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billston's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
daniwantsalibrary's review against another edition
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
littlem0use's review against another edition
3.0
This novel had me confused through most of it. I'm not sure if it was because my lack of interest or the fact soo many characters and timeframes.
lyricsninja's review against another edition
2.0
The Wicked Girls operates through flashbacks about a childhood event and the eventual adulthood of those involved, 25 years later. During the childhood event, more specifically the age of 11, two girls are convicted of the murder of a 4 year old girl. As the novel progresses, more of the story is unfurled via flashbacks of sorts until you are left with the full events of that day. Fast forward 25 years and you have the bulk of the current story. The two girls have served their time and live entirely different lives, under different names. Unfortunately for them, they are about to meet up again where a serial killer is seemingly working around them… threatening to expose their secret.
The overall book is a pretty decent read, from a storyline standpoint. Where the book really suffers is the characters. One problem is that there really isn’t a great definition between characters. Many of them have pretty much the same attributes throughout. The slight differences are few and far between. And that could have possibly been overlooked if the majority of the characters were likable in some way. The sad reality is that almost everyone in the book is unlikable to the point of grating on your nerves. Dumb characters with way too many secrets that treat each other like crap. Its hard to give this anything more than a 2/5.
The overall book is a pretty decent read, from a storyline standpoint. Where the book really suffers is the characters. One problem is that there really isn’t a great definition between characters. Many of them have pretty much the same attributes throughout. The slight differences are few and far between. And that could have possibly been overlooked if the majority of the characters were likable in some way. The sad reality is that almost everyone in the book is unlikable to the point of grating on your nerves. Dumb characters with way too many secrets that treat each other like crap. Its hard to give this anything more than a 2/5.
vegantrav's review against another edition
4.0
*****mild spoilers in this review*****
This novel is entitled The Wicked Girls, but I don't think it's an accurate title. The title characters, Kirsty and Amber, are really not, I would argue, wicked at all. They are victims of circumstance and unfortunate upbringing and, but for these background factors beyond their control, would probably be considered to be rather good people. In fact, as a adults, they actually prove themselves to be the anti-thesis of wickedness: Kirsty is a loving, caring mother and wife as well as a hard-working journalist while Amber is dedicated to her husband, Vic, despite his moodiness, and cares deeply for her friends and co-workers, striving to help them as much as she can.
The real wicked characters in this novel are the men, not Kirsty and Amber. In order not to spoil anything further, I shan't elaborate on this, but it will be very clear to any reader to which men I am referring.
Even in the seminal event that starkly affects Kirsty and Amber for the rest of their lives, the actions taken by Kirsty and Amber don't really rise to the level of wickedness; the event is, in many ways, an accident, and it results more from childish (they are eleven when the event occurs) anger and selfishness than wickedness.
This is a great double (even, in some ways, triple) mystery. The title characters strive for redemption and, in a way, they attain it, though certainly not in the manner that one might expect.
This novel is entitled The Wicked Girls, but I don't think it's an accurate title. The title characters, Kirsty and Amber, are really not, I would argue, wicked at all. They are victims of circumstance and unfortunate upbringing and, but for these background factors beyond their control, would probably be considered to be rather good people. In fact, as a adults, they actually prove themselves to be the anti-thesis of wickedness: Kirsty is a loving, caring mother and wife as well as a hard-working journalist while Amber is dedicated to her husband, Vic, despite his moodiness, and cares deeply for her friends and co-workers, striving to help them as much as she can.
The real wicked characters in this novel are the men, not Kirsty and Amber. In order not to spoil anything further, I shan't elaborate on this, but it will be very clear to any reader to which men I am referring.
Even in the seminal event that starkly affects Kirsty and Amber for the rest of their lives, the actions taken by Kirsty and Amber don't really rise to the level of wickedness; the event is, in many ways, an accident, and it results more from childish (they are eleven when the event occurs) anger and selfishness than wickedness.
This is a great double (even, in some ways, triple) mystery. The title characters strive for redemption and, in a way, they attain it, though certainly not in the manner that one might expect.
romangirl210's review against another edition
5.0
I'm so excited to discover this author (also known as Serena Mackesey in the UK). This is a beautifully written, atmospheric novel of suspense. The past and present narratives are dovetail perfectly to amp up the tension. I love the seedy seaside resort setting and all the Britishisms--I had to go out twice for fish and chips while reading. I'm looking forward to reading Alex Marwood's next book.
michaelapr's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
This is a book that was apparently popular when it was written but I didn't care for it. I'm really just left bummed out and glad it's over.
This was written in a way that's popular in mystery books that are trying to be "gritty" and "real" which really translated to focusing on the grossness of humanity along with unneeded sexual violence. Besides that, the premise was fine but the execution was lacking. The ending didn't have a twist and the end could have been much better instead of making reading this book feel pointless.
This was written in a way that's popular in mystery books that are trying to be "gritty" and "real" which really translated to focusing on the grossness of humanity along with unneeded sexual violence. Besides that, the premise was fine but the execution was lacking. The ending didn't have a twist and the end could have been much better instead of making reading this book feel pointless.
maryanneross's review against another edition
3.0
The Wicked Girls was certainly absorbing and suspenseful. I must admit that initially I did have trouble keeping Amber/Jade and Kirsty/Bel at the beginning. I also was more curious to hear about Jade and Bel's incarcerations and childhoods. The novelist made mention of the differences but didn't let the reader experience those contrasts ourselves. I also would have liked to have seen more character development of the protagonists and a bit more distinction seen between the main characters.
Overall, this book held my attention and kept me in suspense. It was easy to read and would be perfect for a day at the beach or pool. Fans of crime dramas will enjoy The Wicked Girls.
Overall, this book held my attention and kept me in suspense. It was easy to read and would be perfect for a day at the beach or pool. Fans of crime dramas will enjoy The Wicked Girls.
happycrafter207's review against another edition
3.0
Not so much of a thriller here, in my opinion.. but nevertheless, a good read!
The flashbacks were quite a great way of explaining what happened when the girls were 11yr. One of the girls gets the short end of the stick in all things since that one day years ago therefore you feel badly for her. The other by the end you wonder if she is all there.
I like the fact that the writer took time to explain clearly what happens to child killers (or in this case, alleged child killer) after they enter the system instead of just throwing a few words and expecting the readers to understand fully.
The ending will have you thinking-I found myself having trouble falling asleep because I was trying to figure out if it was the way I wanted it to end or if I approved.
The flashbacks were quite a great way of explaining what happened when the girls were 11yr. One of the girls gets the short end of the stick in all things since that one day years ago therefore you feel badly for her. The other by the end you wonder if she is all there.
I like the fact that the writer took time to explain clearly what happens to child killers (or in this case, alleged child killer) after they enter the system instead of just throwing a few words and expecting the readers to understand fully.
The ending will have you thinking-I found myself having trouble falling asleep because I was trying to figure out if it was the way I wanted it to end or if I approved.