My favourite thing about this novel was that it was unpredictable. The ending and the person responsible for the various murders was someone completely unexpected. I like it when books surprise me, too often it is quite easy to guess who may be responsible for the crime in such books and tv shows. Having said that, the way this character was developed was a little over-the-top and not completely realistic. The idea that someone completely new could be introduced who was responsible while refreshing, was not great. The idea that Charlie had a long-lost brother who was horrible and responsible for so many awful things seemed far-fetched. Particularly that when things started to go wrong he didn't think to tell anyone about it and he hadn't mentioned it previously to any family members or friends. I also didn't find it realistic that he would keep his mother and brother separate even if he did hate his mother, nor that he was responsible for his mother's death.
I didn't believe Charlie was guilty at any point in the story, and so was disappointed when we found out he was innocent and dead. I think it would have been a nicer end if he had somehow survived (even if he was rescued as Sophie was) and you didn't know whether or not he was going to live. He deserved more, I feel. I know that life and death doesn't always work out like that but in stories it can!
I liked the main policeman character. He felt real and a positive force in Sophie's life who seemed like she needed it.
The ongoing background stuff about Sophie's younger brother was interesting. It was good for explaining why she behaved as she did.
I would not rush to recommend it to people to read but I also wouldn't tell them to avoid it or stay away. If you like crime-related stories, and you don't want to be able to guess the ending it is worth a read. However, if you like a touch more realism in your stories then perhaps it isn't so good.
I didn't believe Charlie was guilty at any point in the story, and so was disappointed when we found out he was innocent and dead. I think it would have been a nicer end if he had somehow survived (even if he was rescued as Sophie was) and you didn't know whether or not he was going to live. He deserved more, I feel. I know that life and death doesn't always work out like that but in stories it can!
I liked the main policeman character. He felt real and a positive force in Sophie's life who seemed like she needed it.
The ongoing background stuff about Sophie's younger brother was interesting. It was good for explaining why she behaved as she did.
I would not rush to recommend it to people to read but I also wouldn't tell them to avoid it or stay away. If you like crime-related stories, and you don't want to be able to guess the ending it is worth a read. However, if you like a touch more realism in your stories then perhaps it isn't so good.