Both of You

by Adele Parks

[Nadz@Totally Addicted to Reading]

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Having enjoyed the author's work in the past, I jumped at the chance to read her latest novel, Woman Last Seen.  Parks delivered a tale that will stun readers with its twists and many turns. 

Ok! What did I just read? I can’t believe I actually sat and read Woman Last Seen, gave up precious hours only to receive an ending that has me wanting to throw things. After all the jaw dropping twists, to deliver an ending that leaves the reader high and dry, is just plain cruel. I like closure in the books I read, especially thrillers. Well, this one left me trying to create my version of the outcome.

If that wasn’t bad enough, the book started out slow. When I say slow, I mean at a snail’s pace. I was subjected to a lengthy, boring introspection by Leigh, one of two women whose husband reported her missing. I considered throwing in the towel, then the author dropped a bomb, which made me reconsider giving up. The story started developing nicely after that, despite moments of tiresome introspection by each of the characters. I tried to figure who was behind the women’s’ disappearance and I narrowed it down to one person. My conclusion was spot on.

Now as for the characters. Goodness gracious, they were all abhorrent, well, except for twelve-year-old Seb. Their judgemental attitude and their constant justification of their actions made me hopping mad. Despite my dislike of them, I had some empathy for them. Regardless of their questionable actions, they were all victims.

Secrets, lies and deceit were the cornerstone of this story. Secrets and the truth have a strange way of coming to light and when it does, the domino effect can be far-reaching as the Woman Last Seen so aptly demonstrates.
It had the potential to be a five star read, but the start and especially the anti- climatic end took led to the deduction of stars.

NARRATION

The book was narrated by new to me narrator, Laura Aikman. I enjoyed her performance, which I credit to getting me through the first part of the book. She gave life to the characters. I would definitely listen to her again. 

This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading