A review by tarynlannister
All the Dangerous Things by Stacy Willingham
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I'm not ashamed to admit I didn't guess many of the twists in All the Dangerous Things, but the clues really were there for those more astute than me. The fast-paced, short chapters are dangerous, like a package of small sweets you suddenly realize you've devoured all of. I'm also a huge sucker for an unreliable narrator, and Isabelle's insomnia is well utilized in that way.
This reminded me of The Girl on the Train in construction and some themes, so if you enjoyed that I think you will enjoy this.
This reminded me of The Girl on the Train in construction and some themes, so if you enjoyed that I think you will enjoy this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting and Kidnapping
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Child death, Alcohol, Death, Grief, Infidelity, Murder, Suicide, Suicide attempt, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Drug abuse, Pregnancy, Stalking, Alcoholism, Blood, Child abuse, Drug use, Miscarriage, and Violence
Overall, fairly mild violence for a mystery novel involving or referring to a few deaths. There is some discussion of a mother attempting murder-suicide with her child during a case of postpartum mental illness, and (late book spoilers, but should read if that theme would bother you) . There is also at least one instance of intentional tampering with birth control to cause a pregnancy without one partner's consent.