Pretty Girls By Karin Slaughter

This book came highly recommended. It’s a good psychological thriller/mystery. The reason for the 3.5 ⭐️ rating is it was very drawn out.

The book starts out slow, then catches up. Then it gets very twisty and takes a dark turn. It’s about the grief and domino effect of a beloved daughter/sister/college student who gets taken one night and is never seen again. It details the how the grief of not knowing and hoping for a miracle tears the once happy / healthy family to shreds. There are three main characters the book highlights throughout and it can be confusing at first until you realize who they’re all connected to and why certain events happened. Some parts of the book I was unable to read bc it gets quite dark. Being a visual person, those were not images I wanted in my head. Around 80% of the book is where it really started to drag on. I skimmed through much of the last chapters bc it was getting frustrating- in my opinion. It’s a book worth reading if you enjoy slow paced and don’t mind all the extra details stuffed into the story. To me some questions weren’t really answered. All in all a good read just not my personal favorite.

It has been a long time since a book has captivated me so much that I couldn’t put it down and go to bed. This book was an exceptional read. It was well-written, suspenseful, and thought-provoking. Although some of the subject matter was uncomfortable to say the least, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

Loved reading this.

Don’t ignore the trigger warnings, this book is very intense and graphic and pretty freaky! It’s also one of those books that’s impossible to put down, I kept thinking about it whenever I wasn’t reading it. It comes to a happy ending (happy enough considering the circumstances). Sam Carrol’s last letter to Julia will make you cry if you have a good relationship with your father!

Before you read this book, PLEASE check the trigger warnings. If you are ok with graphic themes and enjoy a twisted thriller, this book is incredible, however it is not for everyone and please proceed with caution if you are not ok with any of the themes depicted.

Prepare to be captivated, shocked, and utterly enthralled by Karin Slaughter’s masterful thriller. This dark and haunting tale will leave you breathless as you navigate the treacherous depths of human depravity and uncover secrets that will send shivers down your spine. I do not suggest reading this book while you are home alone as I did, it had me jumping at every little noise!

Karin Slaughter’s writing style is nothing short of brilliant. She weaves a complex web of suspense and intrigue, drawing you in from the very first page and refusing to let go until the final shocking revelation. Her ability to create vivid, gritty and realistic characters is astounding, making you feel as though you are intimately acquainted with every twist and turn of their lives.

The story follows the lives of two sisters, Claire and Lydia, whose lives were shattered by the mysterious disappearance of their beloved sister, Julia, over twenty years ago. Slaughter paints a harrowing picture of their pain and grief, taking us on an emotional rollercoaster as we witness their desperate quest for answers and justice. The raw emotions portrayed in their journeys are palpable, tugging at your heartstrings with every revelation and setback.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this book is Karin Slaughter’s ability to delve deep into the darkest recesses of the human psyche. She fearlessly explores themes of violence, trauma, and the sinister underbelly of society, leaving you with a sense of unease long after you’ve turned the final page. The author’s unflinching portrayal of evil and its consequences is chilling, reminding us that monsters can lurk in even the most ordinary of places.

Throughout the narrative, Karin Slaughter expertly builds suspense, planting seeds of doubt and suspicion that keep you on the edge of your seat. The pacing is flawless, with each chapter unveiling new layers of the twisted puzzle, leaving you guessing and second-guessing until the shocking climax. The tension is palpable, and you’ll find yourself rapidly flipping pages, unable to tear yourself away from the relentless suspense.

While this book delves into the depths of darkness, Slaughter also injects moments of levity and wit that provide a much-needed respite from the intense atmosphere. Her skillful use of dark humor and sarcasm adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, making it all the more engaging and realistic. These moments of lightness serve as a stark contrast to the grim reality of the story, reminding us that even in the face of unimaginable horror, humanity can still find strength and resilience.

Karin Slaughter’s ability to create compelling characters, craft a chilling and suspenseful plot, and explore the depths of human darkness is unparalleled. With its gripping narrative, emotional depth, and expertly executed twists, this book will leave you both shaken and exhilarated. Brace yourself for an unforgettable journey into the heart of darkness.

It pulled me in immediately, and I didn’t want to put it down! The story delivers bombshell after bombshell…just when you think it can’t get any crazier and horrific, it does. It’s such a twisted web of lies and mystery and definitely keeps you guessing. The details and descriptions are impeccable and place you right there at the scene. The protagonists are absolutely relatable and easily likable, and it was great to see their character progressions. This book should come with a major trigger warning though for certain themes, especially with the explicit details; it would likely overwhelm survivors who’ve experienced similar trauma. I love suspense novels, so I’m surprised this is the first I’ve read by Slaughter (her name checks out!)…and it definitely won’t be the last. She nailed it on every level.