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mousereads's Reviews (2.14k)
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Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
AS CAWPILE:
Characters: 7 | Atmosphere: 8 | Writing: 7 | Plot: 8 | Intrigue: 8 | Logic: 7 | Enjoyment: 7
Total: 7.43/4 Stars
I don't think I've been this stressed out by a book in a long time, especially not a domestic thriller. The thing with this book is that it doesn't rely on twists, or even an unreliable narrator- it relies on hope that someone will realize this mother needs help.
It's always hard to review these novels without spoiling, so I won't get too into the plot here, but it was pretty good. The descriptions of the struggles with new motherhood felt realistic and the atmosphere was written fantastically. However, the characters? Were not. I've never wanted to punch a new dad in the face before, but this book changed that. I felt no love towards Natalie's husband, and in fact, frequently wished at least something would happen to him.
And, the quick and tidy wrap up at the end takes a full star from this book. You're in the weeds with this one and suddenly- it's over. Epilogue. Everything is resolved and fine.
I'm sorry, what? That felt rushed and ridiculous.
Everything apart from those two things was great, but really and unfortunately, those two things are important to the plot.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
AS CAWPILE:
Characters: 7 | Atmosphere: 8 | Writing: 7 | Plot: 8 | Intrigue: 8 | Logic: 7 | Enjoyment: 7
Total: 7.43/4 Stars
I don't think I've been this stressed out by a book in a long time, especially not a domestic thriller. The thing with this book is that it doesn't rely on twists, or even an unreliable narrator- it relies on hope that someone will realize this mother needs help.
It's always hard to review these novels without spoiling, so I won't get too into the plot here, but it was pretty good. The descriptions of the struggles with new motherhood felt realistic and the atmosphere was written fantastically. However, the characters? Were not. I've never wanted to punch a new dad in the face before, but this book changed that. I felt no love towards Natalie's husband, and in fact, frequently wished at least something would happen to him.
And, the quick and tidy wrap up at the end takes a full star from this book. You're in the weeds with this one and suddenly- it's over. Epilogue. Everything is resolved and fine.
I'm sorry, what? That felt rushed and ridiculous.
Everything apart from those two things was great, but really and unfortunately, those two things are important to the plot.
I've read Wendy Heard's horror before, and I was excited to dive into a thriller by her. I was happy to find it was just as exciting as I expected. The characters were well developed and the story line, while predictable, was engaging and interesting. This was an ARC I found myself staying up late to finish, which is unusable for me nowadays. If you're a fan of Heard's writing style and her ability to write complex female characters, and you love thrillers where you know who dun it, but you don't know the how or why, this is definitely a book for you.