Everything She Feared by Rick Mofina
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Everything She Feared in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The Gist
Everything She Feared by Rick Mofina is a disappointing thriller that fails to deliver on its promises of suspense and excitement.
The Details
One of the main issues with the novel is its lackluster plot. From the outset, the story feels contrived and predictable. Instead of keeping readers on the edge of their seats, the narrative unfolds in a formulaic manner. There is no real tension or surprise. I kept reading, getting confused with the many characters and the switching of the many different plot points.
Furthermore, the characters in Everything She Feared are poorly developed and fail to resonate with readers. The protagonist comes across as shallow and one-dimensional. Her motivations that feel forced and unconvincing. I started to get very annoyed with the constant back and forth of her internal conflict. Supporting characters fare no better. The dialogue is stilted and unnatural, hindering the development of meaningful connections between characters.
The writing style in Everything She Feared is also lacking. While the prose is functional, it lacks the elegance and finesse needed to truly elevate the story. Descriptions are often overly simplistic. No real sense of atmosphere and mood that is crucial in a thriller is created.
Additionally, the pacing of the novel is inconsistent. There are long stretches of exposition and backstory bogging down the narrative. Scenes that should be filled with tension and excitement are instead mired in unnecessary detail.
The Verdict
Overall, Everything She Feared is a forgettable thriller that fails to leave a lasting impression. Seriously, I forgot that I was reading this book sometimes. While it may appeal to fans of the genre looking for a quick read, those seeking a more gripping and immersive thriller would be better off looking elsewhere.
