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Πουθενά να κρυφτείς
Η Chevy Stevens επιστρέφει με το πιο δυνατό και συγκινητικό της βιβλίο — μια ιστορία επιβίωσης και εκδίκησης.
Η ζωή δεν ήταν ποτέ εύκολη για τις τρεις αδερφές Κάμπελ. Η Τζες, η Κόρτνεϊ και η Ντάνι ζουν σε ένα απομονωμένο ράντσο στον δυτικό Καναδά, όπου δουλεύουν σκληρά και προσπαθούν να αποφύγουν τις γροθιές του πατέρα τους. Μια νύχτα τα πράγματα ξεφεύγουν έπειτα από έναν καβγά, έτσι οι αδερφές είναι αναγκασμένες να το σκάσουν, για να καταλήξουν όμως σε έναν ακόμα χειρότερο εφιάλτη, όταν το φορτηγάκι τους ακινητοποιείται λόγω βλάβης σε μια μικρή πόλη. Ύστερα από μια τυχαία συνάντηση με τα λάθος πρόσωπα εμπλέκονται σε μια τρομακτική, απελπιστική κατάσταση.
Δεκαοχτώ χρόνια αργότερα προσπαθούν ακόμα να ξεχάσουν όσα είχαν συμβεί εκείνο το καλοκαίρι, όταν χάνονται τα ίχνη της μιας αδερφής έτσι, θέλοντας και μη, οι δύο αδερφές επιστρέφουν στα παλιά γνώριμα μέρη και, αναπόφευκτα, αναμοχλεύουν το παρελθόν τους.
Αυτή τη φορά δεν υπάρχει οδός διαφυγής.
Το Πουθενά να κρυφτείς είναι ένα αστυνομικό θρίλερ αλλά ταυτόχρονα και μια βαθιά εξερεύνηση των αδελφικών δεσμών.
Η ζωή δεν ήταν ποτέ εύκολη για τις τρεις αδερφές Κάμπελ. Η Τζες, η Κόρτνεϊ και η Ντάνι ζουν σε ένα απομονωμένο ράντσο στον δυτικό Καναδά, όπου δουλεύουν σκληρά και προσπαθούν να αποφύγουν τις γροθιές του πατέρα τους. Μια νύχτα τα πράγματα ξεφεύγουν έπειτα από έναν καβγά, έτσι οι αδερφές είναι αναγκασμένες να το σκάσουν, για να καταλήξουν όμως σε έναν ακόμα χειρότερο εφιάλτη, όταν το φορτηγάκι τους ακινητοποιείται λόγω βλάβης σε μια μικρή πόλη. Ύστερα από μια τυχαία συνάντηση με τα λάθος πρόσωπα εμπλέκονται σε μια τρομακτική, απελπιστική κατάσταση.
Δεκαοχτώ χρόνια αργότερα προσπαθούν ακόμα να ξεχάσουν όσα είχαν συμβεί εκείνο το καλοκαίρι, όταν χάνονται τα ίχνη της μιας αδερφής έτσι, θέλοντας και μη, οι δύο αδερφές επιστρέφουν στα παλιά γνώριμα μέρη και, αναπόφευκτα, αναμοχλεύουν το παρελθόν τους.
Αυτή τη φορά δεν υπάρχει οδός διαφυγής.
Το Πουθενά να κρυφτείς είναι ένα αστυνομικό θρίλερ αλλά ταυτόχρονα και μια βαθιά εξερεύνηση των αδελφικών δεσμών.
456 pages, Paperback
First published July 7, 2015
About the author
Chevy Stevens
10 books9,912 followersCHEVY STEVENS lives on Vancouver Island with her husband and daughter. When she’s not working on her next book, she’s hiking with her two dogs on her favorite mountain trails and spending time with her family. Chevy's current obsessions are vintage airstreams, Hollywood memoirs, and all things mid-century modern.
