A review by enyltiak
They Never Learn by Layne Fargo

dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

It's really fun to be inside the head of a serial killer like Scarlett—someone I truly sympathize with, understand her motivations, and root for. I don't even want to call her deplorable. Questionable, sure. But fascinating and an intriguing protagonist. Carly and her storyline were a little less enthralling to follow... at least for the first half. The plot twist mid-way through the book
where you find out that Carly is Scarlett, and that that portion of the novel is set in the past
really shifted the direction of that plot and built up the intrigue. This book isn't a literary masterpiece or anything, but it is fun and an exciting read. 

I think there's plenty to unpack in the feminism of the novel and the way that race and sexuality and class intersects with misogyny could certainly have been unpacked, but... ultimately I just don't think that's something this book meant to do; it's dealing more with the impact of sexual assault and the lack of response and support for girls and women who face various violence at the hands of men. 
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