Unveiling "Things We Do In The Dark" by Jennifer Hillier: A Gripping Thriller or a Disappointing Tale?
Things We Do in the Dark is a brilliant new thriller from Jennifer Hillier, the award-winning author of the breakout novels Little Secrets and Jar of Hearts. Paris Peralta is suspected of killing her celebrity husband, and her long-hidden past now threatens to destroy her future.
When Paris Peralta is arrested in her own bathroom—covered in blood, holding a straight razor, her celebrity husband dead in the bathtub behind her—she knows she'll be charged with murder. But as bad as this looks, it's not what worries her the most. With the unwanted media attention now surrounding her, it's only a matter of time before someone from her long hidden past recognizes her and destroys the new life she's worked so hard to build, along with any chance of a future.
Twenty-five years earlier, Ruby Reyes, known as the Ice Queen, was convicted of a similar murder in a trial that riveted Canada in the early nineties. Reyes knows who Paris really is, and when she's unexpectedly released from prison, she threatens to expose all of Paris's secrets. Left with no other choice, Paris must finally confront the dark past she escaped, once and for all.
Because the only thing worse than a murder charge are two murder charges.
Review:
Jennifer Hillier, a renowned author, has captivated readers with her previous works. With high expectations in mind, I delved into her latest book, "Things We Do In The Dark," following the allure of online praise to "Little Secrets." However, my enthusiasm waned as I found this book to be not intriguing.
Unmasking the Plot: Ruby Reyes, Paris Peralta, and Secrets
The plot revolves around Paris Peralta, who finds herself in the limelight after being arrested for her older celebrity husband's murder. Burdened with the fear of her hidden past being revealed, she encounters Ruby Reyes, a convicted killer threatening to expose all of Paris' secrets. To safeguard her future, Paris must confront her tumultuous past.
Initial Intrigue and Expectations
The initial chapters of "Things We Do In The Dark" gripped me, leaving me eager to turn the pages. However, my enthusiasm dwindled when the story delved into the past timeline. Predictability seeped in, as I accurately anticipated the story's unfolding. The absence of an unforeseen twist left me wanting, hoping to be astounded and proven wrong, but it never materialized.
A Character Study Disguised as a Thriller
Rather than a captivating thriller, the book took the form of a character study, focusing on a woman shaped by a dysfunctional childhood. This unexpected shift in genre left me yearning for the gripping suspense that initially drew me in.
Embracing Its Filipino Essence
Without a doubt, this book encapsulates the essence of Filipino culture. It seems evident that the author purposefully crafted Filipino characters, adding a relatable touch to the story. The presence of Filipino phrases and words throughout the book is something I truly appreciate. However, I had reservations about the portrayal of the protagonist's uncle as "predatory," although I understand its significance in advancing the plot.
Unveiling a Lackluster Resolution
As the past and present collided, I hoped for a thrilling resolution to the murder mystery. Unfortunately, the resolution unfolded in a straightforward manner, swiftly tying up all loose ends. The lack of complexity and excitement in this resolution further dampened the reading experience.
Writing Prowess Amidst Predictability
Jennifer Hillier's writing talent remains undeniable throughout the novel. Her command of language and storytelling shines, despite the predictable nature of the plot. However, the overarching predictability, accentuated by the past timeline, hindered the story's momentum.
Looking Forward to Future Works
Though "Things We Do In The Dark" did not become a personal favorite, I still admire Jennifer Hillier's unique writing style. Her next book and backlist will undoubtedly receive my attention, as I eagerly anticipate the unexpected twists and turns that made her previous work addictive.
In the realm of thrillers, "Things We Do In The Dark" by Jennifer Hillier fell short of its potential. While the writing exhibited undeniable skill, the predictable plot and focus on character study left much to be desired. However, as a fan of the author's style, I remain optimistic about future releases, hoping for the resurgence of the gripping allure that initially captivated readers.
That’s all for now ~
- Jay xx
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