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gabislo's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.5
ramgelica24's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
jduff86's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars—Engrossing. Provocative. Devastating. This was my first time reading a Megan Goldin suspense story, and it did not disappoint!
Goldin explores some VERY sensitive subject matter in a well-researched way, revealing the dark realities of rape culture and how the burden of proof is placed on sexual assault victims—their reputations destroyed—while "boys will be boys" is normalized, especially in the social circles of the rich and powerful.
Despite two stories intersecting in this novel (past and present), with multiple narrators and a true crime podcast component, Goldin executed these threads brilliantly and I had no trouble staying hooked. Was totally surprised by the ending!
Goldin explores some VERY sensitive subject matter in a well-researched way, revealing the dark realities of rape culture and how the burden of proof is placed on sexual assault victims—their reputations destroyed—while "boys will be boys" is normalized, especially in the social circles of the rich and powerful.
Despite two stories intersecting in this novel (past and present), with multiple narrators and a true crime podcast component, Goldin executed these threads brilliantly and I had no trouble staying hooked. Was totally surprised by the ending!
stalbot18's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
bloodypanic's review against another edition
5.0
I had no expectations when I grabbed this book out of a bargain bin at Books-A-Million. I was intrigued by the title and the little summary blurb in the front jacket, but other than that, I knew nothing about the book or the author when I started reading.
It wound up being super addictive! I've never been so enraged by reading a book before!! The subject matter of this book is very real and very horrifying, and the author handles it with a lot of care. Never did the violence against women feel glorified or the descriptions too grotesque, but that didn't take away from the disturbing reality of it one bit.
I felt the big reveal was very obvious, but that didn't take away from the thrill I got accompanying Rachel Krall in her adventure of uncovering the mystery!
It wound up being super addictive! I've never been so enraged by reading a book before!! The subject matter of this book is very real and very horrifying, and the author handles it with a lot of care. Never did the violence against women feel glorified or the descriptions too grotesque, but that didn't take away from the disturbing reality of it one bit.
I felt the big reveal was very obvious, but that didn't take away from the thrill I got accompanying Rachel Krall in her adventure of uncovering the mystery!
ollie_again's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
tense
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, and Medical trauma
Moderate: Gaslighting
librarianleah's review against another edition
4.0
While it started off a bit slow, this book never lacked in believability. I’m used to reading a lot of fast paced thrillers that can be pretty unrealistic, and this is not one of those. Rather, it’s a harrowing look at how sexual assault and women are treated in this country. Megan Goldin worked as a correspondent for Reuters and it’s clear she knows her stuff. Every bit of this book read as if it were a true story unfolding. I wouldn’t call it a thriller, but there were definitely a few surprises that probably pack that much more of a punch BECAUSE the book seems so unassuming. Overall, I highly recommend it if you want a lightly thrilling and very realistic story about the devastation that rape causes over generations and the lengths at which prominent people in a close knit community will go to cover up these heinous crimes. This was my first book by Megan Goldin and I am looking forward to reading her other works.
gabbybrou's review against another edition
5.0
I could not put this down. The story sucked me in from the beginning!
bettinab's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Sexual assault
edlib's review against another edition
4.0
I absolutely loved this book. I read it after Denise Mina’s Conviction, which also features a true crime pod cast as part of the plot.
This is a very complicated & serious exploration of memories, trauma & rape. But, it’s also packed in an interesting and enjoyable mystery format. I really appreciated the way it was written with the different voices of Rachel & Hannah’s perspective, interlaced with Rachel’s podcast. I also enjoyed the fact that the energy to propel the plot in this story, came from the past. Actions have consequences.
The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars is I did figure it out before the big reveal. But, I really recommend this book. It was a great balance of painful social issues, character development and a dizzying mystery. The crash of the past catching up to the present. It was very relevant and raw. The characters were believable and acting in understandable ways given their circumstances. It has so much to say about pre-meditation and acts of violence. But, it was also never preachy or manipulative of my emotions. It was fun to read despite the heartbreaking scenes, because hope was always stubbornly clinging around the edges.
I’d read another book about Rachel and her podcast for season 4! Pete has a great lead and I want to know what it is!
This is a very complicated & serious exploration of memories, trauma & rape. But, it’s also packed in an interesting and enjoyable mystery format. I really appreciated the way it was written with the different voices of Rachel & Hannah’s perspective, interlaced with Rachel’s podcast. I also enjoyed the fact that the energy to propel the plot in this story, came from the past. Actions have consequences.
The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars is I did figure it out before the big reveal. But, I really recommend this book. It was a great balance of painful social issues, character development and a dizzying mystery. The crash of the past catching up to the present. It was very relevant and raw. The characters were believable and acting in understandable ways given their circumstances. It has so much to say about pre-meditation and acts of violence. But, it was also never preachy or manipulative of my emotions. It was fun to read despite the heartbreaking scenes, because hope was always stubbornly clinging around the edges.
I’d read another book about Rachel and her podcast for season 4! Pete has a great lead and I want to know what it is!