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The Missing Hours
From the critically acclaimed author of Invisible City and Conviction, Julia Dahl's The Missing Hours is a novel about obsession, privilege, and the explosive consequences of one violent act.
From a distance, Claudia Castro has it all: a famous family, a trust fund, thousands of Instagram followers, and a spot in NYU’s freshman class. But look closer, and things are messier: her parents are separating, she’s just been humiliated by a sleazy documentary, and her sister is about to have a baby with a man she barely knows.
Claudia starts the school year resolved to find a path toward something positive, maybe even meaningful – and then one drunken night everything changes. Reeling, her memory hazy, Claudia cuts herself off from her family, seeking solace in a new friendship. But when the rest of school comes back from spring break, Claudia is missing.
Suddenly, the whole city is trying to piece together the hours of that terrible night.
From a distance, Claudia Castro has it all: a famous family, a trust fund, thousands of Instagram followers, and a spot in NYU’s freshman class. But look closer, and things are messier: her parents are separating, she’s just been humiliated by a sleazy documentary, and her sister is about to have a baby with a man she barely knows.
Claudia starts the school year resolved to find a path toward something positive, maybe even meaningful – and then one drunken night everything changes. Reeling, her memory hazy, Claudia cuts herself off from her family, seeking solace in a new friendship. But when the rest of school comes back from spring break, Claudia is missing.
Suddenly, the whole city is trying to piece together the hours of that terrible night.
288 pages, Paperback
First published September 14, 2021
247 people are currently reading
18278 people want to read
About the author
Julia Dahl
8 books550 followersJulia Dahl was born and raised in Fresno, California and currently lives in New York's Hudson Valley with her husband and son.
Dahl began her career as a journalist working as a fact-checker at Entertainment Weekly. Since then, she has been an editor at Marie Claire, a freelance reporter at the New York Post, the deputy managing editor of The Crime Report, and a crime and justice reporter for CBS News.
She now teaches journalism at NYU.
Dahl's first novel, INVISIBLE CITY, was a finalist for the Edgar Award for Best First Novel, and won the Barry Award, the Shamus Award, and the Macavity Award for Best First Novel. INVISIBLE CITY named one of the Boston Globe's Best Books of 2014, and has been translated into eight languages.
Dahl began her career as a journalist working as a fact-checker at Entertainment Weekly. Since then, she has been an editor at Marie Claire, a freelance reporter at the New York Post, the deputy managing editor of The Crime Report, and a crime and justice reporter for CBS News.
She now teaches journalism at NYU.
Dahl's first novel, INVISIBLE CITY, was a finalist for the Edgar Award for Best First Novel, and won the Barry Award, the Shamus Award, and the Macavity Award for Best First Novel. INVISIBLE CITY named one of the Boston Globe's Best Books of 2014, and has been translated into eight languages.
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September 14, 2021
The Missing Hours: A Novel by Julia Dahl
NYU freshman Claudia Castro wakes, hungover and battered, with almost no memory of what caused her to be injured and hurting so much. She's pretty sure she had sex but she's having trouble piecing together the night before. It's not that she doesn't have a lot of wild nights in her past, even one or two that she can't remember, but she's vowed to chart a better path and redeem her less than stellar reputation. She's from a famous, wealthy family, and has thousands of Instagram followers but she's also garnered a lot of flak because of her bad behavior in public and in a sleazy documentary.
Once Claudia sees video proof of what happened to her, she drops out of sight. She's upset, embarrassed, angry, and hurt, but she's also rich and can buy whatever revenge she desires. With no regard to collateral damage, the harm she could do to the lives of others, she puts her plans into action. Will this make her feel better? Maybe not, overall, but it still feels good in a way.
I enjoyed the first part of the story, feeling bad for what happened to Claudia. She's made mistakes in the past, she made mistakes the night before, but that is no reason for her to be abused in any way. It's her own reputation that hinders her desire to go to the police, it can only work against her, so Claudia's going to fashion her own punishment for her attackers. That is what made me lose interest in the story, as it seems money can buy everything, and even if it can't fix wrongs, it can certainly revenge wrongs.
The story is told from many POVs, those of family members, her two attackers, a new friend who would do anything for Claudia, and the powerful father of one of the attackers. I couldn't feel invested in Claudia's way of dealing with what happened to her, especially when she seems to live behind a protective curtain of wealth so it seems she is in no more danger than what has already happened to her. I had a hard time feeling invested in this story of revenge.
Publication: September 14th 2021
Thank you to St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books and NetGalley for this ARC.
NYU freshman Claudia Castro wakes, hungover and battered, with almost no memory of what caused her to be injured and hurting so much. She's pretty sure she had sex but she's having trouble piecing together the night before. It's not that she doesn't have a lot of wild nights in her past, even one or two that she can't remember, but she's vowed to chart a better path and redeem her less than stellar reputation. She's from a famous, wealthy family, and has thousands of Instagram followers but she's also garnered a lot of flak because of her bad behavior in public and in a sleazy documentary.
Once Claudia sees video proof of what happened to her, she drops out of sight. She's upset, embarrassed, angry, and hurt, but she's also rich and can buy whatever revenge she desires. With no regard to collateral damage, the harm she could do to the lives of others, she puts her plans into action. Will this make her feel better? Maybe not, overall, but it still feels good in a way.
I enjoyed the first part of the story, feeling bad for what happened to Claudia. She's made mistakes in the past, she made mistakes the night before, but that is no reason for her to be abused in any way. It's her own reputation that hinders her desire to go to the police, it can only work against her, so Claudia's going to fashion her own punishment for her attackers. That is what made me lose interest in the story, as it seems money can buy everything, and even if it can't fix wrongs, it can certainly revenge wrongs.
The story is told from many POVs, those of family members, her two attackers, a new friend who would do anything for Claudia, and the powerful father of one of the attackers. I couldn't feel invested in Claudia's way of dealing with what happened to her, especially when she seems to live behind a protective curtain of wealth so it seems she is in no more danger than what has already happened to her. I had a hard time feeling invested in this story of revenge.
Publication: September 14th 2021
Thank you to St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books and NetGalley for this ARC.
June 29, 2021
Absolutely this is addictive one sit read! As soon as you start, you never want to put it down! So you’d better cancel everything in your life if you have quality time with this mind numbing, truly soul shaking, intense story!
The terrifying opening of the book already freezes your blood. Claudia returns back to her dorm room. Her skirt was bunched around her waist as her underwear was already gone, feeling soreness, agitation, fear at the same time, looking at her face in the mirror of bathroom. Her lip was split and bled on her chin, her right eyelid was purple, swollen half shut. You can fill the blanks about what happened to her! But she cannot. There are missing hours in her mind that she cannot recall!
One alcohol induced night just like most college students have resulted with the tragedy.
And the worst part is there is a video on social media can graphically tell the trauma she’s been endured!
At the next chapter we’re introduced to Edie, Claudia’s sister gives birth to her child, suffering from tremendous panic, keeps asking her sister. They keep calling but she doesn’t return their calls. Edie gets pissed after seeing her social media account shows she was partying, getting drunk. Of course she has no idea how her sister’s night ended and her phone is missing.
At the following chapters, we learn more about sisters’ lives, coming from wealthy, happy family and they seem like have it all. But their parents are divorcing and Claudia tries to discover her true talent by isolating herself from her family as Edie is having a baby of a man she barely knows.
NYU can give Claudia the best shot to recreate herself. She seems like a privileged, popular girl with so many social media followers but she’s crumbling inside and after the assault, she completely cut her relationships with her family, befriending her dorm neighbor Trevor who is helping her from the beginning, bringing medicine and food, taking her to the clinic.
We gather the pieces of terrible night as Claudia gather broken pieces of herself by rediscovering how she could deal with the assault and what she will do for the rest of her life.
This is fast pacing, effective, impactful, engaging, heart wrenching story of a young woman and her dysfunctional relationships with her family. The conclusion of the story was well wrapped up.
I’m giving four addictive, riveting, dazzling stars.
Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/ Minotaur Books for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
The terrifying opening of the book already freezes your blood. Claudia returns back to her dorm room. Her skirt was bunched around her waist as her underwear was already gone, feeling soreness, agitation, fear at the same time, looking at her face in the mirror of bathroom. Her lip was split and bled on her chin, her right eyelid was purple, swollen half shut. You can fill the blanks about what happened to her! But she cannot. There are missing hours in her mind that she cannot recall!
One alcohol induced night just like most college students have resulted with the tragedy.
And the worst part is there is a video on social media can graphically tell the trauma she’s been endured!
At the next chapter we’re introduced to Edie, Claudia’s sister gives birth to her child, suffering from tremendous panic, keeps asking her sister. They keep calling but she doesn’t return their calls. Edie gets pissed after seeing her social media account shows she was partying, getting drunk. Of course she has no idea how her sister’s night ended and her phone is missing.
