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A review by mikkareads
Good as Dead by Susan Walter
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
«We'll take care of everything.»
The plot:
Holly Kendrick has just lost her husband in a hit-and-run accident. Wracked by grief and struggling to stay afloat, she is offered a deal by a 'fixer': She and her daughter Savannah keep hush-hush about what they saw, in exchange for a beautiful home and financial security that could last them a lifetime.
The plot explores the consequences of their decision, the web of lies that surrounds the cover-up, and the emotional and ethical dilemmas faced by the characters involved.
Points of praise:
The writing is engaging, the pacing is tense – the twists are coming in fast and furious. And the premise is enticing, to say the least: This is a situation in which everybody struggles, everybody is faced with moral questions and difficult choices. The perfect foundation for a story that promises to be both suspenseful and deep.
Most of the characters are morally gray, willing to compromise their moral principles for the right price. The author makes their choices relatable, so you find yourself wondering how you would've chosen in the same situation. Holly, for example, does not only have to consider her own wants and needs. She has a daughter, and she wants Savannah to have the best life possible. Is that not more important than hollow justice?
And now that I've gushed about the story's promise and seemingly solid foundation, I unfortunately have to say that for me, a lot of it came crashing down.
Points of criticism:
Yes, the pacing seems great at first, but the narrative often jumps between timelines and characters with a speed that feels rushed. With every chapter, the plot becomes more predictable, and at the same time more unrealistic. The twists keep coming, but they have no real substance.
Yes, the characters have a lot of promise and start out strong, but they do not go much deeper than their initial portrayal. Hence, their stories end up not as gripping as they could have been.
The ending is likely to divide opinions. I saw a lot of it coming, though I found it implausible and contrived, with a hint of the sanctimonious.
The plot:
Holly Kendrick has just lost her husband in a hit-and-run accident. Wracked by grief and struggling to stay afloat, she is offered a deal by a 'fixer': She and her daughter Savannah keep hush-hush about what they saw, in exchange for a beautiful home and financial security that could last them a lifetime.
The plot explores the consequences of their decision, the web of lies that surrounds the cover-up, and the emotional and ethical dilemmas faced by the characters involved.
Points of praise:
The writing is engaging, the pacing is tense – the twists are coming in fast and furious. And the premise is enticing, to say the least: This is a situation in which everybody struggles, everybody is faced with moral questions and difficult choices. The perfect foundation for a story that promises to be both suspenseful and deep.
Most of the characters are morally gray, willing to compromise their moral principles for the right price. The author makes their choices relatable, so you find yourself wondering how you would've chosen in the same situation. Holly, for example, does not only have to consider her own wants and needs. She has a daughter, and she wants Savannah to have the best life possible. Is that not more important than hollow justice?
And now that I've gushed about the story's promise and seemingly solid foundation, I unfortunately have to say that for me, a lot of it came crashing down.
Points of criticism:
Yes, the pacing seems great at first, but the narrative often jumps between timelines and characters with a speed that feels rushed. With every chapter, the plot becomes more predictable, and at the same time more unrealistic. The twists keep coming, but they have no real substance.
Yes, the characters have a lot of promise and start out strong, but they do not go much deeper than their initial portrayal. Hence, their stories end up not as gripping as they could have been.
The ending is likely to divide opinions. I saw a lot of it coming, though I found it implausible and contrived, with a hint of the sanctimonious.