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The Advocate #1
Lucy's Coming For You
Summer Thomas questions her own sanity when violent patient, Lucy Clark, disappears from a locked hospital ward... because no one else will admit that Lucy exists.
As Summer digs deeper into the disappearance, it becomes apparent that Lucy is looking for her too, but Summer should have stayed away.
Now, Lucy is coming for her... and there's no escaping someone who doesn't exist.
A gripping and addictive debut with a shocking twist that will send shivers down your spine!
As Summer digs deeper into the disappearance, it becomes apparent that Lucy is looking for her too, but Summer should have stayed away.
Now, Lucy is coming for her... and there's no escaping someone who doesn't exist.
A gripping and addictive debut with a shocking twist that will send shivers down your spine!
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 31, 2021
1109 people are currently reading
1054 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
September 1, 2022
Well, this was pretty good. There is a great deal of action along with many plot twists. The main character is an advocate for mental health patients and realizes one of her patients has disappeared and she seems to be the only person concerned about it. At times, the reader doubts the mental status of the heroine and the plot could go many ways. This was a fun read with some unexpected twists and turns.
August 9, 2021
I received a gifted copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via the author.
Lucy's coming for you is a fast paced psychological thriller that had me looking over my shoulder and jumping at noises!
Summer is an advocate within high security mental hospitals for the patients. She is their voice and does all she can to do her best for each patient she works with.
When Lucy, one of the patients she's been an advocate for, disappears off the ward and the doctor and ward nurse say they don't know who she's talking about, Summer starts to question her own sanity. Has she been imagining this patient and going crazy like her older brother, or is she really missing?
Lucy's world spirals into that of nightmares and she doesn't know who she can trust or turn to. Will people think she's gone crazy like her brother and have her sectioned onto one of the wards she works on where the patients feel scared and powerless? Or will people believe her?
Summer decides to delve further into funding out what's happened to Lucy, but will Lucy find her first?
This book had me on the edge of my seat - literally!
Summer was such a likeable and relatable character and I felt her fear, anxiety and confusion with every chapter I read. If you love psychological thrillers you really must read this!
I can't wait to read book 2 in this new series!
Lucy's coming for you is a fast paced psychological thriller that had me looking over my shoulder and jumping at noises!
Summer is an advocate within high security mental hospitals for the patients. She is their voice and does all she can to do her best for each patient she works with.
When Lucy, one of the patients she's been an advocate for, disappears off the ward and the doctor and ward nurse say they don't know who she's talking about, Summer starts to question her own sanity. Has she been imagining this patient and going crazy like her older brother, or is she really missing?
Lucy's world spirals into that of nightmares and she doesn't know who she can trust or turn to. Will people think she's gone crazy like her brother and have her sectioned onto one of the wards she works on where the patients feel scared and powerless? Or will people believe her?
Summer decides to delve further into funding out what's happened to Lucy, but will Lucy find her first?
This book had me on the edge of my seat - literally!
Summer was such a likeable and relatable character and I felt her fear, anxiety and confusion with every chapter I read. If you love psychological thrillers you really must read this!
I can't wait to read book 2 in this new series!
September 11, 2024
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The execution of the plot, every scene and everything about the main character is just bad. I’m sorry, I don’t want to be mean because I realize it’s self-published, but girl, please.
There’s not a single emotional reaction or thought in this that feels genuine and human. Every moment is written as ridiculous for the sake of, what I assume, is supposed to be tension or suspense, but there is so little world and character building that it feels silly and empty and tone-deaf. The plot is full of victim blaming and a being more concerned with a potential false rape accusation over the actual, multiple sexual assaults and adult sleeping with a teen girl is labelled an “affair.”
Summer, a mental health advocate working in patient assessment, meets a patient named Lucy. Hours later, another employee said there is no patient named Lucy. Summer becomes obsessed with proving Lucy is real when she starts seeing Lucy everywhere she goes. Is Summer hallucinating or is Lucy stalking her?
Unfortunately for us all, Summer is really stupid. She wouldn’t have noticed a red flag even if it was a wacky-inflatable-tube-man waving around in her front yard. Even the villain thinks she’s an idiot and tells her multiple times in the evil monologue that takes up the entire ending.
