The Hanging Girl
I am not quite sure why this didn't work as well for me as I'd like, but somehow though I enjoyed reading it, I can't say it was great. This is a typical Eileen Cook book as it is suspenseful and much more than what it seems at first glance.
I liked the underlying depth of this. As I read on and the twists kept coming, I loved seeing new aspects to the characters, trying to understand their actions and motives.
The characters started off feeling a bit flat, but I still could relate to Skye and her issues. Not that I have any experiences similar to hers, still Cook managed to convey Skye's motives and feelings, that I understood her. I didn't really like any of the characters much, but I don't think this is what Cook was trying to write. These aren't likable characters, they are all flawed and some what troubled. Yet I cared for them. I wanted things to somehow work out for Skye, even though I knew she messed up big time and despite the fact she got herself into this somehow.
I basically find myself having a love hate relationship with most characters. I think they are very human and yet maybe they are too bleak or too flawed to actually completely relate. Brilliantly done in relation of the story.
The storyline felt a bit bumpy at times and despite me loving the idea, I never got really into it. I think this might be where my iffy feelings about the book comes from, maybe.
I can't say I agree with the end in some ways, but I do think it fits with the characters and somehow, it felt right. I am sure some readers won't be okay with it however.
Some twists or most I did anticipate and I totally reveled in that. I think Cook is great a throwing out mysteries and twists, murky enough to solve them just enough to keep you guessing and suspecting.
Again I am not sure why I didn't enjoy this that much, it could be simply a case of mood so the classic it isn't you, it's me scenario.
The Hanging Girl is dark, full of suspense and snark. Very cleverly done, yet I didn't get really into it. I can however only recommend to give it a go.