Helpful Score: 17
This was an engaging and fast read that was hard to put down. I liked the parallel storyline of two 7-year old girls missing at the same time from their homes in the early morning. I have to admit that I didn't see the twist coming, but the who-did-it part toward the end was not difficult to figure out. I like the retelling of the past from each character, especially the love story between Antonia and Louis who grew up together. The romantic in me appreciates the undying torch that Louis had for Antonia.
The 2 most compelling characters in the book for me are Callie and Louis whose perspectives I actually care about. The most annoying and uninspiring character is Antonia, who was weak and unsympathetic. Perhaps the author has to build a weak character in Antonia to create the desperate situation that Callie found herself in, but I wished that the author created more background or strength for Antonia. The book's other flaws included a general lack of believability where sometimes it just does not make sense why the characters do what they do. Again, more background on the character's past experiences or motives would have helped.
Overall, I would recommend this book for its suspenseful storytelling and the fact that it was an engaging read from start to finish.
The 2 most compelling characters in the book for me are Callie and Louis whose perspectives I actually care about. The most annoying and uninspiring character is Antonia, who was weak and unsympathetic. Perhaps the author has to build a weak character in Antonia to create the desperate situation that Callie found herself in, but I wished that the author created more background or strength for Antonia. The book's other flaws included a general lack of believability where sometimes it just does not make sense why the characters do what they do. Again, more background on the character's past experiences or motives would have helped.
Overall, I would recommend this book for its suspenseful storytelling and the fact that it was an engaging read from start to finish.
Helpful Score: 9
Well written, the author has a very effective way of telling the story of these two families. Jumping to conclusions is a common theme that eventually brings everyone together as the plot unfolds. A good read, but caution for some. This story could be quite disturbing, especially for a parent who has lost a child or had a child abducted and/or molested.
This was a great book! I began reading it Saturday night and finished it within three hours. The book definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat. One fo the best I've read in a while!
Helpful Score: 4
Calli Clark is a seven year old that suffers from selective mutism brought on by a horrible tragedy from when she was just a toddler. Calli lives with her kind and devoted mother and her mostly absent, angry, alcoholic father. Petra Gregory is Calli's best friend and her voice. She understands Calli like no other and knows what Calli wants, or needs to say.
One August morning, as dawn is approaching, both families awaken to find that the little girls have gone missing during the night. Calli's mother denies that her husband had anything to do with their abduction but starts to fear that her decision to stay in the abusive marriage may now have cost her more than just her daughter's beautiful voice.
Everyone in the town is searching the surrounding woods of the girls homes, including Calli's older brother Ben. Ben finds them in the woods and is horrified when he walks up. What does he see? Who all does he find and are they alive or dead? If just Calli's ok will she be able to overcome her mutism and speak or is the answer trapped in the silence of unspoken family secrets?
This book started out very slow and was hard to get interested in at first. Each chapter is told by a different characters point of view, which caused the story to be somewhat jumpy and difficult to get a good feel of each personal character. As the story unfolded however, I couldn't put the book down. I couldn't wait to find out what was going to become of everyone. I enjoyed reading this book and it is one that I will probably put up to read again later on.
One August morning, as dawn is approaching, both families awaken to find that the little girls have gone missing during the night. Calli's mother denies that her husband had anything to do with their abduction but starts to fear that her decision to stay in the abusive marriage may now have cost her more than just her daughter's beautiful voice.
Everyone in the town is searching the surrounding woods of the girls homes, including Calli's older brother Ben. Ben finds them in the woods and is horrified when he walks up. What does he see? Who all does he find and are they alive or dead? If just Calli's ok will she be able to overcome her mutism and speak or is the answer trapped in the silence of unspoken family secrets?
This book started out very slow and was hard to get interested in at first. Each chapter is told by a different characters point of view, which caused the story to be somewhat jumpy and difficult to get a good feel of each personal character. As the story unfolded however, I couldn't put the book down. I couldn't wait to find out what was going to become of everyone. I enjoyed reading this book and it is one that I will probably put up to read again later on.