I am struggling to find any redeeming qualities in this story at all. Lots of drop story threads, a writing voice that reads like it’s coming from a teenager with no life experience, and a plot that is way too ham-fisted at every turn. And dialogue? Don’t know her! This is an exercise in how many times a character can ask a question over the phone and how many ways the person on the other end can avoid it because the answer iS bEtTeR sAiD iN pErSoN.
This was not it for me.
The vibe for this one:
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⭐½ | 1.5 stars rounded down
Book source: NetGalley in exchange for a review
The execution of the plot, every scene and everything about the main character is just bad. I’m sorry, I don’t want to be mean because I realize it’s self-published, but girl, please.
There’s not a single emotional reaction or thought in this that feels genuine and human. Every moment is written as ridiculous for the sake of, what I assume, is supposed to be tension or suspense, but there is so little world and character building that it feels silly and empty and tone-deaf. The plot is full of victim blaming and a being more concerned with a potential false rape accusation over the actual, multiple sexual assaults and adult sleeping with a teen girl is labelled an “affair.”
Summer, a mental health advocate working in patient assessment, meets a patient named Lucy. Hours later, another employee said there is no patient named Lucy. Summer becomes obsessed with proving Lucy is real when she starts seeing Lucy everywhere she goes. Is Summer hallucinating or is Lucy stalking her?
Unfortunately for us all, Summer is really stupid. She wouldn’t have noticed a red flag even if it was a wacky-inflatable-tube-man waving around in her front yard. Even the villain thinks she’s an idiot and tells her multiple times in the evil monologue that takes up the entire ending.
I am struggling to find any redeeming qualities in this story at all. Lots of drop story threads, a writing voice that reads like it’s coming from a teenager with no life experience, and a plot that is way too ham-fisted at every turn. And dialogue? Don’t know her! This is an exercise in how many times a character can ask a question over the phone and how many ways the person on the other end can avoid it because the answer iS bEtTeR sAiD iN pErSoN.
This was not it for me.
The vibe for this one:
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⭐½ | 1.5 stars rounded down
Book source: NetGalley in exchange for a review
November 22, 2021
4.5 stars
Lucy’s Coming for You by Ashley Beegan is the 1st in the Detective Swanson series.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher BooksGoSocial and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Series Background: (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
DI Alex Swanson is with the Major Crimes Unit. His partner is DI Rebecca Hart, and they have assistance from PC Blake and PC Townsend.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Summer Thomas has been working for Rowan Advocacy for 8 months, visiting Psychiatric hospitals and assessing their patient care. She is sort of an outsider, with the power to report to authorities, so most staff are on their best behaviour around Summer. On one of her visits to Derby Hospital, she has a slight confrontation with Lucy Clark, one of the patients. Later that day, she meets with another staff member who tells her there is no such person.
Summer suspects that Aaron is lying for some reason, but then so is the doctor. Summer knows she saw Lucy, and has spoken to her a number of times. Why would they lie? Is she an escaped patient that they want no one to know about? Why does Summer keep seeing Lucy everywhere she goes? Is Lucy following her? Summer starts to doubt herself, knowing that her own brother had mental health issues, and perhaps she does too. But she has a six-year old son named Joshua, and she has to find out the truth, for his sake.
My Opinions:
This was a fast-paced, easy read It kept me entertained from start to finish. It may have been a little predictable, but it was good.
I was surprised that the detectives did not make an appearance until midway through the book, but I really liked DI Swanson.
The characters were interesting, the plot rather unique, and the twists good. A little creepy, and a little suspenseful, and really a fun read!
Great debut novel, and I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
August 26, 2021
Thank you Netgalley and author Ashley Beegan for this ARC.
This book has potential, but as is, it was mostly a disappointment. It tried in a very ham-fisted way to be something it just didn't quite make it to--a psychological thriller. A lot of it was confusing, blind dead ends with no real resolution or explanation. The narration and voice were much too immature for the dealings going on.
This book has potential, but as is, it was mostly a disappointment. It tried in a very ham-fisted way to be something it just didn't quite make it to--a psychological thriller. A lot of it was confusing, blind dead ends with no real resolution or explanation. The narration and voice were much too immature for the dealings going on.
September 14, 2021
A good, solid storyline but somehow the writing felt very amateurish in places… I can’t quite figure out why I didn’t like it more than I did, but I was relieved when it ended so I can’t award it more than 2 stars.
