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Lacey James #4
Hide Her
Readers' Favorite Award for Best Crime Fiction & Wind Dancer Film Award
The discovery of an abandoned child forges a chilling link with an infamous cold case.
It’s early morning in Sweet Home, Oregon. Officer Lacey James speeds down an empty highway when a young girl appears out of nowhere. She’s alone and terrified. Unable to speak. Lacey begins searching for her parents but soon, the investigation hits a dead end.
Enlisting the help of outside agencies, a task force is formed. Who is this child? Where does she come from? And why haven’t her parents stepped forward?
As the mystery surrounding the girl’s identity begins to unravel, a shocking truth about the child’s past is revealed. A link to an infamous cold case thrusts Lacey into a media firestorm, the likes of which, Sweet Home has never seen.
Will revealing the truth endanger the girl’s life?
Can Lacey return the child safely to her family, or will she be the next one to die?
The discovery of an abandoned child forges a chilling link with an infamous cold case.
It’s early morning in Sweet Home, Oregon. Officer Lacey James speeds down an empty highway when a young girl appears out of nowhere. She’s alone and terrified. Unable to speak. Lacey begins searching for her parents but soon, the investigation hits a dead end.
Enlisting the help of outside agencies, a task force is formed. Who is this child? Where does she come from? And why haven’t her parents stepped forward?
As the mystery surrounding the girl’s identity begins to unravel, a shocking truth about the child’s past is revealed. A link to an infamous cold case thrusts Lacey into a media firestorm, the likes of which, Sweet Home has never seen.
Will revealing the truth endanger the girl’s life?
Can Lacey return the child safely to her family, or will she be the next one to die?
296 pages, Paperback
Published July 25, 2022
45 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
Chris Patchell
22 books275 followers Chris Patchell is an award-winning USA Today Bestselling Author who started writing to curb the homicidal urges she experienced during her Seattle commute. She writes gripping suspense thrillers set in the Pacific Northwest, including bestsellers Deadly Lies, In the Dark, and her most recent collection of small-town crime thrillers, the Lacey James Series. Her writing has won several awards, including a Next Generation Indie Book Award, several Readers’ Favorite Awards, a BookFest Award, an IndieReader Discovery Award, and a Pacific Northwest Literary Award.
When she’s not writing, you can find Chris reading, hanging out with her family, watching football, and struggling to keep up with her workout regime, all while shushing her incessantly yapping Yorkies. She lives in Oregon with her husband and two kids.
Connect with Chris through her author newsletter: https://www.chrispatchell.com/newslet...
When she’s not writing, you can find Chris reading, hanging out with her family, watching football, and struggling to keep up with her workout regime, all while shushing her incessantly yapping Yorkies. She lives in Oregon with her husband and two kids.
Connect with Chris through her author newsletter: https://www.chrispatchell.com/newslet...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 7, 2023
I had forgotten just how much I enjoyed the Lacey James series but it all came back in a rush with this new installment. Lacey is a very real character with all her faults and troubles. Her husband Caleb has a new girlfriend and has moved out. She is juggling her job and her kids, and she is tired, always rushing around, always late, something all mothers can relate to. In a hurry to drop the kids off to Caleb, she nearly hits a little girl in the middle of the road. No parents come forward right away so Lacey takes the girl to her cousin Amber to watch. Amber is another strong female character and Lacey's best friend. She plays a big part in this story. Surprising twists make this more than just a missing child case. There is good police work and lots of emotion in this one. I received a copy of the audiobook from Story Origin. Cassandra Medcalf does an excellent job as Lacey, who tells most of the story. Her voice is pleasant, easy to understand, and well paced. Nathan Agin adds to the story in several places where a male voice is a necessity. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next in the series.
June 29, 2025
Best one of the series in my opinion
July 13, 2023
These books just keep getting better and better. After a successful full murder mystery with Tell Her, I'm glad that the trend continued. I enjoyed this story so much more. Who is Joy and where did she come from frames this entire book but it goes so much deeper than that. I really liked how each clue was unraveled and how the ending, even though sh*t goes down, came to be. As I stated in my review for Tell Her, it's so refreshing to read a new style in the genre. I didn't guess who the killer/kidnapper/villain was this time around because the clues were so sparse. It really was discovering it with Lacey and Eli. Even though the point of view was given of our bad guy, the identity remained a secret.
