Monday, July 15, 2013

Review: Truly, Madly, Deadly by Hannah Jayne

From Goodreads: Sawyer Dodd has it all. She's a star track athlete, choir soloist, and A-student. And her boyfriend is the handsome all-star Kevin Anderson. But behind the medals, prom pictures, and perfect smiles, Sawyer finds herself trapped in a controlling, abusive relationship with Kevin. When he dies in a drunk-driving accident, Sawyer is secretly relieved. She's free. Until she opens her locker and finds a mysterious letter signed by "an admirer" and printed with two simple words: "You're welcome."

My Rating: 2 hearts 

Thoughts on the Novel: While the synopsis of Hannah Jayne’s Truly, Madly, Deadly suggested that this thriller would keep me turning the pages as fast as possible, I, unfortunately, found that the story didn’t live up to its potential. I thought this was mainly because of poor execution and a lack of connection with the characters.

Although Sawyer having to deal with a mysterious stalker is the central focus of the book, Truly, Madly, Deadly also touches on the topic of physical abuse. Since the abuse is never really depicted however, it appeared to be more of a plot device that’s used to elicit sympathy for Sawyer and to provide the stalker with a reason for killing Kevin.

Sawyer herself wasn’t someone I really cared about because I found her to be kind of blah. As well, she gets involved with Cooper when she isn’t over Kevin’s death and then yo-yos back and forth between desire and guilt when spending time with Cooper. It was annoying, and I could have easily done without the romance.

Truly, Madly, Deadly was released by Sourcebooks Fire on July 2, 2013.

Comments About the Cover: I feel like the cover’s trying to be creepy and mysterious. But, it’s just not working. 

In exchange for an honest review, this book was received from the publisher (Sourcebooks) for free via NetGalley.   

5 comments:

  1. Aw man, sorry this didn't work for you, Z. I was really wishing for a suspenseful read. I have this one on my Nook waiting to be read next. I guess I'll have to lower my expectations after reading your review. Thanks for the heads up. Hope your next read is much better.

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  2. The synopsis has a great hook so I'm sorry to hear the book didn't live up to it! It's a shame that the physical abuse is used as a plot device rather than examined as a complex issue in and of itself. Plus it sounds like the romance was thrown in there kind of needlessly. Like Rummanah I'll have to lower my expectations for this one, if/when I get around to reading it!

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  3. I agree Z, I was quite disappointed in this one as well, particularly the abuse angle. I felt like it was just tossed in there and then wasn't explored at all, and given what a big issue abuse is, I found the fact that it was glossed over to be bothersome. I read it quickly but I was definitely hoping for more!

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  4. Oh I was REALLY curious about this book! The synopsis is fantastic, and it's a real shame to hear the book doesn't live up to its potential. Like Jenny said, abuse is a pretty huge issue, so I would have too definitely expected that to be properly addressed. Sorry this didn't work for you, Z, but thanks for the helpful review. I'll skip this.

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  5. Mehh, I could see myself having a hard time identifying with the MC, as well. I dislike wishy-washy-ness and lazy plot devices to add characterization. I will pass on this thanks to your review. Hopefully your next read is better!

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