Reviewed by Quirky Cat on

4 of 5 stars

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If you haven't read Kirsten Miller's The Change, you need to change that asap because it is a delight to read. This novel takes the concept of 'girl power' and ages it up to something more mature and even more well, powerful!

Mattauk has long been known for its beautiful beaches. Now, it's more commonly known for its scandals, thanks to three women: Nessa James, Harriet Osborne, and Jo Levison. These three women will dig up the city's darkest secrets and find justice for those without voices.

Nessa James can see the dead. Yes, really. It's a gift that runs in her family, though it was only recently that she began to see the girls hovering by the edges of her vision. Meanwhile, Harriet Osborne is done living by the expectations of others. Following an explosive divorce and the loss of her job, Harriet has found a certain freedom in embracing the woman she was always meant to be. Finally, there's Jo Levison. This woman has fire in her bones – or rather, her hands. A combination of rage and hot flashes has given her a surprising ability, and she will use it while she has it.

“That doesn't offend me. 'Witch' is the label society slaps on women it can't understand or control.”

Wow! I don't think I've ever read a book like The Change before, and I honestly don't think I'll ever see another one like it. This is a powerful read, with compelling characters, dark plots, and plenty of intrigue. But it's also so much more than that.

This is one of those thriller novels that every woman within a family, regardless of generation, could read and enjoy. I can say that with complete honesty, as The Change is currently being handed around in my family. So far, everyone who has read it has loved it. I can't wait to start sharing it with some of my friends!

As powerful as The Change is, I should probably mention that it also deals with pretty intense subjects. We're talking about missing and abused girls and young women. It hits hard, as it should. Their presence in this book is designed to enrage us, and boy, does the book succeed there!

Naturally, rooting for Nessa, Harriet, and Jo was easy. I loved reading from their perspectives, especially as each had a different story to tell us. What I wouldn't give to have kept reading their journeys.

Long story short, The Change is terrific, so go read it!

Read more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 1 July, 2022: Finished reading
  • 1 July, 2022: Reviewed