Things We Do in the Dark - Book Review

 

Things We Do in the Dark

Jennifer Hillier

3.8  stars

Pub date Jul 19, 2022





It starts with a lot of blood.
And I was surprised/delighted to see the site of this blood was across from Kerry Park in Seattle where I have taken some pretty amazing photos!
Enjoyable, quick-paced, chapters in different POVs and timelines. If this style is for you, then give this one a chance. I thought I would like it more based on the strength of reviews I've read of previous Hillier books, but I couldn't inch this one up to a 4 star. 
This is my first read of a Hillier book, some predictable outcomes (check the trigger potential for family upbringing, abuse) but still worth reading to the end.
Paris, Jimmy, Ruby, Drew and even Zoe with their yoga practise, age-difference, friendship, loyalty, love and jealousy, keep this book moving along. There are a lot of secrets, and this book speaks nicely to what we do and who we become to compensate for how we were raised.
I liked the introduction to the Filipino culture and the use of the language sprinkled in, even though it was often used at the darkest times of the character.
As a look into character behaviour, it was good; predictability, somewhat moderate; as a murder mystery it was okay. 
Other reviewers have raved about Hillier's previous books, so I was sufficiently intrigued to add  them to my reading list.
Best line for me: "I'm used to pretending to not exist."
Thank you #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for this early copy for my review.

 Ah, I'm looking forward to tackling The Many Daughters of Afong Moy, Jamie Ford next.

 

A beverage by my side,



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