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ejsimpson's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I wasn’t entirely sure what I was getting myself into when I plucked this title from a tall pile of other mysterious thrillers and dramas. There are multiple stories in this book, yet there’s a thread to tie them together… in more ways than one. I was under the impression this had to be inspired by the case of the student swimmer accused of raping a classmate on campus, but didn’t look up any info as to whether that’s true or not. With that in mind, I think it makes the conversations this book could spark even more important.
The chapters are short but poignant, though I wonder how could Rachel’s podcast truly be topping the charts with such short entries (then again, I’m largely unfamiliar with podcasts). Such short chapters make the story feel like it’s progressing more quickly, or maybe that’s this bookworm’s “oh, just one more chapter” excuse for staying up late. A quick and easy read but one centered on an important yet controversial topic.
At one point Rachel tells her listeners that as a woman she is expected to merely ignore and accept small acts of sexual assault. Inconspicuous things, seemingly accidental things. This I think all women can relate to, some more than others. Why can we agree that murder is bad yet be so divided on rape and sexual assault? There was a chapter where K takes the stand and her testimony could be difficult for some readers as it discusses the events of the fateful night on the beach. The screaming and pleading, the bruises and descriptions of photos, the intentionally cruel attitude of Scott.
The back and forth of K v Scott unfolding “in real time” while the hazy truth of Jenny’s torturous final weeks come to light was done methodically and done well. Neither giving too much away at a time or being so dreary as to drag on. The conclusion was one I didn’t wholly see coming, and it was nice to be a bit surprised. Overall, I enjoyed this book, the fleshed out characters, and felt it didn’t leave me wanting, didn’t leave me with any questions about the characters or plot (central to the story, anyway), so I would recommend this book.
The chapters are short but poignant, though I wonder how could Rachel’s podcast truly be topping the charts with such short entries (then again, I’m largely unfamiliar with podcasts). Such short chapters make the story feel like it’s progressing more quickly, or maybe that’s this bookworm’s “oh, just one more chapter” excuse for staying up late. A quick and easy read but one centered on an important yet controversial topic.
At one point Rachel tells her listeners that as a woman she is expected to merely ignore and accept small acts of sexual assault. Inconspicuous things, seemingly accidental things. This I think all women can relate to, some more than others. Why can we agree that murder is bad yet be so divided on rape and sexual assault? There was a chapter where K takes the stand and her testimony could be difficult for some readers as it discusses the events of the fateful night on the beach. The screaming and pleading, the bruises and descriptions of photos, the intentionally cruel attitude of Scott.
The back and forth of K v Scott unfolding “in real time” while the hazy truth of Jenny’s torturous final weeks come to light was done methodically and done well. Neither giving too much away at a time or being so dreary as to drag on. The conclusion was one I didn’t wholly see coming, and it was nice to be a bit surprised. Overall, I enjoyed this book, the fleshed out characters, and felt it didn’t leave me wanting, didn’t leave me with any questions about the characters or plot (central to the story, anyway), so I would recommend this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Cancer, Child abuse, Child death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Suicide, Grief, Stalking, Car accident, Fire/Fire injury, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Blood and Alcohol
cbranche's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, Car accident, Murder, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
lilawsahar's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I listened to the audio book and I highly recommend! There were three narrators hired to read the book and they all did a remarkable job. I love how the chapters alternated between Rachel’s POV (the podcaster), Hannah’s letters (the sister of a tragic incident), and Rachel’s podcasts. Hannah’s letters had me at the edge of my seat every time. I loved how the two cases were tied together and the whole time I was thinking “who was Jenny’s murderer?”.
I can’t wait until the next book!!
I can’t wait until the next book!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Murder, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Bullying, Panic attacks/disorders, Car accident, Fire/Fire injury, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
shereadsmysteries's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Misogyny, Sexual violence, Suicide, Grief, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Child abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Violence, and Gaslighting
Also: Slut shaming Story revolves around rape trial and can be very triggering/disturbing.lovelymisanthrope's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I was very pleasantly surprised by how much I loved this novel! I decided to listen to this as an audiobook since a big plot point of this novel is that one of the main POVs has a podcast. I think listening to this book really added an additional layer of enjoyment. I will caution anyone that wants to read this book that it was very hard to read at times because of the graphic depiction of sensitive topics such as: rape, murder, blackmail, alcohol use, and toxic friendships.
This novel follows two different woman. The first is in town because she hosts a podcast and has decided to cover a rape trial as it is happening. The second woman is trying to seek justice for her sister's murder from many years ago, and she is seeking the podcaster's help to uncover the truth. I felt like this book did a great job highlighting the hardships of being a victim, especially when people do not believe what happened to you. I also really enjoyed the mystery in this book. I felt like it was very believable and I was very satisfied with the ultimate ending of this book.
This novel follows two different woman. The first is in town because she hosts a podcast and has decided to cover a rape trial as it is happening. The second woman is trying to seek justice for her sister's murder from many years ago, and she is seeking the podcaster's help to uncover the truth. I felt like this book did a great job highlighting the hardships of being a victim, especially when people do not believe what happened to you. I also really enjoyed the mystery in this book. I felt like it was very believable and I was very satisfied with the ultimate ending of this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Violence, Murder, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Alcoholism and Alcohol
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