Scan barcode
prairieraven's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
1.0
DNF'D due to the subject matter, content and PTSD triggers. Do not recommend for people with body dysmorphia,eating disorders, bullying, victims of domestic abuse, abuse, traumatic experiences, psychological warfare, gas lighting, and so forth. Please read with caution and self care plan
Content Warnings
Moderate: Torture, Toxic friendship, Domestic abuse, Dysphoria, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Physical abuse, Sexual harassment, Stalking, Confinement, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Body shaming, Gaslighting, Kidnapping, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Sexual violence, Alcohol, Cursing, Death, Death of parent, Eating disorder, Pregnancy, Rape, Sexual assault, Violence, Grief, and Sexual content
jesscoast's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I hardly found any part of the book "relatable" or even all that high stakes. The serial killer angle was barely present, and served as a background among typical upper class family drama and first world problems. The secondary male characters were better developed than the serial killer who sort of appeared out of nowhere and disappeared again into oblivion with no consequence.
I found the storytelling quite good and layered at first, but it dragged on too long. The characters were all a little one-note, with noone of them making any significant changes or growth. The dichotomy between "good" and "bad" was too simplistic and made for a too-neat denouement.
One positive attribute I'll give this book is that I liked the online dating progression added to the suspense and excitement, but it ultimately didn't amount to anything.
I also automatically get annoyed at authors who pin too much of their characters' personalities on their looks - being good looking, elegant, slim, etc gets old and is a bit of a lazy trope that lets Western cultural norms and beauty standards do the work of actually developing characters. I don't think the author gave enough (or any) credit to her characters to figure things out and solve problems with their intelligence, experience, or even banding together to help each other out of trouble. There were no real risks, plans, or really even events other than general life milestones and coincidences. The story lacks wit, which is a shame because it would have made the premise and the characters a whole lot more interesting.
I found the storytelling quite good and layered at first, but it dragged on too long. The characters were all a little one-note, with noone of them making any significant changes or growth. The dichotomy between "good" and "bad" was too simplistic and made for a too-neat denouement.
One positive attribute I'll give this book is that I liked the online dating progression added to the suspense and excitement, but it ultimately didn't amount to anything.
I also automatically get annoyed at authors who pin too much of their characters' personalities on their looks - being good looking, elegant, slim, etc gets old and is a bit of a lazy trope that lets Western cultural norms and beauty standards do the work of actually developing characters. I don't think the author gave enough (or any) credit to her characters to figure things out and solve problems with their intelligence, experience, or even banding together to help each other out of trouble. There were no real risks, plans, or really even events other than general life milestones and coincidences. The story lacks wit, which is a shame because it would have made the premise and the characters a whole lot more interesting.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Grief
More...