Chevy's debut novel, STILL MISSING, was a New York Times bestseller and won the International Thriller Writers Award for Best First Novel. Her books, including THOSE GIRLS which Stephen King called "incredibly scary" have been published in more than thirty countries. Her seventh novel, DARK ROADS, is now available. Please visit her at www.ChevyStevens.com.
REVIEW POLICY: I only rate books I really love. This is a way for me to share my favourites.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,133 reviews
July 2, 2015
Dear Ms. Stevens,
I'm sorry, but I think it's time we broke up.
I loved you when you wrote Still Missing and Never Knowing
I do know. It was That Night. That sucked big time. I'm sorry.
Too much happening in your book with flat characters turns my heart off.
This one. I thought I was going to love.
I think to keep me relating to characters that are in my books I have to at least have some belief in their stories. Be it fantasy, romance or thrillers like this one.
I was actually with you in this book until about half way through it and I realized we were headed down that path.
The bad guys were assholes. I admit. But then when the girls started over, I just found that the book had given up. No more caring about them. I just wanted it to end.
Thanks for understanding.
I'm sorry, but I think it's time we broke up.
I loved you when you wrote Still Missing and Never Knowing
I do know. It was That Night. That sucked big time. I'm sorry.
Too much happening in your book with flat characters turns my heart off.
This one. I thought I was going to love.
I think to keep me relating to characters that are in my books I have to at least have some belief in their stories. Be it fantasy, romance or thrillers like this one.
I was actually with you in this book until about half way through it and I realized we were headed down that path.
The bad guys were assholes. I admit. But then when the girls started over, I just found that the book had given up. No more caring about them. I just wanted it to end.
Thanks for understanding.
July 28, 2015
Wow!! I just finished this book about an hour ago. Fantastic read!
I have enjoyed all of Chevy Stevens books but this one is probably my favorite.
I have found that lately it's taken quite a while for me to get into the books I'm reading.
Not so with this book. I was HOOKED from the start. It packs such an emotional punch that even when I had to put it down for a few minutes it was all I could think about. I rushed through everything I had to do until I could pick it up again.
I fell in love with the Campbell sisters right off and Skylar was another amazing character. So easy to read and follow along. I could really feel for these girls and the amazing strength that they had to get through the horrors in their lives. Girls who keep trying to do the right thing and often end up making a wrong choice. Some of the characters that they encounter are nothing less than pure evil but also thankfully some other characters who help them in ways they could never have thought possible.
This is definitely one of the best books I've read in quite some time. A terrifying and engrossing story where the author painted such a vivid pictures that at times I was literally yelling out loud and shaking with anger one moment then sobbing the next. While you may question some of the girls actions you will always root for them.
Much more than your average suspense thriller. A gripping and chilling story of family, love, tragedy, survival and revenge! With all of the twists and turns I was in suspense from beginning to end. This one will stay with me for a long time.
I can't wait for more from Chevy Stevens.
Highly recommended!!!
I have enjoyed all of Chevy Stevens books but this one is probably my favorite.
I have found that lately it's taken quite a while for me to get into the books I'm reading.
Not so with this book. I was HOOKED from the start. It packs such an emotional punch that even when I had to put it down for a few minutes it was all I could think about. I rushed through everything I had to do until I could pick it up again.
I fell in love with the Campbell sisters right off and Skylar was another amazing character. So easy to read and follow along. I could really feel for these girls and the amazing strength that they had to get through the horrors in their lives. Girls who keep trying to do the right thing and often end up making a wrong choice. Some of the characters that they encounter are nothing less than pure evil but also thankfully some other characters who help them in ways they could never have thought possible.
This is definitely one of the best books I've read in quite some time. A terrifying and engrossing story where the author painted such a vivid pictures that at times I was literally yelling out loud and shaking with anger one moment then sobbing the next. While you may question some of the girls actions you will always root for them.
Much more than your average suspense thriller. A gripping and chilling story of family, love, tragedy, survival and revenge! With all of the twists and turns I was in suspense from beginning to end. This one will stay with me for a long time.
