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what_heather_loves's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
"I take a deep breath. Then I lift the notebook back onto my lap. Before anything else I trun to the back, willing my trembling fingers to work properly. There it is. A crawled map, drawn in biro. The house, the cliffs, the wood. X marks the spot. Time to drag the past screaming into the light. I flip back to the front. I read the first line. Feel a sudden sting of tears. Stupid little fool."
A fan of the author, I have read most of her books, so jumped at the chance to read this. With different timeliness and character perspectives she weaves a tale of past, teenage crimes and local folklore coming back to haunt wealthy celebrity wellness retreat owners in coastal Dorset. I struggled with the number of characters and the teenage angst found in the diary entries, although when the diary was introduced it did become more clear which direction the plot would likely take. Wealthy incomers and superstitious locals meant it felt a little predictable in parts, the five POVs and some double-identities) made it difficult to keep track of and the dislikeable characters meant I wasn't invested in the outcome. I enjoy the tense atmosphere, the mystery and rural location, but it's not my favourite of the author's novels.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Addiction
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