August 2, 2021
Very disappointing
This book turned out to be nothing like what I had expected. A drawn out story, trying to be something it really isn't. Not my idea of a must read for 2021
This book turned out to be nothing like what I had expected. A drawn out story, trying to be something it really isn't. Not my idea of a must read for 2021
August 23, 2021
Thanks to netgalley for the advanced ebook to review.
A fast paced and gripping psychological thriller that keeps you guessing. Really enjoyed this one and will look forward to the next in the series.
A fast paced and gripping psychological thriller that keeps you guessing. Really enjoyed this one and will look forward to the next in the series.
July 29, 2021
What a great debut book. The first in the Detective Swanson Series it was really well written and a great plot. Original and full of great characters. The book grabbed me from the start. It was fast paced and exciting.
Briefly, Summer Thomas is an advocate for patients in high security mental hospitals. One of those patients is Lucy Clark. Lucy is violent. Then one day she is gone. But everyone Summer speaks to, even her colleagues, deny Lucy ever existed. But Summer can’t let this go. The more she investigates the more disturbing secrets are uncovered. When she feels she is being followed Summer begin to worry for her safety and that of her young son. Eventually she contacts the police, Detective Swanson, to report Lucy missing but he doesn’t believe her. Can Summer find Lucy? Or will Lucy find her first? Who can she trust?
This is absolutely one of the best debut novels I’ve read for a while. There are some great twists, fabulous red herrings and a great ending. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a good twisted psychological thriller with a bit of police procedural thrown in for good measure. I cannot wait to read book 2. This is a definite ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me.
Briefly, Summer Thomas is an advocate for patients in high security mental hospitals. One of those patients is Lucy Clark. Lucy is violent. Then one day she is gone. But everyone Summer speaks to, even her colleagues, deny Lucy ever existed. But Summer can’t let this go. The more she investigates the more disturbing secrets are uncovered. When she feels she is being followed Summer begin to worry for her safety and that of her young son. Eventually she contacts the police, Detective Swanson, to report Lucy missing but he doesn’t believe her. Can Summer find Lucy? Or will Lucy find her first? Who can she trust?
This is absolutely one of the best debut novels I’ve read for a while. There are some great twists, fabulous red herrings and a great ending. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a good twisted psychological thriller with a bit of police procedural thrown in for good measure. I cannot wait to read book 2. This is a definite ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me.
July 29, 2021
This book has one of the creepiest opening chapters I think I have ever read, it sent chills down my spine!
It’s not my usual go-to genre but I really enjoyed it. Summer is a great main character – I definitely cared what happened to her – she’s a lot braver than I would be!
I found the story to be unique and twisty. I liked the build-up of tension, especially towards the end. I had no idea what was going to happen which I love in a book; I like to be kept in the dark until the end! And I definitely was with this one.
Definitely an author to watch.
It’s not my usual go-to genre but I really enjoyed it. Summer is a great main character – I definitely cared what happened to her – she’s a lot braver than I would be!
I found the story to be unique and twisty. I liked the build-up of tension, especially towards the end. I had no idea what was going to happen which I love in a book; I like to be kept in the dark until the end! And I definitely was with this one.
Definitely an author to watch.
July 5, 2021
Oooh this an author to keep an eye on- what a debut!
From the first few pages I was totally hooked on this. The pace is an incredible force and the story has more twists than a Cornish country road. Summer definitely isn't sure who to trust (and includes her own judgements in that) and therefore as a reader you are kept guessing what is going on until the end. I had no way of sussing this one out.
Summer is a great female lead. She isn't afraid to ask difficult questions and is clearly good at her job as well as being an excellent single mum.
This is really quite creepy, particularly at the start and has so many questions. As Summer goes about her life, she gets followed and is haunted by green eyes what feels like everywhere. The detail and imagery in all scenes is significant and striking.
Some good minor characters, mistaken identities and so much more.
Don't read this in bed in the dark, or if you do, be careful and make sure your doors are locked.
From the first few pages I was totally hooked on this. The pace is an incredible force and the story has more twists than a Cornish country road. Summer definitely isn't sure who to trust (and includes her own judgements in that) and therefore as a reader you are kept guessing what is going on until the end. I had no way of sussing this one out.
Summer is a great female lead. She isn't afraid to ask difficult questions and is clearly good at her job as well as being an excellent single mum.
