Reviews

From hour to hour I change my mind about how to rate this book. Like - 4 stars because I was totally into the first half, 3 stars because for someone who craves to get back to a normal life - she really should have seen this coming, 5 stars because I DEFINITELY did not see this coming, 3 stars because there is incompetence in the police force and then there is incompetence in the police force, 5 stars because Ravi, 3 stars because how could she do that to Ravi and how could he let her do that to herself?

Look, from a theoretical view, I do not take issue with what the character did but it’s the personal cost that made me uneasy. I don’t know how I feel about it but I’m still thinking about this book a day later so that’s why I’ve toggled toward the 4th star. It certainly gave me feelings and it was certainly a different experience.

If the author felt compelled to write a novella set in the future confirming Pip and Ravi aren’t off their nut, I would be a happy lady.

dhwani2360's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced

5.0

wyntercrystal9's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

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

5.0

b_chivers_'s review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

hazelfire_reads's review against another edition

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5.0

Wow! This was an intricately plotted trilogy finale - I don't think I can recall how many plot twists there were throughout the book and I only finished it less than an hour ago. I've never read a book where the author was able to successfully interweave the rest of their series into their concluding book and come to a satisfying and fulfilling conclusion - both in plot and characterisation.

Holly Jackson has really left us with a remarkable piece of work. Every event, character and detail that wasn't resolved in the previous books really tied together to not only contribute to the thrilling plot, but also reinforce the theme Jackson introduced in her second novel:

Spoiler

that the truth isn't all black and white and it doesn't lie in the procedures that are considered right in the society (the law system etc.)

As someone who has recently read a lot of young adult crime novels, it was really a pleasant surprise to see that the author further characterised the protagonist: Pip, and through the use of repetition, was able to enhance the connection we had with Pip. Pip was no longer just the perfect A grade student using her knowledge to solve a case,

Spoiler

the circumstances were now linked to her and the people around her. I have yet to to see a young adult crime author successfully explore the concept of trauma and overcoming such trauma. Jackson was able to subtly depict the changing character and mental state of Pip, interweaving this appropriately with the events and plot twists that occurred throughout the book.

I really enjoyed this book over the others in the trilogy, as the plot twists and action occurred from the start of the novel, even though it is the one with the largest number of pages. I was hooked from the beginning to the very end. Although, I must admit I was slightly disappointed of the absence of detection; this book basically became a sole thriller rather than an amateur sleuth mystery. However, regardless of the change of genre, it still served to be a captivating read.

Most book/series endings are often unfulfilling, incomplete and just poorly written. But this one was definitely a memorable and satisfying one.

Five stars for excellent plot, characterisation, writing and conclusion.

_tzwrtza_'s review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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