Helpful Score: 3
When Calli Clark was a toddler she talked a lot, but then one day she stopped talking and does not speak any more. Her best friend, Petra Gregory, is her soul mate as well as her voice.
Calli and Petras families could not be more different. Callis parents have tumultuous marriage and her father is away from home often to work on the Alaska pipeline and when hes home he is abusive. Petras parents are loving and kind. Her father is a professor at the local college.
One morning, both girls disappear and the search for the two girls is lead by the local sheriff, who was Antonia Clarks, Callis mother, high school sweetheart. Although he has moved on as well and has a new wife, he and Antonia still question to themselves why they didnt stay together.
Antonia fears that her husband is responsible for her daughters disappearance and Martin Gregory, Petras father, starts to behave in ways he never believed he could.
This story held my interest with the suspense of who committed the crime. The perpetrator was not revealed until the end of the story.
Calli and Petras families could not be more different. Callis parents have tumultuous marriage and her father is away from home often to work on the Alaska pipeline and when hes home he is abusive. Petras parents are loving and kind. Her father is a professor at the local college.
One morning, both girls disappear and the search for the two girls is lead by the local sheriff, who was Antonia Clarks, Callis mother, high school sweetheart. Although he has moved on as well and has a new wife, he and Antonia still question to themselves why they didnt stay together.
Antonia fears that her husband is responsible for her daughters disappearance and Martin Gregory, Petras father, starts to behave in ways he never believed he could.
This story held my interest with the suspense of who committed the crime. The perpetrator was not revealed until the end of the story.
Helpful Score: 2
3.0 out of 5 stars Two little girls go missing in the night..., April 29, 2011
I was expecting this to be a terrific read based on recommendations from several book lovers I know and admire. Unfortunately, in many ways, the novel fell short of my expectations and I turned the last page feeling let down and disappointed. I do tend to end up judging my books by the ending -- and this was part of the reason that I rated it only as 3 stars which means "it's OK" to me.
The story premise -- two little 7 year-old girls, Calli and Petra, vanish from their separate homes in the middle of a hot Iowa night. They live in an isolated area that is surrounded by woods and it is there that much of the main story action is focused. Calli Clark is a selective mute -- she hasn't spoken a word since a tragedy she witnessed at age 4. Her best friend, Petra Gregory, is her voice and has protected Callie since they met.
One morning, Calli's drunken brute of a father, Griff, drags her into the woods. Around the same time, for reasons not given to the reader, Petra leaves her house as well. When the girls are discovered missing, Deputy Sheriff Loras Louis launches a search for the girls. The deputy also happens to be the ex-boyfriend of Calli's mother, Antonia, and though he's married, he is of course still in love with her. The whole love triangle aspect of this book was completely predictable and left a negative impression on me and decreased my appreciation of the novel.
The drama surrounding the disappearance and the reactions of the parents of the girls and Calli's brother Ben provided the best suspense of the book. The story was told, however, in different points of view and the characters never seemed to find their own individual voice so I didn't end up really connecting with any of them.
The resolution falls flat and the epilogue, though it tied up all the loose ends, did not satisfy. I don't know if I will read this author's next book or not.
I was expecting this to be a terrific read based on recommendations from several book lovers I know and admire. Unfortunately, in many ways, the novel fell short of my expectations and I turned the last page feeling let down and disappointed. I do tend to end up judging my books by the ending -- and this was part of the reason that I rated it only as 3 stars which means "it's OK" to me.
The story premise -- two little 7 year-old girls, Calli and Petra, vanish from their separate homes in the middle of a hot Iowa night. They live in an isolated area that is surrounded by woods and it is there that much of the main story action is focused. Calli Clark is a selective mute -- she hasn't spoken a word since a tragedy she witnessed at age 4. Her best friend, Petra Gregory, is her voice and has protected Callie since they met.
One morning, Calli's drunken brute of a father, Griff, drags her into the woods. Around the same time, for reasons not given to the reader, Petra leaves her house as well. When the girls are discovered missing, Deputy Sheriff Loras Louis launches a search for the girls. The deputy also happens to be the ex-boyfriend of Calli's mother, Antonia, and though he's married, he is of course still in love with her. The whole love triangle aspect of this book was completely predictable and left a negative impression on me and decreased my appreciation of the novel.
The drama surrounding the disappearance and the reactions of the parents of the girls and Calli's brother Ben provided the best suspense of the book. The story was told, however, in different points of view and the characters never seemed to find their own individual voice so I didn't end up really connecting with any of them.
The resolution falls flat and the epilogue, though it tied up all the loose ends, did not satisfy. I don't know if I will read this author's next book or not.
Helpful Score: 1
I started out at a normal pace reading this, but as i turned each page i found myself reading faster and faster to see what was going to happen next and as i was 4 chapters from the end i realize it is 3 am and i just can't quit now--i gotta know who did it. This was one of the most engrossing novels. I loved the sheriff and Toni and Petra, Calli's friend, is an angel in the works, Calli is precious, and what happens to her is so terrible, what a terrible thing to happen to a small child, can't tell you or it would spoil the story. Her brother Ben is a perfect older brother and this story is a page turner. There are twists and turns and the ending is a surprise, but i will say in the end--as in real life--things aren't always what you think they are. Loved the novel. Already i am on waiting list for another by Ms. Gudenkauf.
I had a hard tim getting into this for some reason.
Good read with gripping plot. Spousal abuse, child abuse, a mute child, and a lost love.
Great novel! Very hard to put down.
I read this book in 3 hours. I couldnt put it down!! Gudenkauf keeps you guessing how it will end right up til the last few chapters!! a very emotional book with very adult situations.
Excellent story. I love this author. And she is from my area! This story kept me intrigued. I thought I had it figured out, then WHAM. another twist. I have already recommended it to many of my friends.
Loved this book. It held your attention right to the end.
I loved this book! Great story. A little confusing at first since it jumps from one characters point of view to the other, but really good once you get a hang of who's who..
I found this book fascinating and could not seem to put it down. I thought the characters we well developed and the plot twists were great. I'm so glad she summarized the characters life's at the end of the book and didn't just leave you hanging. The only complaint I have is that I would have liked to see the mother written in a strong character and voice. The ending was great.
This book is a fast and suspenseful read but a little too predictable with stereotype characters. I like books that have more grit and complexity to the story.
Intertwined neighbors, secrets, jealousy, abuse and the innocent pay the price. This is fast paced and grabs you right from the start. Which is what I love. The characters fully unfold and don't interrupt the story line. Really enjoyed. it.
Decent story.....this is the storyline for the book:
It happens quietly one August morning. As dawn's shimmering light drenches the humid Iowa air, two families awaken to find their little girls have gone missing in the night. Seven-year-old Calli Clark is sweet, gentle, a dreamer who suffers from selective mutism brought on by tragedy that pulled her deep into silence as a toddler. Calli's mother... Antonia, tried to be the best mother she could within the confines of marriage to a mostly absent, often angry husband.
Now, though she denies that her husband could be involved in the possible abductions, she fears her decision to stay in her marriage has cost her more than her daughter's voice. Petra Gregory is Calli's best friend, her soul mate and her voice. But neither Petra nor Calli has been heard from since their disappearance was discovered. Desperate to find his child, Martin Gregory is forced to confront a side of himself he did not know existed beneath his intellectual, professorial demeanor. Now these families are tied by the question of what happened to their children. And the answer is trapped in the silence of unspoken family secrets.
It happens quietly one August morning. As dawn's shimmering light drenches the humid Iowa air, two families awaken to find their little girls have gone missing in the night. Seven-year-old Calli Clark is sweet, gentle, a dreamer who suffers from selective mutism brought on by tragedy that pulled her deep into silence as a toddler. Calli's mother... Antonia, tried to be the best mother she could within the confines of marriage to a mostly absent, often angry husband.