Again, I just love Lacey so much. There really isn't much that I would say bad about her and I could read her stories all day long. I really despise the downgrade of Caleb though. His character has digressed so much and so many of his actions just didn't make sense to me. I just don't know how he can tell Lacey how much of a bad parent she is for putting her career first before her kids WHEN HE WAS GONE FOR HOW LONG. Plus, it always bothers me when a character marries or has a family with a police officer/investigator/detective and then states how they always put the job first. Do you understand what their job is??? And then the ending with them - I just didn't like it.
Overall, Hide Her by Christ Patchell was such a strong entry yet again. I really am enjoying these fuller length novels with more mystery behind it. Chris Patchell does such a great job of concealing the identify of the "who done it". I was annoyed with every interaction between Lacey and Caleb but honestly the story itself was so good that it really pushed past those scenes. Again, if you've enjoyed these stories so far - keep on going!
AUDIO REVIEW
As I've been stating in all of my previous review - listen to this on audio. It is so well done.
Again, I just love Lacey so much. There really isn't much that I would say bad about her and I could read her stories all day long. I really despise the downgrade of Caleb though. His character has digressed so much and so many of his actions just didn't make sense to me. I just don't know how he can tell Lacey how much of a bad parent she is for putting her career first before her kids WHEN HE WAS GONE FOR HOW LONG. Plus, it always bothers me when a character marries or has a family with a police officer/investigator/detective and then states how they always put the job first. Do you understand what their job is??? And then the ending with them - I just didn't like it.
Overall, Hide Her by Christ Patchell was such a strong entry yet again. I really am enjoying these fuller length novels with more mystery behind it. Chris Patchell does such a great job of concealing the identify of the "who done it". I was annoyed with every interaction between Lacey and Caleb but honestly the story itself was so good that it really pushed past those scenes. Again, if you've enjoyed these stories so far - keep on going!
AUDIO REVIEW
As I've been stating in all of my previous review - listen to this on audio. It is so well done.
December 5, 2022
Hide Her
The Lacey James Series, Book 4
By: Chris Patchell
Narrated by: Cassandra Medcalf, Nathan Agin
This series is so entertaining, I cannot wait until the next one in the series. Each book builds on the other, so while they could be listened to as a stand alone, there is history that will be missed if you don't start from the beginning, and trust me, you want to! Lacey is dealing with so much, between her pregnancy, her failing marriage, her children and work, she never has a minute to herself. Even taking her kids to her ex's for their weekend visit is infiltrated with work, when she almost hits a small child. When she gets out of the car, and finally finds her, she realizes there are no adults with her and a new mystery begins. Chris Patchell has a way of finding the exact story that will capture my attention. This one certainly did, with the young girl, the stalking, and the small town gossip! I don't know where to start! It's so real to me with Lacey's problems, and hard to make decisions. She is trying to balance her life and it's hard! She and Eli work tirelessly, against the clock to find out more about the little girl and what they discover is game changing! Give this one a listen, the twists and turns will keep you interested and wanting more from Lacey!
Cassandra Medcalf is such a good story teller! I love her and the way she portrays the characters in this small town. Each one is perfectly suited to the character and I easily can see the picture she paints. Nathan Agin plays the villain and what a voice. He is eerily fantastic as he brings the chills in. It's an amazing series and listen.
The Lacey James Series, Book 4
By: Chris Patchell
Narrated by: Cassandra Medcalf, Nathan Agin
This series is so entertaining, I cannot wait until the next one in the series. Each book builds on the other, so while they could be listened to as a stand alone, there is history that will be missed if you don't start from the beginning, and trust me, you want to! Lacey is dealing with so much, between her pregnancy, her failing marriage, her children and work, she never has a minute to herself. Even taking her kids to her ex's for their weekend visit is infiltrated with work, when she almost hits a small child. When she gets out of the car, and finally finds her, she realizes there are no adults with her and a new mystery begins. Chris Patchell has a way of finding the exact story that will capture my attention. This one certainly did, with the young girl, the stalking, and the small town gossip! I don't know where to start! It's so real to me with Lacey's problems, and hard to make decisions. She is trying to balance her life and it's hard! She and Eli work tirelessly, against the clock to find out more about the little girl and what they discover is game changing! Give this one a listen, the twists and turns will keep you interested and wanting more from Lacey!
