A review by melodyseestrees
Jackal by Erin E. Adams

dark mysterious 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

4.25

Sandra Okuboyeho and William DeMeritt do fantastic narrations of their story sections. You will stay firmly on the edge of your seat hoping for the safe return of the missing girl and justice for the other girls. This story takes a twist towards the fantastical so if you don't like fantastical elements in your thrillers this will not necessarily be for you. If you go in knowing to expect the element towards the conclusion you will be less disappointed though as it is well done, just not very realistic. The spoiler tag reveals the unrealistic element solidly so click at your own risk.

The Jackal is a possibly demonic entity encouraging this random white family to murder black little girls and feed him the girls' hearts so he can become real. The white family is a father, a son, and the son's wife. The father taught the son to kill only little girls as the blame can be more easily spread out amongst the populace. The son wanted to kill specifically Liz out of jealousy over her mother being a doctor when he is unable to afford the education needed to become a doctor. It is racially motivated hatred and jealousy. The wife supports her husband unquestiongly and directly participates in at least one crime, the kidnapping of Caroline. The Jackal wanted to team up with Liz instead of Doug because of her 'pure heart' as he wants to become a God and knew Doug's hatred would burn up the body too fast.

 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcoholism, Body horror, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Eating disorder, Gore, Racism, Sexual violence, Violence, Blood, and Kidnapping

Moderate: Animal death, Child abuse, Fatphobia, Rape, and Violence

Much of the specifics within the tags happen off page but the implications can be intense. If you see your triggers listed proceed with caution. A character gets their leg broken pretty descriptively. Some of the details around hearts are visceral. At two points there is a heavily described deer carcass. One of those points involves popcorn kernels. I couldn't tag violence against children so I tagged it as child abuse.