This is really quite creepy, particularly at the start and has so many questions. As Summer goes about her life, she gets followed and is haunted by green eyes what feels like everywhere. The detail and imagery in all scenes is significant and striking.
Some good minor characters, mistaken identities and so much more.
Don't read this in bed in the dark, or if you do, be careful and make sure your doors are locked.
October 18, 2024
Ooof.
September 15, 2021
Seriously creepy fast paced thriller!
Lots of description, and you can forget you’re reading at times and get engrossed in the story, which is something I love about books.
Lots of “omg what?!” And “no way!��� Moments!
I nearly cried for Mrs Timpson!
Also a great ending!
A few small potential inconsistencies but didn’t take away from the reading.
Loved it and will be looking out for more of Ashley’s books!
Lots of description, and you can forget you’re reading at times and get engrossed in the story, which is something I love about books.
Lots of “omg what?!” And “no way!��� Moments!
I nearly cried for Mrs Timpson!
Also a great ending!
A few small potential inconsistencies but didn’t take away from the reading.
Loved it and will be looking out for more of Ashley’s books!
September 18, 2021
Wow fantastic book could not put this down thank you for the opportunity to read and review. Would recommend to others
August 29, 2021
This kept me glued to read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
August 30, 2021
Now, this is a psychological thriller! This book had me wondering if I read the pages correctly or remembering things right!!! It will definitely keep the reader on their toes to keep up with the story...if you can. I enjoyed it very much! I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.
August 21, 2021
Edge of your seat page turner!
In Lucy’s Coming for You, Beegan has expertly crafted a story both compelling and thrilling. She did a spectacular job feeding the reader just enough information to keep us guessing and wanting to keep reading. I had a hard time putting this book down, and I found myself frustrated when I had other things pulling me away from the page.
The story also went in a direction I was not expecting. Many times throughout the story, I thought I had the mystery figured out only to find myself surprised by another twist.
Lucy’s Coming for You is exciting, enthralling, and it digs deep inside your head and won’t let go. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to any fan of a good horror or psychological thriller.
In Lucy’s Coming for You, Beegan has expertly crafted a story both compelling and thrilling. She did a spectacular job feeding the reader just enough information to keep us guessing and wanting to keep reading. I had a hard time putting this book down, and I found myself frustrated when I had other things pulling me away from the page.
The story also went in a direction I was not expecting. Many times throughout the story, I thought I had the mystery figured out only to find myself surprised by another twist.
Lucy’s Coming for You is exciting, enthralling, and it digs deep inside your head and won’t let go. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to any fan of a good horror or psychological thriller.
October 13, 2021
Holy debut novel! I could not put this book down and cannot wait until this author comes out with another book. I was kept on the edge of my seat the entire time trying to figure out what was going on. I did not figure it out until very close to the end. My initial guess at the beginning of the book was WAY off!
Ashley has done a wonderful job of writing a compelling book, providing the reader nuggets of information to keep the reader guessing and reading! The characters are fully developed for the need of the story, which I prefer for a book, no useless back story.
I realize mental health is a touchy subject, but I think the author does a good job to make the reader realize what it is actually like for those patients, and how they are more likely to be victims.
Overall, a must read!!!!!
Ashley has done a wonderful job of writing a compelling book, providing the reader nuggets of information to keep the reader guessing and reading! The characters are fully developed for the need of the story, which I prefer for a book, no useless back story.
I realize mental health is a touchy subject, but I think the author does a good job to make the reader realize what it is actually like for those patients, and how they are more likely to be victims.
Overall, a must read!!!!!
September 20, 2021
4 Stars!
This is a great story! Lucy, a patient at the hospital where Summer is an advocate, goes missing. Summer is told that this patient doesn't exist and was never there......dun dun dun!!! Summer begins to question her own sanity when strange things begin to happen.
I have to say, there were some super creepy parts and I was questioning reading the story, alone, at night.
I took one star from my rating because I felt like the tie out was a little clumsy and I got a touch confused. All and all, really great story.
A special thank you to NetGalley, BooksGoSocial, and Ashley Beegan for providing me with an ARC.
This is a great story! Lucy, a patient at the hospital where Summer is an advocate, goes missing. Summer is told that this patient doesn't exist and was never there......dun dun dun!!! Summer begins to question her own sanity when strange things begin to happen.