Cassandra Medcalf is such a good story teller! I love her and the way she portrays the characters in this small town. Each one is perfectly suited to the character and I easily can see the picture she paints. Nathan Agin plays the villain and what a voice. He is eerily fantastic as he brings the chills in. It's an amazing series and listen.
December 4, 2022
***** AUDIOBOOK REVIEW *****
Hide Her is one of Chris Patchell's best books yet in this series! Yes, you must read the other books in the series to understand Hide Her. Do NOT read anymore of my review if you missed ANY of those books. While Officer James is looking for the family of a lost and scared little girl, she's reeling from the deceit of her husband Caleb. She's also off her game due to being 11 weeks pregnant by her cheating husband. As you can see, there's a lot going on here. This isn't an easy case. People pop out of the work-works here and you've got to keep your eyes open or you'll miss it!
The narration by Cassandra Medcalf and Nathan Agin was fabulous! Nathan played a few parts if I recall correctly. He's a solid male narrator with a strong deep voice. He works exceptionally well as a bad guy with that deep voice. It almost comes off sinister... I like it! Then we have Cassandra, she place Lacey James like they were meant to be. She's a strong heroine but she also has emotions and heart under that tough exterior. I could feel the emotions in Officer James throughout the story. These two narrators really brought the story together and made it a compulsive listen.
#AudiobookObsession
Hide Her is one of Chris Patchell's best books yet in this series! Yes, you must read the other books in the series to understand Hide Her. Do NOT read anymore of my review if you missed ANY of those books. While Officer James is looking for the family of a lost and scared little girl, she's reeling from the deceit of her husband Caleb. She's also off her game due to being 11 weeks pregnant by her cheating husband. As you can see, there's a lot going on here. This isn't an easy case. People pop out of the work-works here and you've got to keep your eyes open or you'll miss it!
The narration by Cassandra Medcalf and Nathan Agin was fabulous! Nathan played a few parts if I recall correctly. He's a solid male narrator with a strong deep voice. He works exceptionally well as a bad guy with that deep voice. It almost comes off sinister... I like it! Then we have Cassandra, she place Lacey James like they were meant to be. She's a strong heroine but she also has emotions and heart under that tough exterior. I could feel the emotions in Officer James throughout the story. These two narrators really brought the story together and made it a compulsive listen.
#AudiobookObsession
February 20, 2023
A perfect thriller. I couldn’t stop listening!
Audiobook version: 5 stars overall, 5 stars story, 5 stars narration
The Lacey James series just keeps getting better, and this fourth book is the best one yet, in my opinion. The plot was nail-biting and thrilling. It was so satisfying to continue Officer Lacey’s story. The author Chris Patchell writes so well that I feel like I know Lacey as well as I know myself. The narrator Cassandra Metcalf does such a perfect job bringing to life this small-town policewoman who is great at her job while taking care of her two kids. Lacey’s lovable work partner Eli also had a few memorable chapters from his perspective, narrated by the very talented Nathan Agin. Nathan Agin also narrates a couple of chapters from the perspective of a male perpetrator of a crime.
I hope there are many more books in this series, which is tied with one other for my favorite mystery series. I highly recommend this to everyone who likes realistic contemporary mysteries with female detectives.
I requested and received a free audiobook code from the Flock VIP Review Team, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review. #TheFlockVIPReviewTeam #FiresideAudio
Audiobook version: 5 stars overall, 5 stars story, 5 stars narration
The Lacey James series just keeps getting better, and this fourth book is the best one yet, in my opinion. The plot was nail-biting and thrilling. It was so satisfying to continue Officer Lacey’s story. The author Chris Patchell writes so well that I feel like I know Lacey as well as I know myself. The narrator Cassandra Metcalf does such a perfect job bringing to life this small-town policewoman who is great at her job while taking care of her two kids. Lacey’s lovable work partner Eli also had a few memorable chapters from his perspective, narrated by the very talented Nathan Agin. Nathan Agin also narrates a couple of chapters from the perspective of a male perpetrator of a crime.