Now, though she denies that her husband could be involved in the possible abductions, she fears her decision to stay in her marriage has cost her more than her daughter's voice. Petra Gregory is Calli's best friend, her soul mate and her voice. But neither Petra nor Calli has been heard from since their disappearance was discovered. Desperate to find his child, Martin Gregory is forced to confront a side of himself he did not know existed beneath his intellectual, professorial demeanor. Now these families are tied by the question of what happened to their children. And the answer is trapped in the silence of unspoken family secrets.
Gudenkauf's writing and subject matter is similar to Jodi Picult. The book is fast paced, partly due to varying viewpoints portrayed from chapter to chapter. She does well. This is a very enjoyable book.
Good mystery of missing children.
The characters in this book were compelling. It is about a young girl, Callie, who is a selective mute. She has decided not to talk anymore because of something in the past that happened to her (don't want to give it away). One day, she goes missing in the woods.
As does her best friend Petra.
Each short chapter is told from several points of view: Petra's father, Callie's, Callie's brother Ben's, Callie's mother, and Louis, a law enforcement officer who had a relationship with Callie's mother. All that jumping around made me dizzy.
In addition, there are a few unbelievable coincidences where I was not able to suspend my disbelief.
This book has a real "Lovely Bones" vibe, even though Callie is not telling her part of the story from heaven (in The Lovely Bones, the narrator is dead). I didn't really love that book either, so maybe that is why I did not enjoy this one.
A few characters made it worth the while (Callie and the law enforcement officer, but I could have passed on this one.
As does her best friend Petra.
Each short chapter is told from several points of view: Petra's father, Callie's, Callie's brother Ben's, Callie's mother, and Louis, a law enforcement officer who had a relationship with Callie's mother. All that jumping around made me dizzy.
In addition, there are a few unbelievable coincidences where I was not able to suspend my disbelief.
This book has a real "Lovely Bones" vibe, even though Callie is not telling her part of the story from heaven (in The Lovely Bones, the narrator is dead). I didn't really love that book either, so maybe that is why I did not enjoy this one.
A few characters made it worth the while (Callie and the law enforcement officer, but I could have passed on this one.
Loved this book. It was a quick read, one that I could not put down.
This book was one of those books that you just didn't want to put down. I had never read anythig by this author before but know I will read some of her books in the future. A great Mystery read and keeps you in suspense thru out the entire book but does end differrently than you think it will.One of the best books I have read in a ong time.
I really like the way this book was written. The chapters are from different characters point of view. A very good read.
Can I give this book more than 5 stars? The book deals with so many issues. Two little 7 year old girls are missing one morning. They are best friends. Are they together? One little girl hasn't spoken in 3 years. A tramatic event has left her a selective mute. Does her abusive, alcoholic father have anything to do with her being missing? The book has short chapters, and the chapters are written in first person and titled after the main characters. I don't want to give anything away. If you want more details, read the back cover.
The book moves along at a very brisk pace and is very easy to read. This is one of those books that you will not want to put down. I read it is less that 2 days. It was a library book, so I can't post it for those who have it wishlisted. Be patient. It is worth the wait.
The book moves along at a very brisk pace and is very easy to read. This is one of those books that you will not want to put down. I read it is less that 2 days. It was a library book, so I can't post it for those who have it wishlisted. Be patient. It is worth the wait.
I enjoyed this book but I can't say it was my favorite. The author developed the characters well, but as I read in another review, the ending could have been better. I wouldn't mind checking out some of this author's other books.
Loved, loved, loved this book! Very intriguing story that draws you in from the first page and doesn't let you go until the last.
The story is about a girl that has selective mutism and gets "lost" in the woods. It's about family secrets, the choices families make, and the consequences of those choices. Each chapter is written from a different character's viewpoint, and you don't get to see the whole picture until the end of the book.
I would highly recommend this book.