I can't wait for more from Chevy Stevens.
Highly recommended!!!
April 26, 2017
I have nothing positive to say about this novel. It contains a storyline about young teenaged girls who were abused by their father and then get kidnapped and sexually abused by teenaged boys.
I had previously read two books by Chevy Stevens and abuse type storylines appear to be her niche. I am not impressed. This was despicable.
I always do my utmost to finish a book but listen to the audiobook brought forth feelings in me that made me ill, palms sweaty. Stomach rolling. I have read several books by authors about abuse I admit that I gravitate towards them but Chevy Stevens does not handle them with care. I will never read or listen to one of her books ever again.
I had previously read two books by Chevy Stevens and abuse type storylines appear to be her niche. I am not impressed. This was despicable.
I always do my utmost to finish a book but listen to the audiobook brought forth feelings in me that made me ill, palms sweaty. Stomach rolling. I have read several books by authors about abuse I admit that I gravitate towards them but Chevy Stevens does not handle them with care. I will never read or listen to one of her books ever again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2015
I started reading this book early evening last night (taking a break from the history book). I continued reading through the night -and kept on reading until mid morning. (never touching my phone, or computer. Nothing distracted me, (not the laundry, not my daily 'to-do' list). I didn't even taking a break for a morning cup of tea.
I literary was having an 'affair' with this novel. Be warned, The reading experience is like climbing over a high brick wall --entering private property -- then realizing you can't get back to where you came from.
A couple of times I was scared S**hless! ...yet overall what I'm left with is deeper emotions: sadness, anger, grief, love, and extreme gratitude to Chevy Stevens. She did something brilliant with this mystery-thriller. She deepened awareness and expanded understanding of girls.
Girls bonding: (or women),-sisters/mothers & daughters/friendships....is as important as breathing air. "Girls" are the warriors at the side of "THOSE GIRLS"
Weaving realism with suspenseful intimacy --the way Chevy Stevens has done -- is fully engaging -and equally valuable.
A couple of quotes --which I personally related to (each for different personal reasons):
1) "I'd never have a father now. I started to cry hard, and I let myself, let it come out until my face was sore and my eyeballs ached. I felt empty and exhausted, but a little calmer."
2) "We took almost a week to make origami cranes".
"We spent hours threading the string through the cranes, fitting each inside the other carefully staggering the colors until they made a beautiful rainbow". Skylar had told us that the Japanese believed that the wings of cranes could carry souls up to paradise."
The epilogue which Chevy Stevens wrote is sooooooo beautiful .... my eyes were red!
Wonderful Book!
Thank you very much to the publisher...to Netgalley... to the author!!!!
I literary was having an 'affair' with this novel. Be warned, The reading experience is like climbing over a high brick wall --entering private property -- then realizing you can't get back to where you came from.
A couple of times I was scared S**hless! ...yet overall what I'm left with is deeper emotions: sadness, anger, grief, love, and extreme gratitude to Chevy Stevens. She did something brilliant with this mystery-thriller. She deepened awareness and expanded understanding of girls.
Girls bonding: (or women),-sisters/mothers & daughters/friendships....is as important as breathing air. "Girls" are the warriors at the side of "THOSE GIRLS"
Weaving realism with suspenseful intimacy --the way Chevy Stevens has done -- is fully engaging -and equally valuable.
A couple of quotes --which I personally related to (each for different personal reasons):
1) "I'd never have a father now. I started to cry hard, and I let myself, let it come out until my face was sore and my eyeballs ached. I felt empty and exhausted, but a little calmer."
2) "We took almost a week to make origami cranes".
"We spent hours threading the string through the cranes, fitting each inside the other carefully staggering the colors until they made a beautiful rainbow". Skylar had told us that the Japanese believed that the wings of cranes could carry souls up to paradise."