I hope there are many more books in this series, which is tied with one other for my favorite mystery series. I highly recommend this to everyone who likes realistic contemporary mysteries with female detectives.
I requested and received a free audiobook code from the Flock VIP Review Team, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review. #TheFlockVIPReviewTeam #FiresideAudio
October 6, 2024
Kindle Unlimited
Kindle Unlimited
Lacey James Series #4 'Hide Her' has us again in the smaller, picturesque towns of Oregon and Washington state, where Detective Lacey James is a very busy wife, mother, detective, cousin and friend. She and her two children find a 3-or-4-year-old girl in the deep woods off the side of the highway, a child Lacey's cousin Amber takes in to add to her own two and Lacey's two when she is on the job. This very young girl seems to be nonverbal and they have no record of a recently missing child anywhere in the area. Though she is scared half to death she is adapting to life in Amber's busy home - just about the time Lacey finds disturbing hints of a connection between this child and a five-year-old cold case involving a missing local teenager. The Press breaks the story and thus the grandparents and the bad guys are fully informed of the girls' situation and location. Amber's home is attacked almost immediately. Will the rumors expose this child to more danger? Why has no one reported her missing?
Reviewed on October 6, 2024, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&oble, BookBub, and Kobo.
Kindle Unlimited
Lacey James Series #4 'Hide Her' has us again in the smaller, picturesque towns of Oregon and Washington state, where Detective Lacey James is a very busy wife, mother, detective, cousin and friend. She and her two children find a 3-or-4-year-old girl in the deep woods off the side of the highway, a child Lacey's cousin Amber takes in to add to her own two and Lacey's two when she is on the job. This very young girl seems to be nonverbal and they have no record of a recently missing child anywhere in the area. Though she is scared half to death she is adapting to life in Amber's busy home - just about the time Lacey finds disturbing hints of a connection between this child and a five-year-old cold case involving a missing local teenager. The Press breaks the story and thus the grandparents and the bad guys are fully informed of the girls' situation and location. Amber's home is attacked almost immediately. Will the rumors expose this child to more danger? Why has no one reported her missing?
Reviewed on October 6, 2024, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&oble, BookBub, and Kobo.
July 28, 2022
Every time I read Patchell's work, I love her more!
Patchell pulls no punches in her writing. Her books are suspenseful and thrilling and totally pull you into their thrall, with no intention of letting go will they are finished with you. Hide Her scared me at first - as often happens when children are involved because they can sometimes be too detailed. The storyline here, however, was well developed without being graphic, the steps toward resolution were logical, and the ending was perfect. The characters have a realness that makes them endearing and challenging at the same time. With a couple of wrinkles and twists, there were moments that had me wondering if the "good guys" might not really be good. But, as always with this writer, when the villain is unveiled, it's exactly as it should be. I cannot say enough about how this book really grabbed me, it was an unputdownable read!
[I was fortunate to receive a pre-publication copy of the book from the author, with no obligation to review. The opinions expressed herein are given freely and are entirely my own.]
Patchell pulls no punches in her writing. Her books are suspenseful and thrilling and totally pull you into their thrall, with no intention of letting go will they are finished with you. Hide Her scared me at first - as often happens when children are involved because they can sometimes be too detailed. The storyline here, however, was well developed without being graphic, the steps toward resolution were logical, and the ending was perfect. The characters have a realness that makes them endearing and challenging at the same time. With a couple of wrinkles and twists, there were moments that had me wondering if the "good guys" might not really be good. But, as always with this writer, when the villain is unveiled, it's exactly as it should be. I cannot say enough about how this book really grabbed me, it was an unputdownable read!
[I was fortunate to receive a pre-publication copy of the book from the author, with no obligation to review. The opinions expressed herein are given freely and are entirely my own.]
December 8, 2022
This is one of my favorite mystery/suspense series. I am always excited to see a new one come out. This is so well written I can never figure out who the bad person is. Also the characters are easy to identify with and admire. In here we catch up with Lacey and find out more about what is going on in her life with Caleb. Then the “sweet”(said in high voice) mystery begins as she find a young girl walking out of the woods.
