seeing a main character killed for their gender identity isn’t new, the victim 90% of the time is a woman after all – but it is rare that a transgender individual features in adult thrillers and the dynamic of transphobic abuse is explored. This is the second book I have read where an individual has been brutally attacked due to their transgender status, the first being Cara Hunter’s ‘All the Rage’ – and it certainly makes for educational reading in addition to the expected element of mystery and suspense.
Throughout the book, Staincliffe provides the perspectives of multiple characters on what is often (rightly or wrongly) termed ‘the transgender debate’. She introduces Emma, Allie’s aunt - who fundamentally disagrees with her transition and cannot set aside the view that Allie put herself into a dangerous situation. We also meet Dale and Oliver, eighteen year old boys who give the term ‘self-centred’ a bad name, and think living as openly transgender is one of the most deplorable acts a person can pursue. Similarly, we learn one of the leading detectives working Allie’s case is a pro in victim-blaming when it comes to women and minorities, feeling repulsed by any individual who fails to meet his straight, white, male standards. Despite sincere allyship on the side of her family, friends, and an enthusiastic yet lower-level police officer assigned to the case, Staincliffe does not shy away from what is all too often the reality of society – a culture and set of institutions within which your demographic characteristics will determine the care and attention you receive from it. With multiple attempts made to blame the victim and leave the case unsolved, I felt sheer frustration and heartache on behalf of Allie and every single real human being for whom this has happened to. I enjoyed the ‘A-Z of being T’ book that Allie had created for her sixth form course, found and read after her death by Steve, her grieving father. I feel these small bites of educational material woven into the fabric of the novel truly enhanced its overall quality, and will provide some of the education needed to combat stigmas surrounding marginalised identities.
I rated this book 4 stars, as it was a relatively quick read, but very unique in its content. I will certainly be seeking to read more of Cath Staincliffe’s work in the future, and share what I have read with those around me.
Thank you for taking the time to read my review. I can be reached at [email protected] and will happily receive books in exchange for honest Goodreads, Instagram and Wordpress reviews. Please consider following my Bookstagram @lovingdiverseliterature and I hope to see you soon!