Originally posted to I Should Read That

I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is a spoiler-free review.

I went on a big crime novel binge in October and The Sharp Edge of a Snowflake was one of the books I picked up. I adore the author as a person, having met her a couple of times at events like YALC, and this was the perfect time to pick up her latest book. I was absolutely delighted by this fantastic, twisty YA Nordic thriller.

Thanks to my recent YA crime binge, I feel like I can confidently say that this is one of my favourites of the genre. I’m not sure what it was about this book that felt more mature than something like Truly Devious or One of Us is Lying, but The Sharp Edge of a Snowflake is a book that I feel really transcends its YA label -- I think fans of adult psychological thrillers would really enjoy this book as well as YA readers. Perhaps it is the tension in Hannah’s family or Imogen’s dark past. Maybe it is the quieter, less action-packed story. It could be the sense of tension that continues to build and build as the story progresses. Whatever it may be, I think The Sharp Edge of a Snowflake is a fantastic addition to the psychological thriller genre!

I really enjoyed both Hannah and Imogen’s points of view. Despite the fact that they’re both very different people, their lives have been thrown off balance by trauma. The displacement in their lives adds an intriguing layer to both their stories and helps make them jump off the page as well fleshed out characters. Of the two, I think Imogen was actually my favourite, something I was quite surprised by. They both have good character arcs, however I was totally intrigued by Imogen’s life as an accidental social media star, how that status has impacted her life, and how much social media can influence one’s self worth.

Of all the YA crime books I've read recently, The Sharp Edge of a Snowflake is easily my favourite one and I'm looking forward to reading whatever Sif writes next. Filled with twists and turns, intriguing characters, and a great mystery, The Sharp Edge of a Snowflake is an incredibly fun read for your winter TBR.

CW: on-page attempted rape, PTSD

4.5 out of 5 stars