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A review by honestlyyours77
Missing Clarissa by Ripley Jones
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I read the audio version of this title and I am glad I did.
The story is generally about 2 teens who create a podcast about an unsolved missing person from 2 decades previously for a school project in their journalism class. Listening to the audio version of it lent itself to hearing the podcast feature. The audio reader did a great job with the characters and added to the enjoyment of the story without going overboard in trying to completely shape one’s experience with the story.
The character of Cam was indeed annoying as other reviewers have mentioned. The audio reader even shows this in the characters voice. But while annoying it completely allowed you to understand the character herself. Too brilliant for her own good which gets her into trouble as she cuts corners and crosses the line in various situations. It embodied those who “do” before they consciously think, something that many teens (and even adults) fall victim too.
Then you have her polar opposite in Blair providing the constant, the safety. You really get who these girls are within themselves without the author having to tell you literally.
The case itself was interesting as it unfolded. The one part of the story that I found lacking and seemed as if it was either an after thought or a topic that was thrown in due to social justice being a hot topic right now or something the author personally is interested in, is the sub plot surrounding the local indigenous people.
It’s great that it is mentioned but I hate that it wasn’t explored more in depth as it comes off as pandering or thrown in because it’s what’s popular to do right now.
I highly recommend this book for those that enjoy true crime podcasts, mysteries and general YA crime.
The story is generally about 2 teens who create a podcast about an unsolved missing person from 2 decades previously for a school project in their journalism class. Listening to the audio version of it lent itself to hearing the podcast feature. The audio reader did a great job with the characters and added to the enjoyment of the story without going overboard in trying to completely shape one’s experience with the story.
The character of Cam was indeed annoying as other reviewers have mentioned. The audio reader even shows this in the characters voice. But while annoying it completely allowed you to understand the character herself. Too brilliant for her own good which gets her into trouble as she cuts corners and crosses the line in various situations. It embodied those who “do” before they consciously think, something that many teens (and even adults) fall victim too.
Then you have her polar opposite in Blair providing the constant, the safety. You really get who these girls are within themselves without the author having to tell you literally.
The case itself was interesting as it unfolded. The one part of the story that I found lacking and seemed as if it was either an after thought or a topic that was thrown in due to social justice being a hot topic right now or something the author personally is interested in, is the sub plot surrounding the local indigenous people.
It’s great that it is mentioned but I hate that it wasn’t explored more in depth as it comes off as pandering or thrown in because it’s what’s popular to do right now.
I highly recommend this book for those that enjoy true crime podcasts, mysteries and general YA crime.