meeklovestoread's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I don't think I'll classify this as a thriller because there wasn't anything "thrilling" anything about it. No bread crumbs to leave you guessing. It really just centered on Hannah's guilt that she could've potentially put an innocent man away. Speaking of him, I know she wrote him as this creepy guy to establish why Hannah felt the way that she felt about him, but even as I was reading his scenes I couldn't help but feel creeped out with her. He was a very odd bloke and his actions towards her were unsettling. Although his actions were creepy, I did see a comment that stated that John Neville's behavior was consistent with someone on the spectrum. I don't want to stigmatize so this is just a theory, but as I was reading about him and his mannerism I couldn't help but think the same thing. I don't think he meant much harm to Hannah. He may just not have understood her discomfort ( just a theory). Also, that teacher is also disgusting. I know good and well he was sleeping with his students.
As for the portion of who did it, I honestly would've preferred if this specific character that they were pointing out for most of the book was the killer.
Spoiler
Although predictable I wish it would've been Will that was the killer. They were alluding to it for a good portion of the second half of the book and I honestly think it would've made more sense. It being Hugh wasn't predictable, but his reasoning did add much impact in my opinion. It just felt like a twist that can out of nowhere. And what was the point of her finding out about that window shortcut if it was;t going to be an important element later? I feel like that was a waste of a potential plot point.Also, can we just talk about how Hannah barely prioritized her child's health this entire book.
Spoiler
The fact that her baby survived all that stress feels extremely unrealistic even by book standards. I was honestly expecting her to lose it in the end and have Will be the killer.Graphic: Toxic friendship, Gun violence, Infidelity, Emotional abuse, Grief, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Murder, Cursing, Violence, and Gaslighting
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Cancer, Drug abuse, Domestic abuse, Toxic relationship, Medical content, and Misogyny
doreyghc's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Graphic: Murder, Toxic friendship, Death, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Toxic relationship, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Classism, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Miscarriage, Alcohol, Sexual assault, Drug use, Blood, Bullying, Gaslighting, and Gun violence
Minor: Vomit, Cancer, Cursing, Sexual content, Suicide, Suicide attempt, and Panic attacks/disorders
solouncapitulomas's review
- 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
3.5
Graphic: Pregnancy, Murder, and Death
Moderate: Toxic friendship, Drug abuse, and Stalking
Minor: Drug use, Alcohol, and Cancer
soobooksalot's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Ten years ago, Hannah Jones's wealthy and popular roommate, April Clarke-Cliveden was found murdered in their dorm room.
Convicted for the crime was one of the college's security porters, John Neville, who died in prison while proclaiming his innocence.
Told in two storylines; Hannah's distress and remorse are recounted in After, and events leading to the murder itself a decade earlier in Before.
This is some great slow-burn storytelling, with webs of drama and flawed characters.
This has been a highly-anticipated release for many - myself included - and it absolutely did not disappoint.
Recommended!
For release on July 12.
Graphic: Pregnancy
Moderate: Drug use, Grief, and Murder
Minor: Alcohol, Cancer, and Sexual content
uranaishi's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Graphic: Kidnapping and Pregnancy
Moderate: Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Stalking, Alcohol, Bullying, Classism, Confinement, Drug use, Infidelity, Murder, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Eating disorder, Grief, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Sexual harassment, Toxic friendship, and Violence
Minor: Blood, Domestic abuse, Medical content, Toxic relationship, Cancer, and Death of parent