I have to say, there were some super creepy parts and I was questioning reading the story, alone, at night.
I took one star from my rating because I felt like the tie out was a little clumsy and I got a touch confused. All and all, really great story.
A special thank you to NetGalley, BooksGoSocial, and Ashley Beegan for providing me with an ARC.
July 28, 2021
If you want a different kind of psychological thriller by a debut author, then this is it.
Short chapters, focussing on individual characters, keep the pace rapid & the plot twisting & turning like a writhing snake.
Summer Thomas is an advocate for mental health hospital patients. Lucy gets to her. Lucy disappears. Lucy doesn’t exist.
Summer starts to examine her own sanity & doubt those she can trust. She digs into Lucy’s past & what could’ve happened to her. She should have left well alone.
What a great concept. Highly recommended.
Short chapters, focussing on individual characters, keep the pace rapid & the plot twisting & turning like a writhing snake.
Summer Thomas is an advocate for mental health hospital patients. Lucy gets to her. Lucy disappears. Lucy doesn’t exist.
Summer starts to examine her own sanity & doubt those she can trust. She digs into Lucy’s past & what could’ve happened to her. She should have left well alone.
What a great concept. Highly recommended.
September 5, 2021
Summer is a mental health advocate on a ward when one of her patients disappears from the ward but no-one will admit she was ever a patient there! Is Summer going mad like her brother did or is their something fishy going on? Summer attempts to establish the truth and to find out what happened to Lucy. Meanwhile Lucy is hunting Summer too but how can she make people believe her when Lucy isn't supposed to exist? This was a fast paced, easy read with some interesting twists and turns. An enjoyable read.
July 20, 2021
Wow! What a psychological ride! This is an outstanding debut.
The hook comes in fast and pulls you into the story from the first chapter - and believe me, you won't want to stop until you reach the end.
Beegan layers the intrigue carefully, leading you through, but never giving much away.
Definitely an author to watch in the future.
I cannot wait for her next work!
The hook comes in fast and pulls you into the story from the first chapter - and believe me, you won't want to stop until you reach the end.
Beegan layers the intrigue carefully, leading you through, but never giving much away.
Definitely an author to watch in the future.
I cannot wait for her next work!
August 15, 2021
Great page turner! Certainly had me guessing until the end. There were some heart pounding moments. Will definitely read more by this author
August 4, 2021
Enjoyable read
After reading all the bad reviews I thought this book was going to be rubbish. But to be honest I really enjoyed it, it was a good story with a bit of a twist. An easy read book that was just the right length
After reading all the bad reviews I thought this book was going to be rubbish. But to be honest I really enjoyed it, it was a good story with a bit of a twist. An easy read book that was just the right length
December 16, 2021
Great thriller full of twists and turns. Kept me guessing all the way through. I liked the way that I never knew what was going to happen next.
September 27, 2021
Lucy's Coming For You by Ashley Beegan is the first debut novel in the Detective Swanson Series.
Summer Thomas works at the psychiatric hospital ward where Lucy Clark, a violent patient, disappears without a trace. Summer does her own searching as no one believes there was a Lucy Clark in the ward. To make matters worse, Lucy, a person who apparently doesn't exist, comes looking for Summer on her own terms.
I loved that the book constantly made me think about questions, such as; Is Lucy real? She is a ghost or Summer's figment of her imagination? How could she have escaped? Why are people denying knowing her? I needed to know these answers asap, and more importantly why was Lucy coming for Summer?
I found this was a very unusual psychological detective thriller, where the detective isn't mentioned until the very last half of the book.
However, I loved that this book had a bit of a spook factor to it, so in saying that I would only recommend this book if you don't mind the heart racing kind of thriller books.
Thank you to Netgalley and Books Go Social for allowing me to read Lucy's Coming For You by Ashley Beegan in exchange for an honest review.
Summer Thomas works at the psychiatric hospital ward where Lucy Clark, a violent patient, disappears without a trace. Summer does her own searching as no one believes there was a Lucy Clark in the ward. To make matters worse, Lucy, a person who apparently doesn't exist, comes looking for Summer on her own terms.
I loved that the book constantly made me think about questions, such as; Is Lucy real? She is a ghost or Summer's figment of her imagination? How could she have escaped? Why are people denying knowing her? I needed to know these answers asap, and more importantly why was Lucy coming for Summer?