The epilogue which Chevy Stevens wrote is sooooooo beautiful .... my eyes were red!
Wonderful Book!
Thank you very much to the publisher...to Netgalley... to the author!!!!
August 8, 2015
2.5 Stars
Oh dear......I am sorry to say this novel did not work for me. It certainly begins with a bang when three teenage sisters ban together to save themselves from their drunken abusive father, but their unbelievably asinine decisions thereafter ruined the rest of the story for me. Unfortunately, I never did connect with any of the characters, and even the verbal threats and violent actions by the aggressors came across as flat and unconvincing.
Overall, an ok young adult read with murder, rape, violence and an abundance of stupidity. That being said, of the three Chevy Stevens novels I've read, this is the only disappointment.
February 12, 2016
I don't even know where to start on this one. I'm a huge Chevy Stevens fan; I've read all her books and eagerly anticipate them each year. So naturally I was all set to devour this one, and completely shocked when it felt like I was reading another author. Don't get me wrong, this was an easy read and was thrilling. It just didn't work for me in comparison to her past novels.
I'm not going to rehash the plot as it is complicated and spoilery, but basically these 3 girls go from one bad situation to worse. I had a hard time following the story at times because it just didn't flow for me. It was so hard for me to accept that these 3 girls who supposedly had been self sufficient and had all kinds of street smarts were naive enough on multiple occasions to get drawn into the horrific situations that occurred. I was really intrigued throughout PART ONE of the book; even though it was extremely unrealistic I didn't care. I was hooked. Then PART TWO came along and it just sort of lost me. This is probably all me though; I have been reading some top notch books lately which could be why this one felt so bland and predictable. I feel I'm in the minority on this one, as it has received some great ratings, but if you are new to Ms. Stevens I would suggest starting with her first book, Still Missing, and going from there. I will most definitely be giving her next work another go; I'm hoping this one was just a fluke for me! :(
I'm not going to rehash the plot as it is complicated and spoilery, but basically these 3 girls go from one bad situation to worse. I had a hard time following the story at times because it just didn't flow for me. It was so hard for me to accept that these 3 girls who supposedly had been self sufficient and had all kinds of street smarts were naive enough on multiple occasions to get drawn into the horrific situations that occurred. I was really intrigued throughout PART ONE of the book; even though it was extremely unrealistic I didn't care. I was hooked. Then PART TWO came along and it just sort of lost me. This is probably all me though; I have been reading some top notch books lately which could be why this one felt so bland and predictable. I feel I'm in the minority on this one, as it has received some great ratings, but if you are new to Ms. Stevens I would suggest starting with her first book, Still Missing, and going from there. I will most definitely be giving her next work another go; I'm hoping this one was just a fluke for me! :(
October 13, 2015
I really enjoyed the first part of this book. Told by the youngest of three sisters, there was a tension that gripped me. I wanted to know how these girls escape their early life and what would become of them. Eighteen years later in the second half of the book, it all started falling apart for me and I even questioned what I had enjoyed in the beginning.
Those girls had a gritty upbringing, so why are they so naive? There is specific mention of being taught mechanical things by their father, but they're so helpless when their truck needs repair. And seriously, would a drunken abusive father really teach his daughters such things? Even in 1997, why are these girls so trusting of strange men?
Now in 2015, they are still making incredibly dumb decisions. Those girls are now in their thirties and none are married, they're still working menial jobs, and they're still drinking and smoking weed. I think they're living in limbo and there's no growth in their characters. And unfortunately, Skylar, the youngest sister's daughter, follows in their footsteps. She's a carbon copy. Has her mother passed no worldly knowledge on to her daughter?
So while the book was an easy, quick read, and I enjoyed parts of it, it just didn't work for me.
Those girls had a gritty upbringing, so why are they so naive? There is specific mention of being taught mechanical things by their father, but they're so helpless when their truck needs repair. And seriously, would a drunken abusive father really teach his daughters such things? Even in 1997, why are these girls so trusting of strange men?
Now in 2015, they are still making incredibly dumb decisions. Those girls are now in their thirties and none are married, they're still working menial jobs, and they're still drinking and smoking weed. I think they're living in limbo and there's no growth in their characters. And unfortunately, Skylar, the youngest sister's daughter, follows in their footsteps. She's a carbon copy. Has her mother passed no worldly knowledge on to her daughter?
So while the book was an easy, quick read, and I enjoyed parts of it, it just didn't work for me.
March 20, 2017
Ugh, this book was brutal!! Very emotional and full of angst. I had to take breaks, the tragic events these sisters endured were horrific.
April 17, 2015
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
“Some things can’t be made right.”
So Hiddles, what did we think of this one?
Oh come on, that’s a bit harsh dontcha think????
That’s right, think about it. Take all the time you need. Oh, you already have a new reaction???
Yes. I can get on board with the eye roll – and yet somehow I COULD. NOT. STOP. READING. THIS.
Alright, here’s the synopsis (Dear plagiarists, please don’t steal these from me. I’m not very good at writing them): Those Girls is about three sisters being raised by their often absentee and nearly always drunken father. When Daddy Dearest returns home and begins beating on the oldest of the three girls, well . . .
No shit. Fearing they will end up placed in separate foster homes, the girls run away – straight into the arms of some terrifying strangers. SPOILERY THINGS THEN HAPPEN. Fast-forward 18 years and the girls find themselves dealing with a real blast from the past.
This one kinda had everything but the . . .
Oh wait, there it is. Momma June, get your big ass melon out of my kitchen sink . . . and do the damn dishes! If you can deal with the fact that anything bad that could possibly happen to these girls/women is something that is definitely going to happen to these girls/women, you might be okay with it too. Although 100% farfetched, this was wicked fast-paced and kind of un-put-down-able. Please note: I was provided a manuscript of this novel (which has never happened to me before) so I have no idea what will/will not remain in the final edited version.
I was also pleasantly surprised that one thing I was almost positive was going to end up happening, never happened at all. What is that thing, you ask? Why the seriously forced romantic subplot between the poor, damaged, woman and the dude who helped save the day – who, of course, just so happened to look like this . . .
Thank Tom Cruise there was no “yes, my family might be in danger, but we should make with the sexytimes first and then save them” narrative in addition to all of the other ingredients thrown into this pot. The absence of that coupled with the fact that I’m kind of a bit of a Chevy Stevens fangirl helped generate an end result of a 3 Star rating from yours truly.
Warning: This is a book that contains graphic violence and rape scenes. It’s not a story everyone will be comfortable reading.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!
“Some things can’t be made right.”
So Hiddles, what did we think of this one?
Oh come on, that’s a bit harsh dontcha think????
That’s right, think about it. Take all the time you need. Oh, you already have a new reaction???
Yes. I can get on board with the eye roll – and yet somehow I COULD. NOT. STOP. READING. THIS.
Alright, here’s the synopsis (Dear plagiarists, please don’t steal these from me. I’m not very good at writing them): Those Girls is about three sisters being raised by their often absentee and nearly always drunken father. When Daddy Dearest returns home and begins beating on the oldest of the three girls, well . . .
No shit. Fearing they will end up placed in separate foster homes, the girls run away – straight into the arms of some terrifying strangers. SPOILERY THINGS THEN HAPPEN. Fast-forward 18 years and the girls find themselves dealing with a real blast from the past.
This one kinda had everything but the . . .
Oh wait, there it is. Momma June, get your big ass melon out of my kitchen sink . . . and do the damn dishes! If you can deal with the fact that anything bad that could possibly happen to these girls/women is something that is definitely going to happen to these girls/women, you might be okay with it too. Although 100% farfetched, this was wicked fast-paced and kind of un-put-down-able. Please note: I was provided a manuscript of this novel (which has never happened to me before) so I have no idea what will/will not remain in the final edited version.