The story is about a girl that has selective mutism and gets "lost" in the woods. It's about family secrets, the choices families make, and the consequences of those choices. Each chapter is written from a different character's viewpoint, and you don't get to see the whole picture until the end of the book.
I would highly recommend this book.
This book is the first one written by Heather Gudenkauf. It is about the strange disappearance of a pair of 7 year old girls in the middle of the night, one of whom is selectively mute for reasons unknown to her family. The story is told from multiple characters' points of view, including both girls, their parents, and the local sheriff. Of course there is a love triangle involved and themes of domestic abuse, love, and loss. For a first time novel I have to say this one is pretty good and kept me coming back, although there were some disappointments as well. Some of the secondary characters aren't developed as well as they could have been and as a consequence there is no emotional connection to them, and they seem rather flat and one-dimensional. Also while the plot was well written, it was somewhat predictable and I had already figured out who the "bad guy" was by the midpoint of the book. Overall, worth a read, but can't give it 5 stars.
I liked it but not as well as the other two that she has written.
Good book - excellently written. I liked the way the author brought the story alive from different perspectives and different characters voices. I also liked that she spoke in the present tense with most voices - but one voice was in the past tense. The ending has a twist to it - altho I think the story ending could have been a bit stronger - it was not an ending that I fully expected. I gave the book 3 1/2 stars. Enjoyed and would definately read other books by this author.
This was a very good book! The story reeled me in completely - making it nearly impossible to put down! I really enjoyed it! It was not the most unpredictable of plots, but the structure gave it added excitement and the characters were all well-drawn. The switches in P.O.V. were consistent and well-written, making it a fast read. I just really liked it!
It happens quietly one August morning. As the sun rises, and dawn's shimmering light inundates the humid Iowa air, two families awaken to every parent's worst nightmare: their little girls have gone missing during the night.
Calli Clark is a sweet, gentle dreamer of seven who suffers from selective mutism - a condition brought on by a tragedy that pulled her deep into silence as a toddler. Calli's mother, Antonia, tried to be the best mother she could within the confines of marriage to a mostly absent, often angry husband. Now, though she denies that her husband could be involved in the possible abductions, she fears her decision to stay in her marriage has ultimately cost her more than her daughter's voice.
Petra Gregory is also seven years old; Calli's best friend, her soul mate and her voice. But neither Petra nor Calli has been heard from since their disappearance was discovered. Desperate to find his daughter, Martin Gregory is forced to confront a side of himself he never even knew existed beneath his intellectual, professorial demeanor.
Now these families are tied together by the question of what happened to their children. And the answer is trapped in the silence of unspoken family secrets.
I found that this book was beautifully written, and the plot was convoluted enough to keep me intrigued throughout the story. I give this book an A+! and will certainly be keeping my eyes open for Heather Gudenkauf's next two books: These Things Hidden and One Breath Away. This was such a wonderful debut, that I'm immediately putting both books on my Wish List.
Calli Clark is a sweet, gentle dreamer of seven who suffers from selective mutism - a condition brought on by a tragedy that pulled her deep into silence as a toddler. Calli's mother, Antonia, tried to be the best mother she could within the confines of marriage to a mostly absent, often angry husband. Now, though she denies that her husband could be involved in the possible abductions, she fears her decision to stay in her marriage has ultimately cost her more than her daughter's voice.
Petra Gregory is also seven years old; Calli's best friend, her soul mate and her voice. But neither Petra nor Calli has been heard from since their disappearance was discovered. Desperate to find his daughter, Martin Gregory is forced to confront a side of himself he never even knew existed beneath his intellectual, professorial demeanor.
Now these families are tied together by the question of what happened to their children. And the answer is trapped in the silence of unspoken family secrets.
I found that this book was beautifully written, and the plot was convoluted enough to keep me intrigued throughout the story. I give this book an A+! and will certainly be keeping my eyes open for Heather Gudenkauf's next two books: These Things Hidden and One Breath Away. This was such a wonderful debut, that I'm immediately putting both books on my Wish List.
