Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter

5 Stars – This is not a police procedural nor a book about detective trying to solve a mystery. It’s a story of two sisters who have experienced a tragic crime in their family, and now the same pattern of crimes is seemingly continuing.

This is not a book about a novel, clever twist, or long breathless action. Nonetheless, it is page-turning once it progressed beyond a certain point.

What is compelling are the characters. Miss Slaughter writes them very well, and narrates the story very well.

Though I do not like some introspective chapters that curtailed the speed of the plot, understandably, they’re there for a good reason.

It’s been quite a while since I gave a book 5 stars and Pretty Girls deserves it.

I went into this book blind having no idea what I was about to read. If I’m being honest, I wish I’d never read this book. Was it a great story, incredibly written, captivating and intense? Yes. However, there are scenes in this book that I wish I never allowed in my head! I am an avid crime tv watcher. I’ve likely logged tens of thousands of crime scene hours in my brain but none of that prepared me for what was in this book. It’s vile, perverse, terrifying and will likely give me nightmares.

So, (SPOILER ALERT WARNING). Tread lightly while you’re reading. I read this on the KU app, (so page numbers may differ) but Page 61 is the section of the book I should not have read. I was able to handle all other parts of this book l, but NOT this section! What the bad person does with the machete was TOO much!!! I actually stopped reading there, went online to ask my reader friends if there was going to be more like that scene, if so I was going to DNF the book. They told me that was the worst scene in the book. So, I continued reading. Every time I got to a scene where the character was going to visualize that section of the book again I skim read on fast forward so I wouldn’t have to see/read it again.

Even though I wish I’d have never read this book because it was too gory for me the writing was phenomenal. The story itself was incredible and well developed. I can’t blame the book just because I’m not the target audience. If you can handle gore and EXTREME and graphic sexual torture I think you’ll enjoy the book. For me personally, I couldn’t handle it. I’m going to have to read lots of sappy hallmark channel books to get these images out of my head!

Wow. This author did not flinch so I felt I shouldn’t either. This is the only book I’ve read from Ms. Slaughter, I’m afraid to read anymore because they couldn’t be so perfect ( given the grim nature of it seems odd calling it perfect ). The most satisfying read I’ve experienced in a long time. Not for the faint of heart.

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.

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!

There is so much going on in this book. I’d describe it as an onion with lots of layers that Slaughter expertly peels back inch-by-inch throughout the narrative as each layer reveals another connection or revelation. It’s such an immersive read that I felt like a character in the book. The emotions at times are so raw that you have to stop to take a breath.

The story centres around two estranged sisters, Lydia and Claire, and their family’s grief after the disappearance of their sister Julia 20 years ago.

I love Slaughter’s dark, graphic style. This book is not for the faint of heart, as the crimes are depicted in detail. Her stories are so much more than that, though. You feel this book from every angle: a father’s pain, a mother’s loss, sisters grief, and so much more that I can’t mention without spoiling the surprises!

The letters written by the father to his missing daughter were some of my favourite chapters. Without sounding corny, you can feel the love and loss.

The detailed chapters alternate in speed; sometimes I’d need to take a break to process the amount of information, and at times I couldn’t read fast enough as the intensity ramped up.

Everything is not always as it seems. With another teenage girl missing, who can they trust? There’s so many lies unravelling at every twist and turn. You take a path of discovery with Claire, and it opens doors that can never be closed ever again.