I picked this up because I wanted to read more of Nicci French's writing since I had finished the 8 part Freida Klein series. I was not disappointed at all! It is a work of fiction, so I had to suspend a lot of my own doubt about whether the circumstances could even exist in a real court (but honestly, I don't care for it being accurate!) I did like the friendships between the characters, the main protag realisation that she was abused and that she could have not consented to it, how even Luke and her reconciled, etc. The way the "reveal" at the end was quite satisfactory to me because I was already invested in the book itself at that point. I wish they had a better audiobook narrator but alas, the written format is better. This was just not a 5 stars to me because I wished the whodunit factor of the plot was more elaborate and "obvious" as a reader. It did not feel like something I would have ever caught it even in a reread which made it not that "enjoyable". But apart from that fact, I did like the book.

I might pick this up in the future as I decided to read via the e-reader route and not the physical book. The font size is too small the mass paperback edition I borrowed.

However, did not finish it because the main protagonist's constant pining for the handsome but has a scar on the face boy (and the constant questioning of how he got the scar with her friends) honestly threw the entire vibe of the book off. I understand it's for the teens because the romance feels a little like reading a John Green romance novel. I'm also confused by the pacing of the book as to when the actual plot develops instead of just getting to know this mysterious handsome hockey player with the scar (something im only repeating because they emphasised that a lot!). 

It's sad as hell when the last book was the least favorite book for me! While the tension of the chase remains well crafted, throughout the entire 8 book series, the way the ending was written felt rushed. Like, we could have developed or alluded heavily to the ending by developing the character's motivation, etc. I'm trying not to spoil anything here. Above all else, I just cannot stand Lola as a character. It is rare for me to actually dislike a book (in comparison to Nicci's previous books in the series) but man, Lola's character was annoying.

Especially because you're telling me all the police officers and Dean couldn't find her but this undergraduate could find Freida in a matter of a few interviews and readings? Man, even I cannot suspend that belief and I love ridiculous plots in fiction!

I still recommend reading the series! I still think it's worth your time because I already miss Freida Klein and her found family. I already miss Josef building random shit in her house, Chloe's unquestioning loyalty and love, Jack and his new love for cheese, Olivia and her melodramatic outburst, Karlsson and Yvette for believing in Freida when no one else did, and Rueben - oh! Rueben! This zealous cast of characters made the entire series a 4.5 stars read for me. 

I loved all of the writer's previous books and they were some of my all-time favorites, this book felt flat to me. The story's premise gripped me but the world-building and the characterization were too touch-and-go for my liking. I absolutely adore the main character and her cousin's dynamic! There were many quotable moments that got me teary-eyed but because of how everything feels so rushed, with minimal build-up, it was not a five-star read. Maybe it's my personal taste but man oh man do her parents owe her a fucking apology for being cruel to her. That redemption arc at the end was not satisfying at all!

I will still read whatever works this author puts up and check the publisher! 

Not my favorite particularly because I personally don't enjoy this specific trope in murder mysteries but overall, I still think the series is fantastic.

Empathetically written, wonderfully crafted. Made me cry like a fucking baby at the end because this one hits too close to home. 

  overall, my rating is out of pure enjoyment and how much escapism this book provided. while some plot twist at the end were fairly predictable because i mean, what else can it be done (if i knew i would be writing bestsellers!)? i think for me it's the fact that despite the predictability of some twists & revelations, it's how it lingers as you carry on reading. i wouldn't say this was light reading because the themes were very dark without any graphic scenes. i really do adore Freida Klein and her cast of misfits that hangs with her. i am very excited to read the rest of the series!