Couldn't put this one down. Told in each character's own voice, this story of revolves around finding two little girls who disappear one night and the desperate search that ensues. The shared plight of the families is made even more intense due to the complex relationships within and between them. Ms. Gudenkauf never allows the plot to lose focus, though, and, while she weaves in and out of the fabric that has brought each person to this day, to this event, she carefully builds the tension until the reader is simply flying through the last few chapters for the answers to more than one mystery.
Highly recommended as a book club read and for anyone who doesn't care about getting to bed on time or completing any non-essential tasks for as long as it takes to read it. Enjoy!
Highly recommended as a book club read and for anyone who doesn't care about getting to bed on time or completing any non-essential tasks for as long as it takes to read it. Enjoy!
THE WEIGHT OF SILENCE was the August 2014 pick in my online book club, The Reading Cove.
I tend to prefer stories told from multiple points-of-view, because it allows for greater insight, a more well-rounded view of things, and a quicker pace. That wasn't the case here.
It's the author's first book and it's not very well-plotted, so it moves at a snail's pace and can be considered downright boring. You could rename it THE WEIGHT OF BACK-STORY DUMPS. ッ
And since the prologue could be viewed as a major spoiler, there's really very little mystery here, and the characters aren't interesting enough to offset the flat narrative. They read like folks who just need a trailer park to set up shop in and call it a day. The mother, Antonia, is not sympathetic at allconsidering that her child went missing in the middle of the night, she should hardly be consumed with a near constant narrative of memories about her first true love as the supposedly frantic search is on to find her missing daughter!
Not to mention that Toni's reasoning leaves something to be desired. She dumps her true love because he's going away temporarily, but marries a drunk who travels all the time for work...yeah, that makes sense.
I give it a C-. The writing and structure of this novel is too amateurish to recommend, but the premise wasn't a bad one really. So there's definitely room for Heather Gudenkauf to grow as a writer.
I tend to prefer stories told from multiple points-of-view, because it allows for greater insight, a more well-rounded view of things, and a quicker pace. That wasn't the case here.
It's the author's first book and it's not very well-plotted, so it moves at a snail's pace and can be considered downright boring. You could rename it THE WEIGHT OF BACK-STORY DUMPS. ッ
And since the prologue could be viewed as a major spoiler, there's really very little mystery here, and the characters aren't interesting enough to offset the flat narrative. They read like folks who just need a trailer park to set up shop in and call it a day. The mother, Antonia, is not sympathetic at allconsidering that her child went missing in the middle of the night, she should hardly be consumed with a near constant narrative of memories about her first true love as the supposedly frantic search is on to find her missing daughter!
Not to mention that Toni's reasoning leaves something to be desired. She dumps her true love because he's going away temporarily, but marries a drunk who travels all the time for work...yeah, that makes sense.
I give it a C-. The writing and structure of this novel is too amateurish to recommend, but the premise wasn't a bad one really. So there's definitely room for Heather Gudenkauf to grow as a writer.
This book is one of the best books I have ever read. I highly recommend to anyone who want to read a fabulous story in a short read.
At the beginning I thought it was kinda drug out but once they found what they were looking for the book really moved along and I had a hard time putting it down. Very good reading.
WOW! What a great suspense novel. I couldnt put it down. Just loved it. Cant wait to see more by this author.
Calli is a girl who hasn't spoken in 3 years. As you read this story, you get to learn of different perspectives of each character. The story unfolds of why Calli doesn't seem to talk, we learn of the family she has, the friendship she makes, and a tragedy she witnesses. This is a bit of a "Who-done-it" book. You will want to know what is happening, who hurt who, and what is going to happen next. It's a pretty quick read. The ending is slightly predictable but not completely a happy ending either.
This is my 2nd book by this author, & I have enjoyed both. I'll always look for her name.
