May, May, May. I feel like I've blinked and it's gone! What a speedy old month it's been. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on which way you look at it) I've only read one book this month. But let me tell you! There's good reason for that... Which you'll find out in my review! I've had the author Karin Slaughter on my radar for quite some time now. I was originally recommended Pretty Girls, because of it's weird, hard hitting and gritty storyline, so when I saw The Last Widow in my local charity shop, I had to snap it up! After spending the last month or so devouring Frieda McFadden books, I felt like I needed to mix things up a bit. Here is the one and only book I've read in May.
Books I've Read in May
1.The Last Widow by Karin Slaughter
Synopsis
When a disease control scientist is abducted from a parking lot, authorities scramble for answers, but the mystery only deepens. A month later, a series of deadly explosions rocks Atlanta, targeting one of the city’s most vital areas, home to hospitals, the CDC, and the FBI. Medical examiner Sara Linton and GBI agent Will Trent are thrown into the chaos, uncovering a terrifying conspiracy with catastrophic stakes. As the death toll rises and the clock ticks, Sara is kidnapped by the enemy, forcing Will to go undercover in a desperate mission to rescue her and stop a national tragedy. With thousands of lives at risk, the line between duty and sacrifice blurs in this pulse-pounding race against time.
Review
Wow! I'd heard fantastic (and hard hitting) things about Karin Slaughter before reading this, and oooh heck, it didn't disappoint! To begin with I was a bit taken back by Slaughter's language. It's intense, gritty, and sometimes the type of language you'd expect in a builders yard. It's unique compared to anything I've read previously. I really enjoyed how hard hitting her words were.
I was gripped from the get go. The storyline and how it unfolds is extraordinary. It sends shivers at points. The Last Widow explores really hard hitting subjects. I didn't read any trigger warnings before delving into the book, but due to the nature of the book, I can't not mention it. The Last Widow explores topics around paedophilia, racism and terrorism. It's not a light read in the slightest! It really does something to you, and makes you feel all the feelings.
That being said, there was so much about this book that I really enjoyed. I loved getting an insight into the CDC and FBI. I found all the tactics and strategies they used absolutely fascinating. I've watched a lot of crime documentaries, but I feel like my eyes were really opened to an unknown world with this book.
The Last Widow is actually part of a series. Something I didn't know at the time of reading. After researching it's advised that whilst the books can be read as stand alone stories, it's best to read the Will Trent series in order. This is actually book 9 of 12, which feels wild!
The Last Widow is an excellent read, but please be wary of the trigger warnings.
Rating - 4.5 stars
To Conclude
May has certainly been an intense reading month for me. I've not read an awful lot this month, but I think that's because of what I have read. I found The Last Widow to be particularly time consuming because of the intensity.
Have you read anything from Karin Slaughter? Have you read the WIll Trent series? What books have you read in May? Send me some inspiration.
This sounds like a great book, Claire! Like you, I haven't read much in May. I'm currently reading a book that I'm struggling to get through, as it's not gripping me. But I'm going to persevere as I'm nearing the end of the book! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
I love a book like this that grabs you from the first page and won't let you put it down! Adding this to my reading list for summer.
Rosie
The book you read sound like a good one. I shall check it out. Thank you for sharing.
I'm still on the book I started like 3 months ago, so I wouldn't worry, haha!
Corinne x