Scan barcode
A review by lilifane
Local Girl Missing by Claire Douglas
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-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
3.0
Okay, that was actually ... fun?
I got hooked pretty quickly on the story but when I progressed with it, things started to bother me (but by that time I already wanted to know how this would end, so I pushed through it). I liked that we get two perspectives in two different timelines. But omg, I was so annoyed by the protagonist in the present timeline. I'm not against unlikable characters, but she was so self-centered and whiny all the time. I also had problems understanding some actions and motivations of the characters in the present timeline. Then there is this cool setting in a small, gloomy coastal town (my favorite) but I don't think the author used its potential fully.
But I liked how things were revealed gradually, went into directions I didn't foresee, and came together in the end. Although the ending didn't surprise me, I was not expecting it and therefore enjoyed it quite a lot. I think if the characters were better developed and the setting used to its full potential, this could have been a great book. The way it is now, it was the perfect pallet cleanser after two very emotional books with heavy topics for me. (Although there are some heavy topics here too - they are just not explored in detail - and I recommend to check content warnings if you need them.)
I got hooked pretty quickly on the story but when I progressed with it, things started to bother me (but by that time I already wanted to know how this would end, so I pushed through it). I liked that we get two perspectives in two different timelines. But omg, I was so annoyed by the protagonist in the present timeline. I'm not against unlikable characters, but she was so self-centered and whiny all the time. I also had problems understanding some actions and motivations of the characters in the present timeline. Then there is this cool setting in a small, gloomy coastal town (my favorite) but I don't think the author used its potential fully.
But I liked how things were revealed gradually, went into directions I didn't foresee, and came together in the end. Although the ending didn't surprise me, I was not expecting it and therefore enjoyed it quite a lot. I think if the characters were better developed and the setting used to its full potential, this could have been a great book. The way it is now, it was the perfect pallet cleanser after two very emotional books with heavy topics for me. (Although there are some heavy topics here too - they are just not explored in detail - and I recommend to check content warnings if you need them.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Rape, Toxic relationship, Grief, Stalking, Murder, Toxic friendship, and Sexual harassment