I found this was a very unusual psychological detective thriller, where the detective isn't mentioned until the very last half of the book.
However, I loved that this book had a bit of a spook factor to it, so in saying that I would only recommend this book if you don't mind the heart racing kind of thriller books.
Thank you to Netgalley and Books Go Social for allowing me to read Lucy's Coming For You by Ashley Beegan in exchange for an honest review.
August 17, 2021
Over the top and totally implausible... but such good fun!!
With enough creepiness to have you on alert for strange noises,and a story line that has you doubting everyone.
Just what I needed after a few "meh" reads.
With enough creepiness to have you on alert for strange noises,and a story line that has you doubting everyone.
Just what I needed after a few "meh" reads.
November 19, 2025
Loved this one!! This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I’ll definitely be keeping her on my watch list! I couldn’t read this book at night, it was that creepy. This is one of those thriller/mystery books that keep you guessing right up until the end and I had to make myself slow down several times because I was rushing to get answers. I love a book that immediately makes you care about the main characters, and has you rooting for their cause. This one did not disappoint in any way…loved it beginning to end. Cannot wait for the next one to come out!!
August 4, 2021
I enjoyed this book summer work in mental health facility when a patient disappears while the patient and some staff claim she was never there .a good read x
September 12, 2021
Thanks to Netgalley and the author for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Well. I did not enjoy this book but I was prepared to give it three stars just by nature of it being a self published debut. Then the ending happened. So. Much. Victim blaming. Multiple vulnerable women are coerced and raped by an authority figure but that is glossed over and mostly handwaved away in favor of a discussion about how awful it would've been if an innocent man had been accused. Yes, false accusations are terrible and life destroying but there's a time and a place, and that is definitely not when you just found out several women were actually raped. Coerced sexual assault is covered up for personal gain and it's basically not addressed. An adult raping a teenager they're supposed to be caring for is referred to as an "affair." This book is disgusting.
It's also nonsense. The biggest twist relies on the main character Summer and her mom not recognizing someone they DEFINITELY should've recognized. Summer is constantly terrified her son is in danger for seemingly no reason. He is actually in danger but she has no conceivable way of knowing this so it just comes across as the author vindicating her extreme paranoia.
The title and description are also completely misleading. The storyline with Lucy and the whole "is she real or imaginary?" thing is wrapped up by the halfway mark and the second half has only the vaguest of connections to her. I didn't care about a single character, least of all Summer's kid who we were obviously supposed to be deeply concerned for. He was a prop mostly, and while he was in danger, there was no real reason for him to be other than to up the tension. It was all just kind of silly and everything was far too convenient for plot purposes.
Content warnings: Off-page rape, rape by an authority figure, sexism, trauma related to violence, unprofessional handling of mental illness, police portrayed as the heroes
Well. I did not enjoy this book but I was prepared to give it three stars just by nature of it being a self published debut. Then the ending happened. So. Much. Victim blaming. Multiple vulnerable women are coerced and raped by an authority figure but that is glossed over and mostly handwaved away in favor of a discussion about how awful it would've been if an innocent man had been accused. Yes, false accusations are terrible and life destroying but there's a time and a place, and that is definitely not when you just found out several women were actually raped. Coerced sexual assault is covered up for personal gain and it's basically not addressed. An adult raping a teenager they're supposed to be caring for is referred to as an "affair." This book is disgusting.
It's also nonsense. The biggest twist relies on the main character Summer and her mom not recognizing someone they DEFINITELY should've recognized. Summer is constantly terrified her son is in danger for seemingly no reason. He is actually in danger but she has no conceivable way of knowing this so it just comes across as the author vindicating her extreme paranoia.
The title and description are also completely misleading. The storyline with Lucy and the whole "is she real or imaginary?" thing is wrapped up by the halfway mark and the second half has only the vaguest of connections to her. I didn't care about a single character, least of all Summer's kid who we were obviously supposed to be deeply concerned for. He was a prop mostly, and while he was in danger, there was no real reason for him to be other than to up the tension. It was all just kind of silly and everything was far too convenient for plot purposes.
Content warnings: Off-page rape, rape by an authority figure, sexism, trauma related to violence, unprofessional handling of mental illness, police portrayed as the heroes
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews