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gracefullypunk's review against another edition
4.0
Apparently I didn't much like the first book in the series, but I'm glad I decided to pick up the second anyway. Introducing Rainie provided a complex heroine that doesn't need to be rescued, but does need to confront her past and her flaws.
erinaclark's review against another edition
2.0
Such a slow plot. The first half is basically just repeating the same things over & over.
fayebuter's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
jenniferbroach's review
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
outsmartyourshelf's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Officer Lorraine (Rainie) Conner lives in Bakersville, a small town in Oregon, where nothing much happens, until one morning when she is called into a shooting at the local school. A young teacher & 2 pupils are dead with several others injured, but the biggest shock of all is that the guns are being held by Danny, son of the sheriff (Rainie's boss & friend.) Danny is 13 years old but the prosecutor wants to push for him to be tried in adult court. Meanwhile, FBI profile Pierce Quincy flies in to examine the case as this isn't the first school shooting which has some strange elements. The more evidence Quincy looks at, the more convinced he is that Danny isn't solely responsible.
I wasn't impressed with the first book in the series (The Perfect Husband) but wow, did Gardner pull it out of the bag with this one. It started off quite slow & I wasn't sure I was going to finish reading it, but the plot suddenly took off & never stopped. The book deals with the sensitive subject of what can turn a teenager into a killer. I think that the turmoil of all those concerned is well-handled. As for the ending, I'm usually quite good at predicting twists but I did not see that one coming. Finally, there's an attraction between Rainie & Quincy from the start but thankfully it doesn't overshadow the rest.
I wasn't impressed with the first book in the series (The Perfect Husband) but wow, did Gardner pull it out of the bag with this one. It started off quite slow & I wasn't sure I was going to finish reading it, but the plot suddenly took off & never stopped. The book deals with the sensitive subject of what can turn a teenager into a killer. I think that the turmoil of all those concerned is well-handled. As for the ending, I'm usually quite good at predicting twists but I did not see that one coming. Finally, there's an attraction between Rainie & Quincy from the start but thankfully it doesn't overshadow the rest.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence and Cursing
Moderate: Sexual content and Child death
Minor: Sexual assault
treparker73's review against another edition
4.0
Another good read
I have read a few of Raine/Quincy stories. This one I finally got to and glad I did. Nice to see how they had met. As far as the shootings- horrible and it would be so much more understandable if this storyline was true. However I do agree with the author, I am thankful for those that share their experiences and we learn and hopefully limit future tragedies.
I have read a few of Raine/Quincy stories. This one I finally got to and glad I did. Nice to see how they had met. As far as the shootings- horrible and it would be so much more understandable if this storyline was true. However I do agree with the author, I am thankful for those that share their experiences and we learn and hopefully limit future tragedies.
shannan208's review against another edition
3.0
Pretty good, but in the middle I found it difficult to focus, I was a bit bored, longing for a bit more suspense and/or action. The climax didn't disappoint, though. Pretty good, but not her best
dozylocal's review against another edition
4.0
I ended up staying up way past my bedtime to finish this book because, once the reveals start coming, they come fast and furiously and you just can't stop turning the pages until it's over.
I think this is only my second Lisa Gardner book and she's fast becoming someone whose books I will pick up and read without a second thought. This particular novel may be triggering to some, as it deals with a school shooting. The story is fast-paced, multi-levelled, and I was kept guessing right until the end. Some characters are from previous books (I seem to remember Quincy), however, you would perfectly fine reading this as a standalone.
I think this is only my second Lisa Gardner book and she's fast becoming someone whose books I will pick up and read without a second thought. This particular novel may be triggering to some, as it deals with a school shooting. The story is fast-paced, multi-levelled, and I was kept guessing right until the end. Some characters are from previous books (I seem to remember Quincy), however, you would perfectly fine reading this as a standalone.