Titan Books Ltd | April 2018 | 400 pgs
Source: Library
Sixteen years ago, child psychiatrist Dr Kate Wolfe lost her younger sister, Savannah, to a brutal murder. On that fateful night, Kate left Savannah alone for a moment to be with her boyfriend. That short moment led to a tragedy; Savannah's body was later found and the murderer was caught and put behind bars. Kate continues to live with guilt as her selfishness had led to her sister's death until one day a retired detective told her something that caused her to lose her equilibrium. According to the detective, it seems like Savannah was only one of many victims of a serial killer and he is afraid that the real murderer is still at large.
While searching for the truth surrounding her sister's murder, Kate also finds out that her parents' relationship was on the rocks. Kate's mother died of drowning when Kate was young so there is no way she could find answers from her; and Kate's father is a man of few words and Kate rarely sees him anyway. Kate's search for the truth surrounding Savannah's death begins to catch the murderer's attention and soon she becomes the hunted instead of the hunter.
Well, I've to say this book has lots of potential. Unfortunately it was a letdown due to the repetitiveness and an annoying protagonist. While I've no problem with unlikeable or unreliable characters in general (after all they do add some 'spiciness' to the story, no?) but Kate's naivety and stubbornness got on my nerves. There are times I questioned her professionalism with the choices she made and the thoughtless acts which put her in danger (roaming alone in a forest under bad weather with a low battery cellphone? I get it that she's searching for answers, but with no plans and no safety measures? And this is only just one example.) I also find the dialogues between her and her boyfriend seemed a little forced and unnatural. I think this was the weakest part of the story but of course this isn't a romance so I'd let it pass.
Back to the story, while there are enough red herrings and twists to catch the reader off guard, readers who read lots of suspense/thrillers books (or the observant ones) would've no problem guessing the murderer towards the end (not that it's a flaw but mainly not much surprise there). As mentioned, I do think this book has potential but it was a disappointment due to the points I noted above. That said, it was an OK read and I'd have enjoyed more if I hadn't expect too much of it.
While searching for the truth surrounding her sister's murder, Kate also finds out that her parents' relationship was on the rocks. Kate's mother died of drowning when Kate was young so there is no way she could find answers from her; and Kate's father is a man of few words and Kate rarely sees him anyway. Kate's search for the truth surrounding Savannah's death begins to catch the murderer's attention and soon she becomes the hunted instead of the hunter.
Well, I've to say this book has lots of potential. Unfortunately it was a letdown due to the repetitiveness and an annoying protagonist. While I've no problem with unlikeable or unreliable characters in general (after all they do add some 'spiciness' to the story, no?) but Kate's naivety and stubbornness got on my nerves. There are times I questioned her professionalism with the choices she made and the thoughtless acts which put her in danger (roaming alone in a forest under bad weather with a low battery cellphone? I get it that she's searching for answers, but with no plans and no safety measures? And this is only just one example.) I also find the dialogues between her and her boyfriend seemed a little forced and unnatural. I think this was the weakest part of the story but of course this isn't a romance so I'd let it pass.
Back to the story, while there are enough red herrings and twists to catch the reader off guard, readers who read lots of suspense/thrillers books (or the observant ones) would've no problem guessing the murderer towards the end (not that it's a flaw but mainly not much surprise there). As mentioned, I do think this book has potential but it was a disappointment due to the points I noted above. That said, it was an OK read and I'd have enjoyed more if I hadn't expect too much of it.
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Sorry it was a disappointment. I have no patience for unlikeable characters. Especially when it’s the MC.
ReplyDeleteJenny - Unlikeable characters come in various forms and while some add intrigue to the story, there're some who are just... unlikeable. Kate isn't an unlikeable character, but what she did annoy me at times.
DeleteI'm glad to hear your experience with this book. I have it on my Kindle to read at some point. Unreliable characters are tricky for me. Sometimes I can deal with them - sometimes I'm annoyed. It probably depends upon the overall structure of the story and also some of the other characters. Anyway, I'll consider myself forewarned here.
ReplyDeleteOh, I did read OUR HOUSE. Review scheduled at some later date which I don't want to look up right now. Hmmm....you'll have to see what I thought. Ha!
Kay - Kate isn't an unreliable character, just that her behaviours and thoughts got to me at times. Sigh. And I agree with you that it depends on the overall structure and the other characters of the story.
DeleteI can't wait to hear your thoughts on "Our House". :)
Oops. I thought this one might interest me, but right now, I have no patience for annoying characters. I've run to quite a few lately that make me want to shake them!
ReplyDeleteJenclair - It does has an interesting premise, but oh well. I guess I'm in no mood for annoying characters right now. :p
DeleteOh, no! I had high hopes for this one, but I don't need any more annoying protagonists in my life. ;D
ReplyDeleteLark - The premise was interesting but I couldn't connect with the MC. :(
DeleteI am sorry this one turned out to be a disappointment. I think I would have been annoyed by the main characters actions too.
ReplyDeleteWendy - I do sympathise with the main character but at the moment I've no patience for characters who make wrong decisions. Sigh.
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