At the following chapters, we learn more about sisters’ lives, coming from wealthy, happy family and they seem like have it all. But their parents are divorcing and Claudia tries to discover her true talent by isolating herself from her family as Edie is having a baby of a man she barely knows.
NYU can give Claudia the best shot to recreate herself. She seems like a privileged, popular girl with so many social media followers but she’s crumbling inside and after the assault, she completely cut her relationships with her family, befriending her dorm neighbor Trevor who is helping her from the beginning, bringing medicine and food, taking her to the clinic.
We gather the pieces of terrible night as Claudia gather broken pieces of herself by rediscovering how she could deal with the assault and what she will do for the rest of her life.
This is fast pacing, effective, impactful, engaging, heart wrenching story of a young woman and her dysfunctional relationships with her family. The conclusion of the story was well wrapped up.
I’m giving four addictive, riveting, dazzling stars.
Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/ Minotaur Books for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
September 14, 2021
The book opens with a graphic, heart wrenching scene where a college student, Claudia Castro, wakes up and realizes that she has been sexually assaulted.
I FELT HER PAIN.
She doesn’t remember what happened in the “missing hours” between about 10 PM and the morning. And, her phone is missing.
NOBODY who has consented to sex asks for a black eye or a split lip.
After some of the blanks in her memory, get filled in, Claudia chooses to disappear for awhile to regroup.
Based on the opening chapters, I expected an eye opening story about rape, slut shaming, obsession and male privilege.
But, the book IS and ISN’T that.
As always, the rapists look to excuse and justify their behavior-and cover their tracks.
And, Money and Power help them to do so.
But, then the story becomes one of REVENGE-meant to empower our Victim. Instead of the character driven story I expected, it became a cat and mouse game.
And, that trajectory TOOK AWAY the feels for me.
This relatively short book felt very long-and was a struggle to finish.
2.5 rounded up
NOW AVAILABLE
Thank You to Minotaur books for my gifted copy.
I FELT HER PAIN.
She doesn’t remember what happened in the “missing hours” between about 10 PM and the morning. And, her phone is missing.
NOBODY who has consented to sex asks for a black eye or a split lip.
After some of the blanks in her memory, get filled in, Claudia chooses to disappear for awhile to regroup.
Based on the opening chapters, I expected an eye opening story about rape, slut shaming, obsession and male privilege.
But, the book IS and ISN’T that.
As always, the rapists look to excuse and justify their behavior-and cover their tracks.
And, Money and Power help them to do so.
But, then the story becomes one of REVENGE-meant to empower our Victim. Instead of the character driven story I expected, it became a cat and mouse game.
And, that trajectory TOOK AWAY the feels for me.
This relatively short book felt very long-and was a struggle to finish.
2.5 rounded up
NOW AVAILABLE
Thank You to Minotaur books for my gifted copy.
May 28, 2021
Claudia Castro is a promising student at NYU. Her father is famous and the family has a lot of money. What could be better? Unfortunately, Claudia has hit some stumbling blocks along the way.
After a drunken night turns into a morning where Claudia doesn’t remember anything, she tries to figure out what happened to her.
Shortly after, she disappears.
Best to be a bit vague.
This is a fast-paced and gripping read with a difficult subject matter and a few parts that are tough to read. Told from multiple POVs, we really get to know Claudia and those around her, and author Julia Dahl easily keeps things interesting.
As dark as the subject matter is, parts of it seemed like a “lite” version of the movie Promising Young Woman, and I would have preferred a bit more grit.
Still, this is an engaging and timely read about an always relevant topic, and it all leads to a satisfying conclusion...although I would’ve really enjoyed an epilogue to this one.
3.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you to Minotaur Books for sending me a physical ARC in exchange for an honest review. This will be available: 9/14/21.
Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com
After a drunken night turns into a morning where Claudia doesn’t remember anything, she tries to figure out what happened to her.
Shortly after, she disappears.
Best to be a bit vague.
This is a fast-paced and gripping read with a difficult subject matter and a few parts that are tough to read. Told from multiple POVs, we really get to know Claudia and those around her, and author Julia Dahl easily keeps things interesting.
As dark as the subject matter is, parts of it seemed like a “lite” version of the movie Promising Young Woman, and I would have preferred a bit more grit.
Still, this is an engaging and timely read about an always relevant topic, and it all leads to a satisfying conclusion...although I would’ve really enjoyed an epilogue to this one.
3.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you to Minotaur Books for sending me a physical ARC in exchange for an honest review. This will be available: 9/14/21.
Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com
May 26, 2021
3.5*
Have you seen Claudia?
When Claudia Castro awakens in her dorm, she quickly realizes something is very wrong. A fast glance in the bathroom mirror confirms it. YUP! Split lip, black eye. No doubt something drastic happened last night…but what?!
As the fog of the evening in question clears and things become clearer, Claudia immediately goes dark. Off the grid, no sightings or social media. Question is, was that by choice or has something happened to her.
Her family is frantic to find her. Others are searching for her as well…although their intentions are highly questionable.
A few difficult themes through-out this book, that at times made reading difficult. The book blurb doesn’t reveal much so I’m keeping my review vague. You’re welcome!
The second book I’ve read by Julia Dahl. I enjoyed the first in her series, Invisible City and own the following two. This latest stand-alone has a very different feel than her previous series. More intense and a bit edgy.
Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
Thank you to Minotaur Publishing via NetGalley and Goodreads giveaway for access to both a digital and physical copy to read and review
Have you seen Claudia?
When Claudia Castro awakens in her dorm, she quickly realizes something is very wrong. A fast glance in the bathroom mirror confirms it. YUP! Split lip, black eye. No doubt something drastic happened last night…but what?!
As the fog of the evening in question clears and things become clearer, Claudia immediately goes dark. Off the grid, no sightings or social media. Question is, was that by choice or has something happened to her.
Her family is frantic to find her. Others are searching for her as well…although their intentions are highly questionable.
A few difficult themes through-out this book, that at times made reading difficult. The book blurb doesn’t reveal much so I’m keeping my review vague. You’re welcome!
The second book I’ve read by Julia Dahl. I enjoyed the first in her series, Invisible City and own the following two. This latest stand-alone has a very different feel than her previous series. More intense and a bit edgy.
Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
Thank you to Minotaur Publishing via NetGalley and Goodreads giveaway for access to both a digital and physical copy to read and review
August 11, 2021
Opportunities don't perch very long.
That's how I feel about The Missing Hours.
Claudia Castro seems to have it all. Until she no longer does. A college student at NYU starting her freshman year. Claudia has access to the finer things in life: two highly successful parents, a chunky trust fund, an abundant wardrobe from upscale stores, and a recognizable name. She travels in the best circles with the A-Listers. But sadly, a Great Equalizer is coming for her. Claudia never saw it drifting in on the horizon through her designer sunglasses.
Julia Dahl tackles some heavy-duty subject matter in the beginning chapters of her novel. Dahl is straightforward with the details describing a sexual assault in regard to Claudia. It's as if we readers are sitting on the edge of the bed in Claudia's dorm room as she awakens the next morning. I absolutely applaud Dahl in her brilliant descriptors in regard to Claudia: confusion, loss of memory and details, out-of-sequence events, and the hard shell of denial even when wrapped in the brutal physical pain of the aftermath. You had me, Julia Dahl, you had me.....
Claudia's reaching out to the shy character of Trevor in the hallway the next morning was endearing. The dorm had been abandoned during Spring Break. Their friendship begins to grow out of Claudia's need to be "normal". It was a ray of light in all of this. But then The Missing Hours turns the wheel rapidly off the road into a whole different terrain. We're no longer dealing with the thread of a human tragedy that is non-selective in its happening to all sexual persuasions and backgrounds. Dahl switches lanes and we're on the sidelines observing class distinctions and how the game of retaliation is played when you have a bulging wallet. You lost me, Julia Dahl, you lost me.
And yet, I would encourage you to read The Missing Hours if only for the beginning chapters that are so well done by Dahl. Sexual assault is an equal opportunity viewed by the brutal in life. It takes advantage in the moment. The Missing Hours seemed to emphasize the wide disparity of dealing with assault based on what social tier you stand on rather than a unifying opportunity for all victims. Even the stereotypical characters were a bit much. That missed opportunity is still being felt, Julia Dahl. Still....
I received a copy of this book through Goodreads Giveaways. My thanks to Minotaur Books and to Julia Dahl for the opportunity.
That's how I feel about The Missing Hours.
Claudia Castro seems to have it all. Until she no longer does. A college student at NYU starting her freshman year. Claudia has access to the finer things in life: two highly successful parents, a chunky trust fund, an abundant wardrobe from upscale stores, and a recognizable name. She travels in the best circles with the A-Listers. But sadly, a Great Equalizer is coming for her. Claudia never saw it drifting in on the horizon through her designer sunglasses.