It was a good book, though it didn't hold me to not want to stop reading in the beginning. Couldn't put it down toward the end to find out what happened.
great book, full of suspense. i couldn't put it down.
very easy and fast read. Couldn't put this book down. Love the storytelling from different characters.
This was a good book.
A very moving story.One that will be sure to touch your heart if you know any child that has been a victim of sexual child abuse.The one thing I did not like is after reading three fouth of the book with no nasty curse words all at once it is one after the other.I think the book could have left them out and still had a good book.
a bit confusing to read at first, but once you catch on its a story worth finishing
This was a great book. I had a hard time putting it down.
Terrific book, couldn't put it down. A very satifying read.
Easy to read, fast moving plot.
I came across this book after attending a workshop on selective mutism. Knowing what I do now about this issue, I was bothered that the way it was portrayed in the book went against what I had learned. Aside from that, I did find the book an interesting read and would definitely read more by this author. I didn't foresee the twist at the end, but I'm generally terrible at predicting such things.
Kept my interest from the first page to the last. Two 7 year old girls go missing, one stop talking when she was 4. Will she start talking to help her friend??? And will she be able to tell everyone what happened and who did it???? Read this book you will be surprised at the ending
fast read...
I loved this book. Each chapter is a story told by another character. Reminds me of Jodi Piccoult's writing style. I just couldn't put this book down and wanted to keep reading it so I could get answers to questions I had about the story. Be sure to put this book on your list of books you'll want to read, you won't be sorry.
This is a compelling debut novel by Heather Gudenkauf that is part mystery and part family drama. The story takes place in about 24 hours. While the search for best friends Calli and Petra is underway, the readers learns through different characters' flashbacks how we have arrived at this point. The sweet relationships between Calli and her friend Petra and Calli and her brother Ben contrast with the abusive relationship between Calli's parents, Griff and Toni. The story is about what we do on behalf of friends (Petra for Calli, Calli for Petra, Louis for Toni) and what parents (Martin, Toni) are willing to do, and not do, when they feel their children are endangered.
Excellent! Couldn't put it down! Can't believe it's her first!
awesome,, keeps you guessing until the end!
I read this book in two sittings. It was good. Very good. I've noticed that a couple of reviewers were put off a little by the style of writing ... each chapter is narrated by a different character, but I found that I adapted to this very quickly and had no problem with it.
The suspense builds slowly, almost excruciatingly so, but it's very well handled. We learn a lot about these people and that in itself is very satisfying.
I can't tolerate books that don't tie up loose ends, but there's no problem with this one. The ends are not only tied up but knotted. I highly recommend it!
The suspense builds slowly, almost excruciatingly so, but it's very well handled. We learn a lot about these people and that in itself is very satisfying.
I can't tolerate books that don't tie up loose ends, but there's no problem with this one. The ends are not only tied up but knotted. I highly recommend it!
I really did enjoy this book.
This book was just o.k. for me. Wouldn't have hurt my feelings if I never read it.
LOVED this book!
great author
Loved this book!
I loved this book. I am usually not into suspense, but this was a literary suspense that really was about relationships and the varying kinds of silence, from literal to figurative. The characters are well drawn and fleshed out, creating very real people with very real perspectives. I shared their horror and their pain, as well as their joy.
This book was impossible to put down, in a somewhat irritating way! It keeps you so close to the edge of understanding what is going on that you just can't stop. I just had to get to the ending and see how the story would unfold. The book is told by different characters and their different points of views. I liked this because you got a glimpse as to what each person was going through and how they saw the events that played out. Overall, a good, well written mystery.
Excellent book. Read half of it in one day. Such a sad story.
my little sister borrowed this book from my mom and then passed itopn to me. i had no plans to read it until i saw how many people were requesting it. so glad i did read it! it was a fast and easy read- especially because it's so exciting and you want to find out what happened to the two girls, why can't calli talk and will she ever talk...i highly recommend this!!
The disappearance of two 7-year-old girls from their homes on the same night sets off a frantic manhunt and leads to the uncovering of old, old secrets.