I really liked everything that was done to help the child. The lady they brought in to work with her was so impressive to me. I could see what the child was saying with no words. Very well done.
I listened to this on audio. Cassandra Medcalf and Nathan Agin are the narrators. Usually we only have Ms Medcalf for the whole story. Mr Agin was added this time for the male voices. In my opinion he is a welcome addition.
I eagerly look forward to more from this author and this series!
Well Done!
I really liked everything that was done to help the child. The lady they brought in to work with her was so impressive to me. I could see what the child was saying with no words. Very well done.
I listened to this on audio. Cassandra Medcalf and Nathan Agin are the narrators. Usually we only have Ms Medcalf for the whole story. Mr Agin was added this time for the male voices. In my opinion he is a welcome addition.
I eagerly look forward to more from this author and this series!
Well Done!
February 28, 2023
Received as an audio review copy from Story Origin, is this an honest review. Beautifully narrated by Cass Medcalf and Nathan Agin, Hide Her is and amazing complex and emotionally driven story as what was suppose to be a fun camping trip turns into harrowing mystery when officer Lacey James and her discover a little girl alone on the road. Who she is and why she's out in the middle of nowhere leads the police and the residents of Sweet Home into a maddeningly series of clues and nearly deadly encounters with men with dark intentions for the girl named Joy. The haunting truth of the girl's appearance leads the police to finally find the answers to a young women that vanished several years prior. Filled with heart pounding twists to keep you on edge, Hide Her lives up to the extraordinary high standards the author Chris Patchell sets for her stories. Most definitely highly recommended.
January 9, 2023
Hot stuff!
Now what do we do for another Lacey James mystery? Surely book 4 can't be the end of the series with so many ways yet to take the story. I started this author's books and was not satisfied until I had worked my way through the whole series. Adding the audible narration added to the excitement in each book. Will Lacey ever decide on her priorities, family or job? This question added so much drama to this mystery and will forever be one to be answered. Hide Her started with an explosive spark from page one, sizzled as each new problem arose and burst into flames with the ending. A must read for avid mystery lovers.
Now what do we do for another Lacey James mystery? Surely book 4 can't be the end of the series with so many ways yet to take the story. I started this author's books and was not satisfied until I had worked my way through the whole series. Adding the audible narration added to the excitement in each book. Will Lacey ever decide on her priorities, family or job? This question added so much drama to this mystery and will forever be one to be answered. Hide Her started with an explosive spark from page one, sizzled as each new problem arose and burst into flames with the ending. A must read for avid mystery lovers.
March 8, 2025
A little girl is found alone wandering on a country road. She does not speak, but she exhibits great fear at everyone and everything. Lacey, A deputy sheriff finds a little girl and is immediately drawn into the hunt for the parents. However, it quickly becomes apparent that no one is looking for this little girl except someone who says he is her father but isn’t. The story has a lot of twists and turns and various characters as Lacey along with her partner, Eli, struggles to keep the little girl safe and to unravel the mystery of where she’s come from. It was very well written and a good read. Hard to put down.
March 16, 2023
This was my first Lacy James novel, but I never felt lost. The characters are interesting and well-written, so I was drawn in enough to want to read the earlier stories.
Hide Her is a great mystery that starts with Lacy finding a small girl in the middle of the road, and leads to the revelation of shocking family secrets. The storyline felt realistic to me, and the plot was well thought out, including action, drama, twists, and turns.
Cassandra Metcalf gives a lot of depth and emotions to Lacy while Nathan Agin does a good job with the male POVs.
An excellent procedural mystery.
Hide Her is a great mystery that starts with Lacy finding a small girl in the middle of the road, and leads to the revelation of shocking family secrets. The storyline felt realistic to me, and the plot was well thought out, including action, drama, twists, and turns.
Cassandra Metcalf gives a lot of depth and emotions to Lacy while Nathan Agin does a good job with the male POVs.
An excellent procedural mystery.
July 13, 2023
Lacey finds a lost little girl who they find out is tied to a infamous cold case. This leaves Lacey's family in danger while they try to navigate the investigation and track down the kidnappers. Lacey finds she has a hard time balancing her home life/work life and that leads to self-reflection. This mystery is full of plot twist and had me rooting for Lacey! I can't wait to see what happens next. The narrators did a great job bringing the characters to life and keeping me engaged. I'd suggest starting with book 1 in this series so you can appreciate how things unfold more fully.
