A review by chemistreadingonthejob
Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Unsettling and Jarring Pageturner
Pretty Girls is a grisly thriller by Karin Slaughter that is sure to make your heart race. Twenty years ago Claire and Lydia's older sister Julia disappeared. The aftermath tore their family apart. After the death of Claire's husband Paul, Lydia reunites with Claire in search of a possible connection between the current disappearances and their sister Julia.
Claire and Lydia both have their flaws, but their unique personalities feel genuine with their shared trauma. Lydia does not trust Claire after a grievous betrayal years ago, and this is the part that feels the most authentic. Their relationship doesn't just magically fix itself. When Lydia's life is at stake she doubts her sister the entire time. They keep secrets from each other, and they lie. Considering the circumstances, I'd say that's accurate for their situation. There's an incredible amount of character development for such a graphic and disturbing plot. It gave me I Spit on Your Grave vibes, a horror that also still lives rent free in my head.
This is not a thriller that everybody can stomach. It's one that many will have to put down regardless of it's addictive nature, and process a moment. There are many detailed descriptions of snuff films, rape, torture, and murder. The summary provides almost no hint to the horrifying story that awaits you. Going into this blind makes it feel even more shocking. I remember thinking this is not how I thought this would go. Karin Slaughter is undeniably talented at creating a spine-chilling atmosphere and setting a tone that fits her carefully crafted plots. Pretty Girls is no exception. From beginning to end, it's a wild ride and a truly unique narrative that has potential to haunt your dreams. I would recommend this for those that like a realistic and sinister thriller, and can handle the nauseating triggers.
Read this if you like:
🔪 horror crime movies
💵 corruption
🔫 women getting revenge
🩸 graphic details
Pretty Girls is a grisly thriller by Karin Slaughter that is sure to make your heart race. Twenty years ago Claire and Lydia's older sister Julia disappeared. The aftermath tore their family apart. After the death of Claire's husband Paul, Lydia reunites with Claire in search of a possible connection between the current disappearances and their sister Julia.
Claire and Lydia both have their flaws, but their unique personalities feel genuine with their shared trauma. Lydia does not trust Claire after a grievous betrayal years ago, and this is the part that feels the most authentic. Their relationship doesn't just magically fix itself. When Lydia's life is at stake she doubts her sister the entire time. They keep secrets from each other, and they lie. Considering the circumstances, I'd say that's accurate for their situation. There's an incredible amount of character development for such a graphic and disturbing plot. It gave me I Spit on Your Grave vibes, a horror that also still lives rent free in my head.
This is not a thriller that everybody can stomach. It's one that many will have to put down regardless of it's addictive nature, and process a moment. There are many detailed descriptions of snuff films, rape, torture, and murder. The summary provides almost no hint to the horrifying story that awaits you. Going into this blind makes it feel even more shocking. I remember thinking this is not how I thought this would go. Karin Slaughter is undeniably talented at creating a spine-chilling atmosphere and setting a tone that fits her carefully crafted plots. Pretty Girls is no exception. From beginning to end, it's a wild ride and a truly unique narrative that has potential to haunt your dreams. I would recommend this for those that like a realistic and sinister thriller, and can handle the nauseating triggers.
Read this if you like:
🔪 horror crime movies
💵 corruption
🔫 women getting revenge
🩸 graphic details
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Torture, Trafficking, and Sexual violence