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| Release Date: 04-23-15 |
What She Left is probably one of the most original, unique books I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. This is the story of Alice Salmon; she’s a young, talented journalist who was just found drowned in a lake near her University. Jeremy Cooke (he's so nasty!!), one of Alison’s former professors decides to put together a book about her life; a compilation of interviews, letters, journal entries, blog and social media posts. It’s this format in which the story is written that gives it an utterly fascinating, documentary style feel. I really loved reading it this way and enjoyed that each entry (chapter) wasn’t listed in chronological order. Instead, the entries jumped back and forth in Alison’s life timeline, certainly kept me on my toes! As different perspectives and clues were revealed within these entries (chapters), I had to continually check back and see when the event actually happened in Alison’s life. That may sound confusing and I know many readers are burnt out on this style of writing but it really works here and it's done in such a refreshing way that most readers won't feel as if it's an overused technique.
The police, of course, have ruled Alice’s death a suicide but it quickly becomes clear that anyone who was close to Alice believed she was incapable of something like that. As Professor Cooke gathers more information, a clear picture starts to appear of a very troubled girl. Yet you can’t help but be fascinated by Alice and her life, leading you to ask yourself and want answers to “how did Alice really die?”
Again, I really enjoyed this book and loved its unique style and format, a great psychological character study that I couldn’t tear myself away from. I think it will definitely “hit home” with anyone that uses social media on a regular basis, especially readers who grew up with it as a common part of life. This book serves as a good, yet somewhat scary reminder to us all that everything we put out on the internet really does stay forever! I did not guess what really happened to Alice until very late and for me, that’s always a sign of a well done thriller. Look forward to reading more from this author.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, Simon & Schuster, in exchange for my honest review
The police, of course, have ruled Alice’s death a suicide but it quickly becomes clear that anyone who was close to Alice believed she was incapable of something like that. As Professor Cooke gathers more information, a clear picture starts to appear of a very troubled girl. Yet you can’t help but be fascinated by Alice and her life, leading you to ask yourself and want answers to “how did Alice really die?”
Again, I really enjoyed this book and loved its unique style and format, a great psychological character study that I couldn’t tear myself away from. I think it will definitely “hit home” with anyone that uses social media on a regular basis, especially readers who grew up with it as a common part of life. This book serves as a good, yet somewhat scary reminder to us all that everything we put out on the internet really does stay forever! I did not guess what really happened to Alice until very late and for me, that’s always a sign of a well done thriller. Look forward to reading more from this author.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, Simon & Schuster, in exchange for my honest review
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Author: T.R. Richmond
Formats Available: eBook (Hardcover won't be released until 01-05-16)
Pages: 400
http://www.amazon.com/What-She-Left
Formats Available: eBook (Hardcover won't be released until 01-05-16)
Pages: 400
http://www.amazon.com/What-She-Left
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