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sberry225's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Grief, and Murder
Moderate: Cursing and Sexual assault
Minor: Miscarriage, Self harm, and Suicide attempt
stephanie_jmc's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Another book club read and probably the earliest I’ve ever started /finished a book club book - I usually am racing to read them the days before we meet ! This one gets a 6.2/10.
Honestly, the book was very intriguing at first. I raced through the first 120 pages or so pretty quickly - and then maintained my pace because I was committed to finishing the book fast. But it gets very repetitive and boring. A nonstop cycle of chapters that alternate between 5 characters, all of which seem to always end on cliff hangers with very minimal, if any, progress happening in the book. Nothing really happens until the last 30ish pages and then it all happens really fast. The ending was annoying as well but I really can’t expand on that more without giving spoilers. There’s also not really a whole lot of “fair” hints to make it fun to try and guess who did it. (Guessing who did it is my favourite part about mystery books).
It’s possible that because this was also a mystery “who dun it” book that does not remotely measure up to the mystery book I just read/posted about, I’m being a bit harsher on this novel as a result. The writing is simple, it does keep you wondering, but ultimately was kind of a “meh” book overall. I wouldn’t recommend against it, but I also wouldn’t actively promote it. If you’re really into mysteries / cliff hangers - you might like this book !
Honestly, the book was very intriguing at first. I raced through the first 120 pages or so pretty quickly - and then maintained my pace because I was committed to finishing the book fast. But it gets very repetitive and boring. A nonstop cycle of chapters that alternate between 5 characters, all of which seem to always end on cliff hangers with very minimal, if any, progress happening in the book. Nothing really happens until the last 30ish pages and then it all happens really fast. The ending was annoying as well but I really can’t expand on that more without giving spoilers. There’s also not really a whole lot of “fair” hints to make it fun to try and guess who did it. (Guessing who did it is my favourite part about mystery books).
It’s possible that because this was also a mystery “who dun it” book that does not remotely measure up to the mystery book I just read/posted about, I’m being a bit harsher on this novel as a result. The writing is simple, it does keep you wondering, but ultimately was kind of a “meh” book overall. I wouldn’t recommend against it, but I also wouldn’t actively promote it. If you’re really into mysteries / cliff hangers - you might like this book !
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Violence, Kidnapping, Grief, and Murder
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Eating disorder, Incest, Self harm, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, and Classism
pippamillerxoxo_'s review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Death, Eating disorder, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Pedophilia, Self harm, Sexual assault, Violence, Vomit, Kidnapping, Grief, Suicide attempt, Murder, and Pregnancy
beckyremillard's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Grief, Stalking, Suicide attempt, and Murder
Moderate: Eating disorder and Self harm
mackenziesimpson's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Eating disorder, Self harm, Sexual assault, Grief, and Suicide attempt
hannahelizza556's review against another edition
dark
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? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Ella Longsfield is travelling by train when she overhears two young men flirting with two teenage girls. She thinks nothing of it until she hears that the men are fresh out of prison, her maternal instincts become on high alert. But, just as Anna has decided to call for help, something stops her. The next day, one of the girls – Anna Ballard – has disappeared. No trace of evidence is uncovered and no suspects to tie them to the supposed abduction and possible murder of Anna Ballard.
Ella is wracked with guilt fearing that she is to blame for Anna’s disappearance, failing to do what she should have done that day on the train. Someone starts sending Ella letters to her… “I am watching you…” One year on and an appeal is brought to the attention of the general public. It becomes clear to the reader that Anna’s friend Sarah hasn’t been telling the whole truth about what happened that fateful night, nor have Anna’s parents as deeper secrets are uncovered. Who is responsible for Anna’s murder? Who knows where she is?
The themes explored in this book are harsh and bring light to real issues that happen in daily life. Themes include teenage abduction, physical violence and murder, all of these themes are central to the book. Mental illness and suicide is also explored throughout, particularly feelings towards guilt and trauma. Domestic violence is also explored in regards to physical and emotional abuse. Sex is also a central theme to the book and is threaded throughout.
Ella is wracked with guilt fearing that she is to blame for Anna’s disappearance, failing to do what she should have done that day on the train. Someone starts sending Ella letters to her… “I am watching you…” One year on and an appeal is brought to the attention of the general public. It becomes clear to the reader that Anna’s friend Sarah hasn’t been telling the whole truth about what happened that fateful night, nor have Anna’s parents as deeper secrets are uncovered. Who is responsible for Anna’s murder? Who knows where she is?
The themes explored in this book are harsh and bring light to real issues that happen in daily life. Themes include teenage abduction, physical violence and murder, all of these themes are central to the book. Mental illness and suicide is also explored throughout, particularly feelings towards guilt and trauma. Domestic violence is also explored in regards to physical and emotional abuse. Sex is also a central theme to the book and is threaded throughout.
I read this book within three days as I just couldn’t put it down. The different points of view put across in this book added to the tension and suspense I felt overall for this book. I kept trying to guess who the killer was, it turns out all my guesses were totally wrong. The killer really was hidden until the end of the book and the possibility of another murder was imminent.
This book was my first read of 2021 and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I hope to read more of Teresa Driscoll’s books again. Unlike some crime books this one doesn’t focus on the gory, blood side to the investigation but the aftermath and the effect it has on the family members and friends. I would recommend this book to all readers, new and old to the crime genre section of the book store.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Pedophilia, Violence, Blood, Grief, and Murder