Julia Dahl tackles some heavy-duty subject matter in the beginning chapters of her novel. Dahl is straightforward with the details describing a sexual assault in regard to Claudia. It's as if we readers are sitting on the edge of the bed in Claudia's dorm room as she awakens the next morning. I absolutely applaud Dahl in her brilliant descriptors in regard to Claudia: confusion, loss of memory and details, out-of-sequence events, and the hard shell of denial even when wrapped in the brutal physical pain of the aftermath. You had me, Julia Dahl, you had me.....
Claudia's reaching out to the shy character of Trevor in the hallway the next morning was endearing. The dorm had been abandoned during Spring Break. Their friendship begins to grow out of Claudia's need to be "normal". It was a ray of light in all of this. But then The Missing Hours turns the wheel rapidly off the road into a whole different terrain. We're no longer dealing with the thread of a human tragedy that is non-selective in its happening to all sexual persuasions and backgrounds. Dahl switches lanes and we're on the sidelines observing class distinctions and how the game of retaliation is played when you have a bulging wallet. You lost me, Julia Dahl, you lost me.
And yet, I would encourage you to read The Missing Hours if only for the beginning chapters that are so well done by Dahl. Sexual assault is an equal opportunity viewed by the brutal in life. It takes advantage in the moment. The Missing Hours seemed to emphasize the wide disparity of dealing with assault based on what social tier you stand on rather than a unifying opportunity for all victims. Even the stereotypical characters were a bit much. That missed opportunity is still being felt, Julia Dahl. Still....
I received a copy of this book through Goodreads Giveaways. My thanks to Minotaur Books and to Julia Dahl for the opportunity.
September 14, 2021
This was such a gripping read. I finished it in a day.
Claudia Castro seems to have it all: smarts, beauty, wealth, and a large following on social media. She’s a student at NYU. However, one day over spring break she wakes up after a night of partying feeling bruised and disoriented, and hardly able to recall the night before. She soon realizes that she was sexually assaulted and decides to recover in her dorm room with very limited social interactions. Then, when spring break is over, Claudia’s friends and family become worried that they haven’t heard from her on or offline. She’s disappeared and everyone is trying to figure out what happened to her.
The story is told from multiple perspectives and has short chapters that make this easy to fly through.
Aside from Claudia’s storyline, there was a second crime that was plaguing the city that I thought would be explored more, but it wasn’t used in a way I was expecting. That’s very vague, but I don’t want to give anything away.
This novel takes a hard look at privilege and power and how far they can stretch.
CW: rape, drug abuse, violence.
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the digital arc in exchange for my honest opinions.
Claudia Castro seems to have it all: smarts, beauty, wealth, and a large following on social media. She’s a student at NYU. However, one day over spring break she wakes up after a night of partying feeling bruised and disoriented, and hardly able to recall the night before. She soon realizes that she was sexually assaulted and decides to recover in her dorm room with very limited social interactions. Then, when spring break is over, Claudia’s friends and family become worried that they haven’t heard from her on or offline. She’s disappeared and everyone is trying to figure out what happened to her.
The story is told from multiple perspectives and has short chapters that make this easy to fly through.
Aside from Claudia’s storyline, there was a second crime that was plaguing the city that I thought would be explored more, but it wasn’t used in a way I was expecting. That’s very vague, but I don’t want to give anything away.
This novel takes a hard look at privilege and power and how far they can stretch.
CW: rape, drug abuse, violence.
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the digital arc in exchange for my honest opinions.
March 16, 2023
This is a Young Adult/New Adult Thriller/Mystery. I have to say I normally do not like Young Adult/New Adult Thrillers, but I really enjoyed this thriller more of a mystery. I will say there was not a big twist in this book, and I would not say it was super thrilling. I did enjoy the story line, and I loved seeing how each character was feeling. I have to say this book has some hard to read topics in it. This book pulled me in, and it kept me wanting to keep reading. The ending was not the best, and I wanted more for the ending. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Minotaur Books) or author (Julia Dahl) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
June 24, 2021
Fair warning, this is going to be half review and half slightly rambling rant about the objectification of women. I’d like to think the writer intended people to have this kind of reaction to her book though, so cheers to Julia Dahl for getting me all riled up. And while we’re on the topic of warnings, please be advised this book deals very frankly with sexual assault and many will likely find portions of it very hard to read.
Claudia Castro wakes up in pain, with her skirt around her waist and her underwear missing. Her face is busted and bruised, it hurts to urinate, and she can’t remember what happened last night or how she got this way. But after quite literally bumping into another student named Trevor in the dorm hallway, she finds an unlikely friend. He’s not her rich friends and family. He’s not her instagram followers or a member of the public judging her for her latest appearance on a reality show. Most importantly, he isn’t asking her what happened, he’s simply just there for her during a period when she is struggling to reach out to anyone else.
Eventually, Claudia finds out what happened that night via graphic video evidence and from there things start to spiral out of control. Some people want very badly to make sure the video never sees the light of day, and soon Claudia has vanished. Is she hiding out, or is there something much more sinister at play..?
This isn’t a long book, but it packs quite a punch. The chapters are short and the pace is quick, with narratives switching quite often, which kept me on my toes and excited to get back inside the head of certain characters. I finished it quickly but found I wanted to step back and really let my thoughts and feelings on it form before writing my review, which leads us into the ranty section…
Please note this may be ever so slightly spoiler-ish, though I have tried to keep it as vague as possible. I hope readers take some time to look below the surface here. Sure, it’s a fast-paced, waiting on the edge of your seat to see what happens kind of book, but there’s some really great commentary too. And not just the surface level #metoo and haves/have-nots stuff. The book may be about Claudia, but Trevor’s story is what really interested me. How much of his “friendship” with Claudia (and everything that transpires after they meet) is merely a function of lust after seeing her in some short shorts at the beginning of the book? Mind you, not just in short shorts, but sporting a black eye and cut lip, and limping down the hallway clearly in pain. I’m not saying Trevor is a bad guy (in fact, what makes this even more disheartening is how “good” of a guy he is), nor am I comparing him to the people who assaulted Claudia. However, I really hope readers don’t miss out on the larger point that Claudia remains a sexual object throughout the book, and that lust and obsession are the main driving forces for two very different acts, committed by two very different men. Violence committed against Claudia and violence committed for Claudia, because to both perpetrators she is an object of desire first and foremost.
Go ahead and binge read this one and get swept away in the story, but take a moment to sit on it afterwards and reflect. For me, the objectification of women hit hard, but I can easily see readers having just as much of an emotional response to the socioeconomic portions of the book. Justice simply isn’t the same for those with money, is it?
Publication date: September 14, 2021
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for an advanced reader’s copy of this book for review.
Claudia Castro wakes up in pain, with her skirt around her waist and her underwear missing. Her face is busted and bruised, it hurts to urinate, and she can’t remember what happened last night or how she got this way. But after quite literally bumping into another student named Trevor in the dorm hallway, she finds an unlikely friend. He’s not her rich friends and family. He’s not her instagram followers or a member of the public judging her for her latest appearance on a reality show. Most importantly, he isn’t asking her what happened, he’s simply just there for her during a period when she is struggling to reach out to anyone else.
Eventually, Claudia finds out what happened that night via graphic video evidence and from there things start to spiral out of control. Some people want very badly to make sure the video never sees the light of day, and soon Claudia has vanished. Is she hiding out, or is there something much more sinister at play..?
This isn’t a long book, but it packs quite a punch. The chapters are short and the pace is quick, with narratives switching quite often, which kept me on my toes and excited to get back inside the head of certain characters. I finished it quickly but found I wanted to step back and really let my thoughts and feelings on it form before writing my review, which leads us into the ranty section…
Please note this may be ever so slightly spoiler-ish, though I have tried to keep it as vague as possible. I hope readers take some time to look below the surface here. Sure, it’s a fast-paced, waiting on the edge of your seat to see what happens kind of book, but there’s some really great commentary too. And not just the surface level #metoo and haves/have-nots stuff. The book may be about Claudia, but Trevor’s story is what really interested me. How much of his “friendship” with Claudia (and everything that transpires after they meet) is merely a function of lust after seeing her in some short shorts at the beginning of the book? Mind you, not just in short shorts, but sporting a black eye and cut lip, and limping down the hallway clearly in pain. I’m not saying Trevor is a bad guy (in fact, what makes this even more disheartening is how “good” of a guy he is), nor am I comparing him to the people who assaulted Claudia. However, I really hope readers don’t miss out on the larger point that Claudia remains a sexual object throughout the book, and that lust and obsession are the main driving forces for two very different acts, committed by two very different men. Violence committed against Claudia and violence committed for Claudia, because to both perpetrators she is an object of desire first and foremost.
