A review by themomwithabook
This Might Hurt by Stephanie Wrobel

dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Review of This Might Hurt by Stephanie Wrobel:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The last time Natalie spoke with her sister was over six months ago when Kit announced that she was going on an off-the-grid retreat to work on herself.  But Natalie receives an email from Wisewood, threatening to expose a secret that she has long kept from Kit.  In a panic, Natalie rushes up to the remote island in Maine to come clean to her sister and try and convince her to come home.  But Natalie quickly realizes that something is off about Wisewood.  Strict rules, uncomfortable “tests” and cultish vibes, Wisewood won’t let one of their own go so easily.

Are you looking for a book that has an opening scene that will leave you with your mouth hanging open?  A scene that will have you questioning what the hell kind of book this is?  Well here you go.  The title of this book couldn’t be more fitting.  Told from multiple points of view and dual timelines, This Might Hurt was every bit dark, suspenseful, eerie, and bizarre - with cold and calculating characters.  Like anything you’re not privy to, cults and secret societies (real or fiction) are fascinating to many people.  I was so consumed with curiosity that I couldn’t put it down despite the slower parts.  Unfortunately the ending just did not satisfy me.  A lot was left open for interpretation which some might appreciate more than others but I much prefer all loose ends tied up and clear about what happened so - in that respect it fell flat for me.  Otherwise this was an engrossing thriller that I definitely had a hard time putting down.
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