This was like super dark and deeply unsettling ride with both highs and lows. While I figured out the killer’s identity early on, I kinda didn’t mind the predictability. It was the slow, twisted unfolding of events and the shadowy secrets of Wind Gap that really gripped me. The atmosphere kept me HOOKED, even if the final destination was in sight.
Camille’s journey as the main character was raw and layered with trauma, and her choices often left me conflicted. I found her romantic entanglements with characters like Richard and John a bit off-putting, as they seemed to detract from her psychological arc (more John than Richard because isn't he like a literal KID? Sure he's 18 but maybe this is like commentary again because how often do we see 30+ year old men being with 18 year old in books written by men).
That said, I did appreciate the complexity of her character, and the way her pain shaped her interactions and perceptions. Among all this, Curry stood out as a bright spot to me ngl. His genuine care for Camille, his concern, and the moments where he checked in on her added warmth to an otherwise chilling story. He was one of the few characters who felt authentically compassionate, providing a touch of hope amid the darkness. Then again—he's like this outsider, away from this whole eerie town of Wind Gap.
One of the book’s strongest aspects imo was its exploration of generational trauma—Adora’s twisted maternal influence on Camille and Amma highlighted cycles of abuse in ways that were impactful but occasionally felt underdeveloped. I would have liked a deeper exploration of how the characters reckoned with or tried to break free from these cycles.
Also, to me the book seemed to function as a social commentary on gender roles? The roles women were forced into, the societal pressures they faced, and how power and violence were wielded in these confines were all central to the story’s themes. This commentary added depth and nuance, even if it sometimes felt overshadowed by other elements.
I really like how Gillian Flynn does this and find this to be an recurring theme in her books. Overall, I found this a compelling read with visceral moments and thought-provoking layers, even if some aspects felt either heavy-handed or underexplored and so I give this a 4.
