Location : Oregon Type: Physical book
Timeline: Non-linear Genre: Thriller/Mystery/Horror
Narration: Multiple narrators
Review:
Stars: 5
This book had a little of everything a thriller needs: mystery, murder, scandal, uncontrolled vices. It will leave you questioning what is right and wrong. Is it a simple black-white question? Or is there grey area.
The multiple viewpoints over different timelines gives depth to the story as you gather info to solve the case.
As a lover of true crime and cold cases, I loved Shea and understood her fascination with crime. Shea was very relatable to me. I cannot wait to read more from this author. (This was my first book from this author).
Sex:
N/A
Language:
Fuck: 19
Bitch: 5
Ass: 9
Shit: 8
GD: 8
Cunt: 1
Triggers:
divorce
kidnapping
foster abuse
paranormal activity
Questions:
In the beginning we find out that Shea has a side gig: The Book of Cold Cases website she runs. There are many websites, documentaries, podcasts and books about unsolved cold cases, serial killers, and bizarre deaths.
Why do you think people enjoy this?
Why is there such a demand for it?
The first chapter from Beth's point of view (chapter 7) starts by describing the mast bedroom in the Greer mansion. Everything is as it was when her parents were there.
What did this (if anything) tell you about Beth?
In chapter 15, we find out Beth has tried to get rid of her parent's things but the house stops it from happening.
What (at this point) did you think was going on?
Chapter 7 has the following quote:
"She [Beth] didn't know what a life without fear would look like."
Do you know what it would look like?
Have you experienced life without fear?
Is there a healthy amount of fear necessary to life?
How much fear is too much fear?
When Shea talks with Detective Black in chapter 13 they seem to discuss different serial killers of the 70s. This case of the Lady Killer seemed unimaginable.
Why do you think it is hard to believe that a woman could be a serial killer?
If it is so unbelievable, why do you think eeryone came to that conclusion so quickly in the Lady Killer case?
How do you think Shea felt when Detective Black called her Girl A?
How would you feel if put in the same situation?
In chapter 18 Shea confronts Beth about her mother's mental health.
Why do you think Beth got mad at the question about Mariana's mental health? (at this point in the book)
At the beginning of part 2 we are introduced to Lily.
When she was first mentioned, who did you think Lily was and what importance did you think she would play?
Chapter 26 is from Beth in 1960, she sees the footprints outside and the message on the window. She invites Lily in.
What do you think would have happened if she didn't invite Lily in?
Were future events Beth's fault since she invited Lily in?
In your opinion, why did Beth need Lily?
In December 1968 (chapter 30), Lily says this:
"Sometimes I think the only way to be someone is to do something bad."
Do you find that true for Lily?
Do you find that true in real life?
Beth had less than stellar parents. Do you think that was the reason she didn't want to get married or have children?
Did your own parents play a role (positive or negative) in your decision to get married and/or have children?
Do you think Beth has ownership in the murders that Lily committed since she suspected that Lily was committing them?
What should Beth have done (if anything) about her suspicions of Lily's actions?
In chapter 33 Shea finally gets an interview with Ransom Wells. He knows she is Girl A but she says she "never chose that legacy. She never chose any legacy." Ransom's reply: "That's because we don't always get to choose. In fact, we rarely do."
If you could choose your legacy what would it be?
We get a little excerpt from Beth's trial in 1978.
What did this add to the story?
What info did you acquire from the excerpt that helped bring the story together?
Were you shocked that Beth killed Lily?
Why or why not?
Beth did not stop Lily from murdering nor did she turn Lily in to the police. Yet she stopped Lily from killing anyone else by murdering Lily.
Was Beth justified in killing Lily?
Alcoholism seemed to be an issue with more than one character.
How do you think alcohol played a roll in the events in the story?
This story was told by both Beth and Shea.
Did you find them to be reliable narrators?
Why or why not?
Was one more reliable?
If you could have heard the story through someone else's perspective who would you want it to be?
Why?
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