by Nicola Maye Goldberg
Published by Bloomsbury Genres: Crime, Mystery, thriller, True Crime
Format: ARC, eBook
Published by Bloomsbury Genres: Crime, Mystery, thriller, True Crime
Format: ARC, eBook
This is a unique book which was inspired by a true story that shows the aftermath of a college students murder. The book shows how the murder affected those who knew her, knew her boyfriend who killed her, and those in the community ranging from the woman who found her body to the journalist who senses a connection between her murder and a local convicted serial killer. Sara Morgan was killed on a cold winter’s day in 1997. Her body was found two days later. Her boyfriend, Blake Campbell, confessed and plead temporary insanity. This book is told through multiple character’s perspectives. This book jumps around and goes from one person to the next which may work for some and may be frustrating for others. I am solidly in the middle on this one. At times, this book frustrated me, at times it was confusing, at times I really enjoyed it. I did like how the Author showed how one person’s murder can affect not only direct family members and friends but how it also affects individuals in the community. What is also interesting is that this book shows how people are affected by coming into contact with Blake as well. One thing that is confusing is how this book is classified. Having said that, I am not even sure what genre this book should be in. It is listed as Mystery &Thrillers/True crime (on NetGalley) but it really is not any of them IMO. Although inspired by a True Story – this book is not about the story it is inspired by. So, in my mind, it is not True Crime. Plus, we know who the killer is, there is no mystery, no suspense, no huge reveals, or twists and turns, etc. So, for me it is not really a mystery or suspenseful book either. It is a head scratcher. But it is unique. Either way, it kept my attention and did a good job showing the ripple effect of one woman’s murder and how many were affected. But, I’m sorry Vogue.com, Gone Girl it is not! Why does every other book on the planet have to be the next Gone Girl?UGH! Let’s let Gone Girl by Gone Girl and other books stand on their own merit for a change. Uniquely told, interesting premise which could have done with slightly less POV’s and less jumping around. Plus, the title of this book had me singing Barbara Streisand’s “Not While I’m around” (Nothing’s gonna harm you, Not while I’m around, Nothing’s gonna harm you,No sir, not while I’m around). Word association and all that. I received a copy of this book from Bloomsbury USA and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own. |
