This is a fast read (if I hadn't been busy) and an uncomplicated one but the way I feel about it is a bit -- contradicting. I like the genre and the writing should be easy for anyone to follow but it's still just -- not a page-turner. I liked the old New York setting and I'm in love with old circus and old magic concept but for some reason I couldn't connect with this one. I have to admit I expected more from it so maybe there lies they problem? I'm also getting tired of the love triangle thing in YA so there's another star off the rating. I'd still like to read the second book and see how it turns out. I think I would give this a 3.5 at most.
This one is especially ... erm ... special, because of the stories behind this story (read the Acknowledgements too, please). It's a great medium to discuss PTSD and TBI which has been causing a bit of buzz in the social media. A bit as in it's not enough especially for those involved/suffering from it.
If in fairy tales we don't know what happens after the prince marries the princess, in crime books we don't know what happens to victims after they've been rescued. Or not. In crime books, readers are often focused on solving the puzzle and finding out who the evil serial killer is. What happens after the fact is no longer relevant. This is the story that decides it IS relevant.
Storytelling-wise, it's a classic Tami Hoag so (for me) it got a bit predictable. It doesn't make me love her any less lol. There's just one minor detail that bugs me. SPOILER ALERT: When Dana woke up she was told she was in a car accident then -- what? I thought since she's behaving unpredictably she would've made a big deal out of it ... but I guess forgot to do that? Sorry, I'm a stickler for unimportant things.
Four stars.