December 6, 2022
This story is thrilling, full of mystery, intrigue. I love how Chris Patchell gets into the minds of the characters. It give us a better understanding of them.
Lacy James self doubt, her vulnerable side shows in this story of a Neglected, lonely child. Who is she?
As The story becomes untangled and it puts more people in danger.This story kept me on the edge of my seat.
Cassandra Medcalf and Nathan Agin narration brought this story to life. Both are very talented voice artists.
#The flock
Lacy James self doubt, her vulnerable side shows in this story of a Neglected, lonely child. Who is she?
As The story becomes untangled and it puts more people in danger.This story kept me on the edge of my seat.
Cassandra Medcalf and Nathan Agin narration brought this story to life. Both are very talented voice artists.
#The flock
December 22, 2022
A book full of suspense, action and drama . While driving Lacey almost hits a small child. When she gets out of the car, and realises there are no adults near by. With her partner Eli work against the clock to find out more about the little girl and what they discover is game changing. In between that she is dealing her pregnancy, her failing marriage, her children and work. A great read and listen.
Loved the dual narration of Cassandra Medcalf and Nathan Agin Perfect.
Loved the dual narration of Cassandra Medcalf and Nathan Agin Perfect.
February 18, 2023
This is my favorite book of this series. I feel like all the characters have matured, as well as the author.
The story was compelling and I couldn't stop the audiobook.
The heartache the detective felt with everything going on with her husband was so honest, and real - it was moving.
The narrators did a great job narrating this book.
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story was compelling and I couldn't stop the audiobook.
The heartache the detective felt with everything going on with her husband was so honest, and real - it was moving.
The narrators did a great job narrating this book.
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 18, 2023
Audiobook Version
Riveting, suspenseful, action packed, thrilling and emotional. Absolutely wonderful performances by the narrators bringing life to an excellent story. The characters were easy to enjoy and follow. This series has been very interesting, books 3 and 4 are my favorites. Absolutely recommend this book!
Riveting, suspenseful, action packed, thrilling and emotional. Absolutely wonderful performances by the narrators bringing life to an excellent story. The characters were easy to enjoy and follow. This series has been very interesting, books 3 and 4 are my favorites. Absolutely recommend this book!
March 24, 2023
Another fantastically narrated book my Cassandra Medcalf and Nathan Agin. Hide Her pulls you in and keeps you at the edge of your seat. This is my favorite of the series, and I hope there’s more to come.
July 2, 2023
Good read
Nothing unusual or outstanding just a decent read for a rainy weekend. My only true fault with this story is the fact that Lacy is left with problem that will be hard to traverse should this series continue.
Nothing unusual or outstanding just a decent read for a rainy weekend. My only true fault with this story is the fact that Lacy is left with problem that will be hard to traverse should this series continue.
March 4, 2024
Great series, I wish there was more. Lacey finds a little girl on the road and from there things start to happen. This is two cases in one and twist and turns. This series gets better and better each novel. If you like mysteries and police dramas give this author and series a try.
March 1, 2023
I need more Lacey James stories, please!!!
This one is my favorite of the four.
This one is my favorite of the four.
May 26, 2023
love Lacey James
I️ have just zoomed through all 4 of the Lacey James books. Easy reads, great stories, great characters. I️ hope there will be more!
I️ have just zoomed through all 4 of the Lacey James books. Easy reads, great stories, great characters. I️ hope there will be more!
October 29, 2023
OMG! Loved Hide Her, What a riveting book. I cannot wait for Chris Patchell to continue the Lacey James series.
May 9, 2024
Best one yet and I have loved them all!
April 16, 2023
Where do I begin? This was book four of the series, I WANT MORE! I couldn’t stop reading these books, I even waited to read book three then book fours so I wouldn’t have to wait in between. I can’t get enough of Lacey and her “realness”. The character felt like home, and up close and person, and even mofe so as the the book moved on. Did I mention I want more Lacey!?
January 27, 2023
Amazing! Great story, interesting twists and wonderful characters. I really like how the author makes the characters real and relatable
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews