Crystal Behring > Recent Status Updates

I do believe this is what some refer to as a “page tuner.”
I’m entirely engrossed.
Not a serious critique but more an observation of self; Calling pork belly “belly pork” has been weirdly jarring.

I’m not feeling the chest-tightening suspense I expected. Nor is it fantastical in any way (yet?). But I find myself hooked regardless~ I’m glad for the occasional reminders of Heather’s literal age — though frequently reminding us she’s a millennial is weird. Makes me think she’s my current age when she’s far from. Imagining myself at 24 in a similar situation makes it much more exciting.

Was hoping for a mystical element to have made its way into the story after the mysterious opening description with the crow. The whining and upper-class myopathy of the family comes across as a bit too on-the-nose. Still enjoying it but my excitement has dipped a point or two.

Riveting! Truly. I don’t even know how to critique it. I’ve taken a single note so far and it’s to look into Major Shotto Douglas and see if he’s real, and if he really led 2,000 men to capture Australian Aboriginals.

Also huntsman spider mentioned with currently stating they’re harmless and helpful~ Love to see it.

Still reading along with the audiobook. The narrator is incredible!

Wow! It has been so many years since I’ve read a thriller/horror type book. Reading this alongside the Ruthy book seems almost unfair. The prologue really hooked me instantly. The death crow with yellow eyes on a lightening scorched eucalyptus tree is such a vivid image I’d like to draw it!

I’m trying out reading the book while listening to the audio at 1.5 speed.

Getting moderately better. Some forward momentum and descriptive writing. This book is written with each chapter a different characters perspective — I think Jessica is closest to the authors true voice. Also, Ruthy’s character/chapters randomly aren’t in 1st person but also 3rd? So odd.

I dislike reading page after page and gleaning very little from it. 10+ pages later just to loosely understand a main character’s experience with trust. Unsure how it’s relevant to the overarching story. Seemingly a way for me to grow more connected to what type of person they are but it’s not delivering for me.

Osan Library Book Club’s Book of the Month