Go ahead and binge read this one and get swept away in the story, but take a moment to sit on it afterwards and reflect. For me, the objectification of women hit hard, but I can easily see readers having just as much of an emotional response to the socioeconomic portions of the book. Justice simply isn’t the same for those with money, is it?
Publication date: September 14, 2021
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for an advanced reader’s copy of this book for review.
August 15, 2021
Wealthy NYU student Claudia Castro has missing hours where it’s clear a violent sexual assault takes place but she has no idea of the who, the where, the when, where or why. Trevor is a student further down the dorm hall who helps her. A few days later both are sent a short film of the rape and it’s obvious who the two men are as Claudia knows both of them and she vows they will pay for it.
This is a well written fairly short novel about a very difficult topic and some parts are not easy to read and nor are they meant to be. It’s very intense, it breaks your heart and makes you very angry on her behalf. It’s extremely powerful on the impact of the assault, you feel her emotions, her fear, disgust, loathing, shame and her inability to think logically initially which is very understandable as she is traumatised. The pacing is good and I like the short sharp chapters that match the events and this heightens the intensity and ramping up tension. You get a clear impression of the wealthy, privileged world that Claudia inhabits as both her parents are seriously rich as is one of the perpetrators. As the storyline progresses there are parts that make you so upset and furious for the way that victims lives are turned upside down and trampled all over. The novel makes very pertinent points about power, privilege and the law, what it’s possible to get away with versus those without cash or influence.
From about the half way point the novel becomes about revenge and consequences and though I can see why it takes this direction it’s not as powerful as the first part. I’m not totally convinced about the inclusion of the character of Trevor, although he does add a sympathetic ear he doesn’t know her before the assault and they’re not from the same social world. She’s like a major movie star and he’s a walk on for a downmarket soap, two worlds that don’t collide. I daresay he is meant to provide a contrast to her world of wealth and it does achieve that to an extent. His story ends up detracting from Claudia's and that’s where I’d like the focus to stay and with greater character development.
Overall, though this is well worth reading as it makes such valid points about victims of rape and their treatment and I’m glad to have read it.
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Faber and Faber for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
This is a well written fairly short novel about a very difficult topic and some parts are not easy to read and nor are they meant to be. It’s very intense, it breaks your heart and makes you very angry on her behalf. It’s extremely powerful on the impact of the assault, you feel her emotions, her fear, disgust, loathing, shame and her inability to think logically initially which is very understandable as she is traumatised. The pacing is good and I like the short sharp chapters that match the events and this heightens the intensity and ramping up tension. You get a clear impression of the wealthy, privileged world that Claudia inhabits as both her parents are seriously rich as is one of the perpetrators. As the storyline progresses there are parts that make you so upset and furious for the way that victims lives are turned upside down and trampled all over. The novel makes very pertinent points about power, privilege and the law, what it’s possible to get away with versus those without cash or influence.
From about the half way point the novel becomes about revenge and consequences and though I can see why it takes this direction it’s not as powerful as the first part. I’m not totally convinced about the inclusion of the character of Trevor, although he does add a sympathetic ear he doesn’t know her before the assault and they’re not from the same social world. She’s like a major movie star and he’s a walk on for a downmarket soap, two worlds that don’t collide. I daresay he is meant to provide a contrast to her world of wealth and it does achieve that to an extent. His story ends up detracting from Claudia's and that’s where I’d like the focus to stay and with greater character development.
Overall, though this is well worth reading as it makes such valid points about victims of rape and their treatment and I’m glad to have read it.
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Faber and Faber for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
September 8, 2021
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Julia Dahl, St. Martin’s Press, and Minotaur Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Having never read anything by Julia Dahl, I was eager to give this standalone novel a try. Dahl writes in a gritty and fast-paced fashion, perfect for those who love a story that never gives the reader time to enter a lull. When Claudia Castro realises that she’s been raped, it is a mix of embarrassment and determination that fuels her to move forward. With the help of an unlikely dorm mate, Claudia soon realises that she’s been a target of revenge porn, as a video of the act surfaces. Now, she’s determined to get her own retribution and make a statement that she is not to be treated so poorly. With a little help, she’s able to put the wheels in motion to show that she is stronger than any boy who thinks she can be used for their own pleasure! A great piece that has me eager to see what else Julia Dahl and penned!
When Claudia Castro woke in her dorm room, she knew something was the matter. The night before had been a haze, but the burning sensation between her legs was indicative of something, and she could not remember consenting. With the place almost empty because of Spring Break, Claudia is left to stew, but comes across Trevor, who seems eager to help however he can.
While Claudia comes from a family with money, Trevor has lived the simple life in Ohio before making his way to New York City. Together, the unlikely pair connect, though never romantically, as they maneuver their way through Claudia’s rape and how to handle it. Having missed her sister giving birth, Claudia knows that she will have to tell her family one thing, but she has yet to cobble together a story that will fit the bill.
When Trevor receives an anonymous text with a video of the rape, he’s enraged. It’s two boys that Claudia knew from her time at NYU, more trouble than they are worth. While they are content to say that it’s ‘just Claudia being her slutty self’, Trevor takes offence and lets Claudia convince him that they need to act. With money burning in her pocket, Claudia has a plan, but it will take time and precision to work.
As Claudia and Trevor work to exact their own form of revenge, they are fulled by the fact that this was no simple act of young people goofing off. It’s time to show that the victim need not wait for the legal process to run its course. The missing hours may still be blurry, but Claudia intends to make those who participated feel her wrath. A jolting story that sped along at a wonderful pace.
The premise of the book left me curious and yet slightly unnerved, though I was intrigued to see how Julia Dahl might handle it. Having written a few thrillers before, I knew Dahl would jump headlong into things and she did well to capture my attention from the outset. This is a story that is sure to keep the reader flipping pages, if only to see how everyone plays a part in the larger whole and what sort of revenge can be expected.
Dahl uses a wonderful collection of characters, depicted well throughout the narrative. Contrasting the rich with the more ‘grounded’ provided the reader with great comparisons as to the tools available for retribution. Backstories and development occurred in equal measure throughout, keeping the reader attentive so as not to miss anything being offered. The flippant nature of some who play a role in the story made it all the more believable, especially when the narrative explores so many perspectives. That said, Claudia and Trevor surely steal the show as strong and multi-faceted protagonists.
Dahl uses her skills to explore the themes effectively throughout the narrative. Perhaps her greatest feat in a story of this type is to use varying narrative perspectives, bringing many of her characters into the central role and telling events from their own experiences. This helps quicken the pace of the plot and keeps the reader aware of all that is going on throughout the development of events. Chapters flowed freely, usually quick and to the point, leaving the reader to desire more as the story unfolds. I was captivated with it throughout, even if the subject matter got dark or sometimes quite violent. Told over a few weeks, the plot never lost its intensity or left the reader feeling less than satisfied with the end result, which comes in the final pages of this well-paced novel. I am eager to explore more of Julia Dahl’s work before too long.
Kudos, Madam Dahl, for a great introduction to your writing. I am definitely going to explore some of your other writing to see if it is just as captivating.
Be sure to check for my review, first posted on Mystery and Suspense, as well as a number of other insightful comments by other reviewers.
https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/th...
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Having never read anything by Julia Dahl, I was eager to give this standalone novel a try. Dahl writes in a gritty and fast-paced fashion, perfect for those who love a story that never gives the reader time to enter a lull. When Claudia Castro realises that she’s been raped, it is a mix of embarrassment and determination that fuels her to move forward. With the help of an unlikely dorm mate, Claudia soon realises that she’s been a target of revenge porn, as a video of the act surfaces. Now, she’s determined to get her own retribution and make a statement that she is not to be treated so poorly. With a little help, she’s able to put the wheels in motion to show that she is stronger than any boy who thinks she can be used for their own pleasure! A great piece that has me eager to see what else Julia Dahl and penned!
When Claudia Castro woke in her dorm room, she knew something was the matter. The night before had been a haze, but the burning sensation between her legs was indicative of something, and she could not remember consenting. With the place almost empty because of Spring Break, Claudia is left to stew, but comes across Trevor, who seems eager to help however he can.
While Claudia comes from a family with money, Trevor has lived the simple life in Ohio before making his way to New York City. Together, the unlikely pair connect, though never romantically, as they maneuver their way through Claudia’s rape and how to handle it. Having missed her sister giving birth, Claudia knows that she will have to tell her family one thing, but she has yet to cobble together a story that will fit the bill.
When Trevor receives an anonymous text with a video of the rape, he’s enraged. It’s two boys that Claudia knew from her time at NYU, more trouble than they are worth. While they are content to say that it’s ‘just Claudia being her slutty self’, Trevor takes offence and lets Claudia convince him that they need to act. With money burning in her pocket, Claudia has a plan, but it will take time and precision to work.
As Claudia and Trevor work to exact their own form of revenge, they are fulled by the fact that this was no simple act of young people goofing off. It’s time to show that the victim need not wait for the legal process to run its course. The missing hours may still be blurry, but Claudia intends to make those who participated feel her wrath. A jolting story that sped along at a wonderful pace.
The premise of the book left me curious and yet slightly unnerved, though I was intrigued to see how Julia Dahl might handle it. Having written a few thrillers before, I knew Dahl would jump headlong into things and she did well to capture my attention from the outset. This is a story that is sure to keep the reader flipping pages, if only to see how everyone plays a part in the larger whole and what sort of revenge can be expected.
Dahl uses a wonderful collection of characters, depicted well throughout the narrative. Contrasting the rich with the more ‘grounded’ provided the reader with great comparisons as to the tools available for retribution. Backstories and development occurred in equal measure throughout, keeping the reader attentive so as not to miss anything being offered. The flippant nature of some who play a role in the story made it all the more believable, especially when the narrative explores so many perspectives. That said, Claudia and Trevor surely steal the show as strong and multi-faceted protagonists.
Dahl uses her skills to explore the themes effectively throughout the narrative. Perhaps her greatest feat in a story of this type is to use varying narrative perspectives, bringing many of her characters into the central role and telling events from their own experiences. This helps quicken the pace of the plot and keeps the reader aware of all that is going on throughout the development of events. Chapters flowed freely, usually quick and to the point, leaving the reader to desire more as the story unfolds. I was captivated with it throughout, even if the subject matter got dark or sometimes quite violent. Told over a few weeks, the plot never lost its intensity or left the reader feeling less than satisfied with the end result, which comes in the final pages of this well-paced novel. I am eager to explore more of Julia Dahl’s work before too long.
Kudos, Madam Dahl, for a great introduction to your writing. I am definitely going to explore some of your other writing to see if it is just as captivating.
Be sure to check for my review, first posted on Mystery and Suspense, as well as a number of other insightful comments by other reviewers.
https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/th...
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
August 14, 2021
The Missing Hours started off strong and I was riveted. Claudia Castro wakes up in her NYU dorm room after a drunken night out to find her skirt wet with urine, she's in pain, she has a split lip, and her right eyelid is swollen half shut. Her phone is also missing and she has no recollection of the previous night's events. Julia Dahl did a great job tackling the topic of sexual assault and its aftereffects in the beginning of the book. The descriptions of what Claudia felt as well as what actually happened to her were raw and graphic, and definitely evoked a visceral response. Her confusion and strange behavior the following few days also felt realistic.
Unfortunately, once Claudia puts the pieces together and goes off the grid, the story becomes muddled. At this point it actually felt like a different book altogether and I didn't care for the drastic change in the direction of the plot. The story is told from multiple POVs, but honestly a lot of Claudia's sister Edie's POV added no value to the story and definitely could have been trimmed.
This was a fast-paced read and despite my issues with the book, it held my interest throughout. The premise was really good and this book had a lot of potential, but the execution fell short. 3 stars.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Minotaur Books for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Unfortunately, once Claudia puts the pieces together and goes off the grid, the story becomes muddled. At this point it actually felt like a different book altogether and I didn't care for the drastic change in the direction of the plot. The story is told from multiple POVs, but honestly a lot of Claudia's sister Edie's POV added no value to the story and definitely could have been trimmed.
This was a fast-paced read and despite my issues with the book, it held my interest throughout. The premise was really good and this book had a lot of potential, but the execution fell short. 3 stars.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Minotaur Books for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 1, 2021
This is a unique and deeply felt book about sexual assault. A tough read at times. The book centers on Claudia Castro, a Paris Hilton-type heiress who wakes up bloodied and with no memory of what has happened to her. Over time, she comes to realize she was raped and that her rape was recorded on video. The book confronts a lot of important issues: Claudia has been painted as a “slut” in the press previously, and was very drunk at the time. Will people believe she was raped or think she was asking for it?
The book tackles a lot of rape myths and stereotypes and has great characters. I liked Claudia’s guy friend Trevor, who wants to help her but doesn’t quite get it. I also liked the other characters, including the jerk defense attorney father, and the main rapist (who was perfectly described). I thought a little more could have been said about the second rapist and felt a little dissatisfied about how his story ended.
This isn’t really a mystery (the rapists are revealed early on) but a story about dealing with sexual assault. In this endeavor, the book really succeeds. You can feel Claudia’s pain so clearly and many awful feelings and reactions are very eloquently put into words. The book also does a great job of demonstrating how differently men of privilege are treated from women of privilege, and how no victim really wins with the justice system. The ending of the book may not satisfy some, but I thought it was perfect.
A worthy read on a hard topic that kept me riveted. I’ll be looking forward to more books by this author.
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press, NetGalley, and the author for the ARC.
The book tackles a lot of rape myths and stereotypes and has great characters. I liked Claudia’s guy friend Trevor, who wants to help her but doesn’t quite get it. I also liked the other characters, including the jerk defense attorney father, and the main rapist (who was perfectly described). I thought a little more could have been said about the second rapist and felt a little dissatisfied about how his story ended.
This isn’t really a mystery (the rapists are revealed early on) but a story about dealing with sexual assault. In this endeavor, the book really succeeds. You can feel Claudia’s pain so clearly and many awful feelings and reactions are very eloquently put into words. The book also does a great job of demonstrating how differently men of privilege are treated from women of privilege, and how no victim really wins with the justice system. The ending of the book may not satisfy some, but I thought it was perfect.
A worthy read on a hard topic that kept me riveted. I’ll be looking forward to more books by this author.
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press, NetGalley, and the author for the ARC.
June 4, 2022
Claudia Castro wakes up one morning, bloody and in pain, with no memory of what happened last night or how she got back to the student dorm.
This is a story about r@pe and about wealthy, entitled young men who think they can get away with anything. And anyway - wasn’t she asking for it? If you were to speak to any woman who been se*ually abused or r@ped I’m sure they would tell you they were not “asking for it”!
It is spring break and the dorms are pretty empty. Claudia just wants to hide away and lick her wounds but she runs into Trevor in the hallway. Trevor seems to be genuine nice guy and he brings Claudia food and coffee and generally looks out for her. He feels protective of her and wants to help her. But when a video of “the incident” gets sent around Claudia is distraught! There are two men involved - one of them is named, fittingly I thought, Chad.
Chad’s father is used to throwing money at problems to make them go away but that won’t work this time. How does Claudia take back control of her story, the answer may surprise you!
This story pulled no punches. Claudia was a party girl but the incident nearly destroyed her. Her anguish was palpable. The story was so realistic, we read about these things almost daily and many people wonder why so few victims speak up but the author addressed this very well in the book. We are also painfully aware that many young men get away with abusing women because there is no concrete proof - it’s he said, she said. And besides why would you ruin the future of a bright, young (wealthy) man for a 20 minute lapse of judgement? Claudia struck a blow for victims everywhere and I was cheering her on. The pacing was, however, inconsistent and the middle of the book was a bit flat which is why I marked it down. It was nevertheless an interesting story. Many thanks to Netgalley and Faber and Faber Ltd for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
This is a story about r@pe and about wealthy, entitled young men who think they can get away with anything. And anyway - wasn’t she asking for it? If you were to speak to any woman who been se*ually abused or r@ped I’m sure they would tell you they were not “asking for it”!
It is spring break and the dorms are pretty empty. Claudia just wants to hide away and lick her wounds but she runs into Trevor in the hallway. Trevor seems to be genuine nice guy and he brings Claudia food and coffee and generally looks out for her. He feels protective of her and wants to help her. But when a video of “the incident” gets sent around Claudia is distraught! There are two men involved - one of them is named, fittingly I thought, Chad.
Chad’s father is used to throwing money at problems to make them go away but that won’t work this time. How does Claudia take back control of her story, the answer may surprise you!
This story pulled no punches. Claudia was a party girl but the incident nearly destroyed her. Her anguish was palpable. The story was so realistic, we read about these things almost daily and many people wonder why so few victims speak up but the author addressed this very well in the book. We are also painfully aware that many young men get away with abusing women because there is no concrete proof - it’s he said, she said. And besides why would you ruin the future of a bright, young (wealthy) man for a 20 minute lapse of judgement? Claudia struck a blow for victims everywhere and I was cheering her on. The pacing was, however, inconsistent and the middle of the book was a bit flat which is why I marked it down. It was nevertheless an interesting story. Many thanks to Netgalley and Faber and Faber Ltd for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
July 24, 2021
3.5 ****
Claudia Castro is not your typical NYU student, but from a very wealthy family and a social media queen. On display, her partying and social life take away from a crime committed against her.
After a long night of partying, she awakens to find she has been assaulted…not only physically but sexually. Her affliction quickly turns to blame and mockery and a video surfacing to destroy her.
When her new found friend, Trevor, also a NYU student, takes her in without questions to help her hide from the media, you also see her dysfunctional family in the background. The wealthy and privileged are vindicated and the plot thickens when Claudia disappears.
A quick read but sexual exploitation of a young girl, as well as female objectivity is the pronounced theme.
Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Claudia Castro is not your typical NYU student, but from a very wealthy family and a social media queen. On display, her partying and social life take away from a crime committed against her.
After a long night of partying, she awakens to find she has been assaulted…not only physically but sexually. Her affliction quickly turns to blame and mockery and a video surfacing to destroy her.
When her new found friend, Trevor, also a NYU student, takes her in without questions to help her hide from the media, you also see her dysfunctional family in the background. The wealthy and privileged are vindicated and the plot thickens when Claudia disappears.
A quick read but sexual exploitation of a young girl, as well as female objectivity is the pronounced theme.
Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 15, 2021
A fantastic read, this book hooked me from the start. The story was easy to read with well developed characters. Their individual background stories were interesting even juicy and each character has a purpose. Edie surprised me with her love life. I enjoyed the humor following Trevor’s thoughts but at other times I just wanted to knock on his head to wake him up. I have a love/hate relationship with Claudia. She didn’t report what happened to her right away or even when she had proofs. I do liked the reasons stated obvious by Ridley and among them that authorities aren’t always good. This book brought out the reasons why many women suffered rape silently and only brought to light about it years later. I liked the dirt revealed by Chad about women Ridley used. Hopefully women will be smart about it and not fall for slick lawyers! I liked the siblings love between Lars & Jeremy, Mike & Trevor, and Edie & Claudia.
This book started with Claudia as she woke up to find her skirt bunched around her waist and her underwear gone. She felt pain when she went to urinate. From the mirror reflection, she saw that she was also beaten with a split lip. She couldn’t remember who the guy was. The second view was Edie, Claudia’s older sister. She’s going into labor just after midnight and tried to reach Claudia but the call went to voicemail. The third view was Trevor, fellow student living at the school dorm. He bumped into Claudia at the elevator and became her delivery guy for drugstore materials and meals, and eventually became friends. Claudia blackout once before after being intoxicated but this time, she desperately wanted to remember what happened. This book was divided into four parts. There’ll be a few surprise views later on.
The Missing Hours was well written and definitely a page turner. A different take on the #metoo movement. The idea of BroChadAsks was clever. A new way of spreading a message and bringing attention to the meaning of rape I had not heard of before. I liked many characters from this book such as Edie and even Michelle. They sound smart in knowing what to do and how to handle police. I would have preferred if Claudia created BroChadAsks before Jeremy got hurt but I guess it’s good to show readers that guys do get blinded by love too and will do whatever girls asks and not asks of them. Most often we hear about women fantasizing of love so it’s a nice change to see a man in the situation. The ending wrapped up nicely with all characters accounted for.
xoxo, Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.com for more details
Many thanks to Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.
.
This book started with Claudia as she woke up to find her skirt bunched around her waist and her underwear gone. She felt pain when she went to urinate. From the mirror reflection, she saw that she was also beaten with a split lip. She couldn’t remember who the guy was. The second view was Edie, Claudia’s older sister. She’s going into labor just after midnight and tried to reach Claudia but the call went to voicemail. The third view was Trevor, fellow student living at the school dorm. He bumped into Claudia at the elevator and became her delivery guy for drugstore materials and meals, and eventually became friends. Claudia blackout once before after being intoxicated but this time, she desperately wanted to remember what happened. This book was divided into four parts. There’ll be a few surprise views later on.
The Missing Hours was well written and definitely a page turner. A different take on the #metoo movement. The idea of BroChadAsks was clever. A new way of spreading a message and bringing attention to the meaning of rape I had not heard of before. I liked many characters from this book such as Edie and even Michelle. They sound smart in knowing what to do and how to handle police. I would have preferred if Claudia created BroChadAsks before Jeremy got hurt but I guess it’s good to show readers that guys do get blinded by love too and will do whatever girls asks and not asks of them. Most often we hear about women fantasizing of love so it’s a nice change to see a man in the situation. The ending wrapped up nicely with all characters accounted for.
xoxo, Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.com for more details
Many thanks to Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.
.
July 14, 2021
At first glance, NYU freshman Claudia Castro appears to have it all. She's a member of the elite - a trust fund baby with a famous father enjoying social status with mega social media followers - the envy of her NYU peers. Take off the rose colored glasses, and you'll see a dysfunctional family in the process of disintegrating with devastating effects on Claudia leading to life altering bad decisions. After a night of heavy drinking at a college party, Claudia awakes from a blackout to find her clothes in bloody disarray and body severely battered - black eye, split lip, black and blue bruises all over with painful urination. Aching and limping, Claudia's mind is fuzzy and try as she may, she can't fill in the missing hours. While it's obvious she had rough sex, she's mortified at the realization she doesn't know if she participated freely or was raped. Shame and self-blame silence her, and she doesn't seek help or counseling. Sound familiar?
Just as Claudia settles back into a semi-normal routine interrupted by frequent fraught psychotic episodes, disastrous evidence of what happened that fateful night surfaces on cell phones and social media, spreading like wildfire. Shamed, taunted, and chastised as a slut, Claudia is forced into the limelight where even her friends doubt her innocence. Social media becomes judge and jury, convicting her without a trial. Life as Claudia knows it is over. And then . . . she disappears. Her family is frantic. What happened to her?
The Missing Hours is a dark, edgy story of obsession, entitlement and consequences. For every action, there is a reaction. But are consequences the same for the privileged? One of the perpetrators on the cell phone video is from a wealthy, powerful family and the other is on the verge of a record contract worth millions. The stakes are high for them and their families who secretly work to silence those who dare accuse the men of rape. What makes this case different is that Claudia's family also has the means to seek justice for their missing daughter, and it becomes a battle of the entitled.
Told from multiple points of view with short, choppy chapters that drive a frantic pace, this story is propelled forward with a dark atmosphere of malice. Bouncing from one narrator to the next, I burned through pages with trepidation trying to determine what really happened as Claudia herself still doesn't know. As the story unfolds, readers will feel the tone of the story shift from deep despondency to rabid, flaming rage fed by dark, convoluted thoughts of retaliation and revenge raising the question . . . if the court system fails you, do you have the right to sentence those who have wronged you? Is using wealth for retaliation any different than using it for privilege? Does seeking retaliation ever really right a wrong?
Dahl gives readers a lot to think about in this riveting, traumatic story of one woman's journey beyond assault, shame and self-blame to reclaim her life and mend ties with her family. It's a violent story with rippling effects that impact way more than the obvious so readers should be prepared to look deeper for hidden questions. Intense, gritty and quite graphic, The Missing Hours will appeal to fans of suspense and those who enjoy a dark, angsty story of obsession and revenge with a few surprises along the way. Clear your calendar as you'll want to read this book in one sitting.
*Special thanks to Minotaur Books for an arc of this book.
**Review first published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine
***Review posted at Cross My Heart Reviews
Just as Claudia settles back into a semi-normal routine interrupted by frequent fraught psychotic episodes, disastrous evidence of what happened that fateful night surfaces on cell phones and social media, spreading like wildfire. Shamed, taunted, and chastised as a slut, Claudia is forced into the limelight where even her friends doubt her innocence. Social media becomes judge and jury, convicting her without a trial. Life as Claudia knows it is over. And then . . . she disappears. Her family is frantic. What happened to her?
The Missing Hours is a dark, edgy story of obsession, entitlement and consequences. For every action, there is a reaction. But are consequences the same for the privileged? One of the perpetrators on the cell phone video is from a wealthy, powerful family and the other is on the verge of a record contract worth millions. The stakes are high for them and their families who secretly work to silence those who dare accuse the men of rape. What makes this case different is that Claudia's family also has the means to seek justice for their missing daughter, and it becomes a battle of the entitled.
Told from multiple points of view with short, choppy chapters that drive a frantic pace, this story is propelled forward with a dark atmosphere of malice. Bouncing from one narrator to the next, I burned through pages with trepidation trying to determine what really happened as Claudia herself still doesn't know. As the story unfolds, readers will feel the tone of the story shift from deep despondency to rabid, flaming rage fed by dark, convoluted thoughts of retaliation and revenge raising the question . . . if the court system fails you, do you have the right to sentence those who have wronged you? Is using wealth for retaliation any different than using it for privilege? Does seeking retaliation ever really right a wrong?
Dahl gives readers a lot to think about in this riveting, traumatic story of one woman's journey beyond assault, shame and self-blame to reclaim her life and mend ties with her family. It's a violent story with rippling effects that impact way more than the obvious so readers should be prepared to look deeper for hidden questions. Intense, gritty and quite graphic, The Missing Hours will appeal to fans of suspense and those who enjoy a dark, angsty story of obsession and revenge with a few surprises along the way. Clear your calendar as you'll want to read this book in one sitting.
*Special thanks to Minotaur Books for an arc of this book.
**Review first published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine
***Review posted at Cross My Heart Reviews
September 22, 2021
You pack your daughter off to college...you give her the best of everything...a fantastic opportunity to chase her dreams at NYU.. 🏫 …a nice safe dorm surrounded by other people...a trust fund so she will never have a need for anything...💳 🛍 What you can't protect her from ...is the cruel reality of society...😢
Wow! This was a page turner for me. I will admit I was a bit worried about the topic matter...but even though it was tough at times and very disturbing...it is an important subject matter to tackle. It's realistic...it's timely...it's part of the "me too" era with a side of revenge.😉
Boys will be boys right? That is the old school mentality...well not anymore "boys". When Claudia wakes up battered, bruised and bleeding...everywhere...she knows something happened ...and it was extremely bad. As she struggle to come to term with what has happened...we see her go through the different stages that a victim does....shock, numbness, functioning in a daze. Then denial, thinking she brought it on herself...🥃🥂🍸🍻then anger....😤
I loved how this book handled this important topic, yet also put a spin on it with Claudia's unconvential way of dealing with it.😳
This book kept me up way too late, but it was totally worth it! 😍
Huge shoutout to Minotaur for my gorgeous gifted copy!!🥰
Wow! This was a page turner for me. I will admit I was a bit worried about the topic matter...but even though it was tough at times and very disturbing...it is an important subject matter to tackle. It's realistic...it's timely...it's part of the "me too" era with a side of revenge.😉
Boys will be boys right? That is the old school mentality...well not anymore "boys". When Claudia wakes up battered, bruised and bleeding...everywhere...she knows something happened ...and it was extremely bad. As she struggle to come to term with what has happened...we see her go through the different stages that a victim does....shock, numbness, functioning in a daze. Then denial, thinking she brought it on herself...🥃🥂🍸🍻then anger....😤
I loved how this book handled this important topic, yet also put a spin on it with Claudia's unconvential way of dealing with it.😳
This book kept me up way too late, but it was totally worth it! 😍
Huge shoutout to Minotaur for my gorgeous gifted copy!!🥰
October 26, 2021
A very dark thriller that is based on a sexual assault ( rape ) carried out by 2 Freshmen on a fellow student, and then videoed for future ‘use’
One of the men accused comes from a very privileged background and also the victim herself is from a very monied world ( not that either of those should matter but we know it does ), there are echoes of recent American College cases in the book and in fact a few are mentioned
The victim, Claudia has an ample social life and yes she likes guys, in other words she has a healthy attitude to sex, however again as we know this is often portrayed as a weakness and a reason for rape/sexual assault
The story approaches what has happened and the repercussions via many angles/stories and characters and how it affects Claudia and the people she is involved with, friend or foe and all she goes through until she finds her revenge
It is a troubling, moving, at times almost manic story but it has emotion, realness and spirit and the author has done a commendable job of not using too much shock tactics to get the story and meaning across but enough to make you pause a few times, she uses real talk and real language but not in a salacious way, hard to explain but works
Powerful read
10/10
5 Stars
One of the men accused comes from a very privileged background and also the victim herself is from a very monied world ( not that either of those should matter but we know it does ), there are echoes of recent American College cases in the book and in fact a few are mentioned
The victim, Claudia has an ample social life and yes she likes guys, in other words she has a healthy attitude to sex, however again as we know this is often portrayed as a weakness and a reason for rape/sexual assault
The story approaches what has happened and the repercussions via many angles/stories and characters and how it affects Claudia and the people she is involved with, friend or foe and all she goes through until she finds her revenge
It is a troubling, moving, at times almost manic story but it has emotion, realness and spirit and the author has done a commendable job of not using too much shock tactics to get the story and meaning across but enough to make you pause a few times, she uses real talk and real language but not in a salacious way, hard to explain but works
Powerful read
10/10
5 Stars
June 17, 2021
First of all, thank you so much to Minotaur Books and Julia Dahl for my ARC of this book that comes out on September 14. The Missing Hours is about Claudia Castro, a girl who has it all. She has a famous family, a trust fund, and a spot at NYU. One night everything changes and Claudia has to escape. She cuts herself off from her family, makes new friends, and then she disappears. While her family is frantically searching for her, they begin to learn that there is a lot more going on than they could have imagined.
Thoughts: This story was attention grabbing from the beginning and I read it in a few hours. I loved the New York setting and the themes of wealth, power, and privilege. Told in multiple points of view, this story was relevant and felt like something that could easily happen in real life. I really liked the way the book talked about all of the nuances included with social media and what it’s like to have everything documented “forever”.
I was a bit disappointed in the secondary storyline because I thought the Subway Slasher would have been a great plot, but sadly it didn’t go anywhere. There also wasn’t much character development, and it almost seemed like a pointed lack of character development, which was disappointing. It was a fun popcorn read, but ultimately not totally satisfying. 3 stars for this one!
Thoughts: This story was attention grabbing from the beginning and I read it in a few hours. I loved the New York setting and the themes of wealth, power, and privilege. Told in multiple points of view, this story was relevant and felt like something that could easily happen in real life. I really liked the way the book talked about all of the nuances included with social media and what it’s like to have everything documented “forever”.
I was a bit disappointed in the secondary storyline because I thought the Subway Slasher would have been a great plot, but sadly it didn’t go anywhere. There also wasn’t much character development, and it almost seemed like a pointed lack of character development, which was disappointing. It was a fun popcorn read, but ultimately not totally satisfying. 3 stars for this one!
April 16, 2022
I had been looking forward to reading this book for a while and it did not disappoint. Gotta love a long weekend where you can binge read 😊 I was immediately drawn into the story, the opening chapter horrific for the main character and I wanted to know more.
Claudia is a rich kid with the perfect life… or is she? She has thousands of followers on Instagram, is she studying art at NYU, she is popular and has a healthy trust fund. What more could she want? Behind all of this is a lonely girl who just wants to be loved. She wakes early one night in her dorm room with no memory of what happened the night before. She is bruised and battered and soon realises that she has been raped. It is spring break and her friends are not around. She finds comfort in a stranger… and then she goes missing.
This is a tough story to read at times. There are some pretty graphic scenes. It is the story of fame, power and revenge, how far would you do to seek justice? I just had to keep reading. At times it was a little far fetched but then again, people with money have no limits right.
Thanks to Allen and Unwin for my copy of this book to read. Out now in the Us and Australia
Claudia is a rich kid with the perfect life… or is she? She has thousands of followers on Instagram, is she studying art at NYU, she is popular and has a healthy trust fund. What more could she want? Behind all of this is a lonely girl who just wants to be loved. She wakes early one night in her dorm room with no memory of what happened the night before. She is bruised and battered and soon realises that she has been raped. It is spring break and her friends are not around. She finds comfort in a stranger… and then she goes missing.
This is a tough story to read at times. There are some pretty graphic scenes. It is the story of fame, power and revenge, how far would you do to seek justice? I just had to keep reading. At times it was a little far fetched but then again, people with money have no limits right.
Thanks to Allen and Unwin for my copy of this book to read. Out now in the Us and Australia
April 16, 2022
I really liked the first few chapters and thought this was going to be a book about sexual assault and rape culture but it took a strange revenge turn that I didn’t love. I did like the writing and found the characters interesting, but it was hard to be excited for or really care about any of them. Claudia wakes up after a wild Friday night she doesn’t remember without her phone, with a black eye, split lip, and the sensation she had sex with someone she can’t remember. Worried about being labeled a slut when she learns what happened she decides to disappear for a while. Her family gets worried and looks for her and finds there is more than initially appears. The story is told in alternating perspectives which I like including both of Claudia’s attackers which was interesting. It wasn’t a bad book, but it took me a bit of pushing to get through it.
September 7, 2021
3.5/5
Wow talk about an addictive read! I started this one a whim and before I knew it I had read half of it in one sitting. I’m hesitant to say too much about the plot but here’s some of the synopsis 👇🏻
Claudia starts the school year resolved to find a path toward something positive, maybe even meaningful – and then one drunken night everything changes. Reeling, her memory hazy, Claudia cuts herself off from her family, seeking solace in a new friendship. But when the rest of school comes back from spring break, Claudia is missing.
Suddenly, the whole city is trying to piece together the hours of that terrible night.
This is told via several different viewpoints allowing you to get to know Claudia and her friends and family. This one had a lot to say about social status, power and how those with money can get away with basically anything. As much as I was super invested the whole way through I did feel like the ending was weak and I expected more but overall this was entertaining and pretty decent.
Wow talk about an addictive read! I started this one a whim and before I knew it I had read half of it in one sitting. I’m hesitant to say too much about the plot but here’s some of the synopsis 👇🏻
Claudia starts the school year resolved to find a path toward something positive, maybe even meaningful – and then one drunken night everything changes. Reeling, her memory hazy, Claudia cuts herself off from her family, seeking solace in a new friendship. But when the rest of school comes back from spring break, Claudia is missing.
Suddenly, the whole city is trying to piece together the hours of that terrible night.
This is told via several different viewpoints allowing you to get to know Claudia and her friends and family. This one had a lot to say about social status, power and how those with money can get away with basically anything. As much as I was super invested the whole way through I did feel like the ending was weak and I expected more but overall this was entertaining and pretty decent.
June 14, 2021
This was a fast-paced book that I finished in one sitting (and in the middle of the night!). It centers on Claudia, spoiled rich girl and NYU freshman, who wakes up one morning knowing that something bad happened to her the previous night, but missing the memories to tie it all together. A dangerous game of cat and mouse ensues as the details of those missing hours become more clear. Chapters are told from her POV as well as those of her sister and her new friend, Trevor, also an NYU student.
The story is fast paced from beginning to end- and with short chapters that kept me reading. While Claudia is a bit of a cliched character, I liked her and appreciated her zeal to get revenge on those who had wronged her. While the author didn't go as deeply into Trevor's background, I felt like I understood where he was coming from as well. The characters were all believable to me, even if cliched.
Overall, this was a fun ride throughout- it was fast paced and contained more than a few surprises. I found the end to be satisfying as well. I'd definitely recommend this book to those who like mysteries and psychological thrillers. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story is fast paced from beginning to end- and with short chapters that kept me reading. While Claudia is a bit of a cliched character, I liked her and appreciated her zeal to get revenge on those who had wronged her. While the author didn't go as deeply into Trevor's background, I felt like I understood where he was coming from as well. The characters were all believable to me, even if cliched.
Overall, this was a fun ride throughout- it was fast paced and contained more than a few surprises. I found the end to be satisfying as well. I'd definitely recommend this book to those who like mysteries and psychological thrillers. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 5, 2021
3.5 stars
Looking for a compelling story of revenge? You may find that in the latest from Julia Dahl, The Missing Hours .
Claudia Castro is a freshman at NYU, the daughter of a Grammy Award-winning musician and producer and a model. She has a bit of a reputation as a partier, a drinker, and someone known to hook up with guys from time to time, and a recent appearance on a reality show cemented that reputation among her peers.
While most of her classmates have left for spring break, she wakes up one morning extremely hung over, bruised, bloody, and she’s fairly certain she had sex—but she can’t remember what happened the night before. Who did this to her? What actually happened? Who was with her, who might have seen it?
Licking her wounds, she cuts herself off from her family, spending time with only one classmate, who becomes her friend and confidant. When a video from that night surfaces, suddenly everyone is looking for Claudia—for different reasons—and she’s nowhere to be found.
This book hooked me from the start, as I wanted to know what happened to Claudia as much as everyone else. Then the book flipped the script and I had no idea what to expect. It’s definitely a revenge story you’ll want to discuss with someone!
I liked the concept of The Missing Hours and found the family dynamics fascinating. I just thought the plot was a little unrealistic (or at least I hope so). But it definitely outlined the treatment women in society face.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
Looking for a compelling story of revenge? You may find that in the latest from Julia Dahl, The Missing Hours .
Claudia Castro is a freshman at NYU, the daughter of a Grammy Award-winning musician and producer and a model. She has a bit of a reputation as a partier, a drinker, and someone known to hook up with guys from time to time, and a recent appearance on a reality show cemented that reputation among her peers.
While most of her classmates have left for spring break, she wakes up one morning extremely hung over, bruised, bloody, and she’s fairly certain she had sex—but she can’t remember what happened the night before. Who did this to her? What actually happened? Who was with her, who might have seen it?
Licking her wounds, she cuts herself off from her family, spending time with only one classmate, who becomes her friend and confidant. When a video from that night surfaces, suddenly everyone is looking for Claudia—for different reasons—and she’s nowhere to be found.
This book hooked me from the start, as I wanted to know what happened to Claudia as much as everyone else. Then the book flipped the script and I had no idea what to expect. It’s definitely a revenge story you’ll want to discuss with someone!
I liked the concept of The Missing Hours and found the family dynamics fascinating. I just thought the plot was a little unrealistic (or at least I hope so). But it definitely outlined the treatment women in society face.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
June 14, 2021
Privileged Claudia Castro, freshman at NYU, wakes up in a fog one morning, and has no recollection of the previous evening. She is hungover and one look in the mirror shows a split lip and the beginnings of a black eye. What the heck happened?
Thus begins this story. Claudia has lost her phone, missed the birth of her niece and feels in her gut that something terrible happened. When she receives a video from an old acquaintance of her that night, she knows exactly what happened. Full of shame and fear, she disappears in order to preserve her dignity and to plan what will do next. She even hides from her family, too distraught to think straight. This gritty story could have been pulled from the headlines. It is the classic case of misplaced shame and devastating situations that present themselves far too often at U.S. colleges.
The story unfolds throughout the book and affects not only Claudia, but her family and friends as well. The writing portrayed the devastating consequences of the one night clearly. The twist towards revenge surprised me. Unfortunately, in my opinion, the character development was lacking, and I never felt overly vested in any of the characters. That is not to say that I wasn’t outraged by the story or felt sympathetic toward Claudia. I just didn’t know enough about her to understand the motivation for her decisions. The same could be said for Trevor. The book felt disjointed at times, yet this story is an important one that needs to be shared. The book is a fast-paced read that gives the reader much to ponder.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advance copy to read and review. Pub date: 9/14/21.
Thus begins this story. Claudia has lost her phone, missed the birth of her niece and feels in her gut that something terrible happened. When she receives a video from an old acquaintance of her that night, she knows exactly what happened. Full of shame and fear, she disappears in order to preserve her dignity and to plan what will do next. She even hides from her family, too distraught to think straight. This gritty story could have been pulled from the headlines. It is the classic case of misplaced shame and devastating situations that present themselves far too often at U.S. colleges.
The story unfolds throughout the book and affects not only Claudia, but her family and friends as well. The writing portrayed the devastating consequences of the one night clearly. The twist towards revenge surprised me. Unfortunately, in my opinion, the character development was lacking, and I never felt overly vested in any of the characters. That is not to say that I wasn’t outraged by the story or felt sympathetic toward Claudia. I just didn’t know enough about her to understand the motivation for her decisions. The same could be said for Trevor. The book felt disjointed at times, yet this story is an important one that needs to be shared. The book is a fast-paced read that gives the reader much to ponder.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advance copy to read and review. Pub date: 9/14/21.
July 22, 2021
This entire novel is fraught with trigger warnings. Unfortunately, the marketing copy says Claudia was in a “sleazy documentary,” which is a gross description of what we come to know happened.
When Claudia wakes up in her dorm, her memory of the night before is mostly blank, but a trip to the bathroom mirror confirms something terrible happened. It’s spring break, so many of the students are gone, but Claudia makes friends with a guy down the hall who helps her navigate the tense following days. When a video surfaces, Claudia goes into hiding to figure out what to do. Her family was initially irritated with her for missing the birth of her sister’s first child, but that irritation turns to worry when they don’t know where she is. They aren’t the only people looking for her, but they’re the only ones who want to find her to know that she’s safe, not to get back evidence of a crime.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this novel, which RELEASES SEPTMEMBER 14, 2021.
When Claudia wakes up in her dorm, her memory of the night before is mostly blank, but a trip to the bathroom mirror confirms something terrible happened. It’s spring break, so many of the students are gone, but Claudia makes friends with a guy down the hall who helps her navigate the tense following days. When a video surfaces, Claudia goes into hiding to figure out what to do. Her family was initially irritated with her for missing the birth of her sister’s first child, but that irritation turns to worry when they don’t know where she is. They aren’t the only people looking for her, but they’re the only ones who want to find her to know that she’s safe, not to get back evidence of a crime.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this novel, which RELEASES SEPTMEMBER 14, 2021.
January 4, 2021
A searing tale of sexual assault in the digital age. Dahl is a master at mining the complexities of crime and the urgent issues that arise from it, including the one pulsing at the heart of this harrowing novel: how can victims find justice and reclaim their power when a crime plays out endlessly on the internet? Timely, taut, and gripping--an absolute must-read.
December 2, 2021
I thought the first few chapters were the best. Soon, my interest waned. While the writing was fine, I didn't like the story.
October 2, 2021
Content warning for sexual assault but totally riveting.
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