I was also pleasantly surprised that one thing I was almost positive was going to end up happening, never happened at all. What is that thing, you ask? Why the seriously forced romantic subplot between the poor, damaged, woman and the dude who helped save the day – who, of course, just so happened to look like this . . .
Thank Tom Cruise there was no “yes, my family might be in danger, but we should make with the sexytimes first and then save them” narrative in addition to all of the other ingredients thrown into this pot. The absence of that coupled with the fact that I’m kind of a bit of a Chevy Stevens fangirl helped generate an end result of a 3 Star rating from yours truly.
Warning: This is a book that contains graphic violence and rape scenes. It’s not a story everyone will be comfortable reading.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!
December 19, 2016
I am a huge Chevy Stevens fan & couldn't wait to get into this one all I can say is that I loved it the premise was complicated but for me it worked the basic story was about 3 sisters who had a tyrant of a father who used to beat them senseless, Jess Dani & Courtney decided to leave as their father nearly killed Courtney.
The pressure to stay in the town of Littlefield got to much for them they decided to change their names & move to Cash Creek where they would not be known, anyway they are kidnapped by Brian & Gavin who keep them at their farm what happens is abhorrent one gets raped the others are abused.
After a while they decide to escape which they finally do but Dani ends up pregnant DOES SHE KEEP THE BABY OR WILL SHE ADOPT IT OUT??
18 years late Courtney goes back to Cash Creek & decides to get revenge for the torture & rape of her sisters, unbeknown to Courtney Jesse's daughter Skylar goes to find Courtney but ends up in the same situation her Aunts & mum were found.
Skylar ends up at the farm that Brian & Gavin run but they are married with kids of their own will she suffer the same fate as her Aunts & mom or will she find Courtney in time.
I was literally glued to every page he ending was good but didn't think that what happened would, I thought Skyler who was only young was the heroine I liked her spunk & her determination.
The pressure to stay in the town of Littlefield got to much for them they decided to change their names & move to Cash Creek where they would not be known, anyway they are kidnapped by Brian & Gavin who keep them at their farm what happens is abhorrent one gets raped the others are abused.
After a while they decide to escape which they finally do but Dani ends up pregnant DOES SHE KEEP THE BABY OR WILL SHE ADOPT IT OUT??
18 years late Courtney goes back to Cash Creek & decides to get revenge for the torture & rape of her sisters, unbeknown to Courtney Jesse's daughter Skylar goes to find Courtney but ends up in the same situation her Aunts & mum were found.
Skylar ends up at the farm that Brian & Gavin run but they are married with kids of their own will she suffer the same fate as her Aunts & mom or will she find Courtney in time.
I was literally glued to every page he ending was good but didn't think that what happened would, I thought Skyler who was only young was the heroine I liked her spunk & her determination.
September 6, 2017
Those Girls is a suspenseful read! Divided in 3 parts and don't skip the epilogue. The first part is tough reading, but if you're still with it after that, it's a good, addicting read. It shines a light on the bond between 3 sisters and the secrets they share.
March 31, 2015
A special thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC of “Those Girls” by Canadian author, Chevy Stevens, in exchange for an honest review. More than a suspense crime thriller, this novel will keep you entertained from beginning to end, with this intense, gripping, emotional and powerful page-turner of the bonds of three sisters protecting one another.
The setting for the novel takes place in rural Littlefield, a small town near the Alberta border, catering mostly to the farming and logging industry. With the close of the mill, the girl’s dad worked away from home in Calgary, Alberta.
The three Campbell sisters. Jess, Courtney, and Dani live on a remote ranch in Western Canada where they work hard, to help pay for their rent, and try to stay out of the way of their abusive father when he comes home. Their mom died in a truck accident.
Jess (Jamie) the youngest of the three, age fifteen, is the smart sister. She loves photography.
Dani (Dallas) age sixteen is the middle sister, -the bossy one. She has always been angry at the world around her.
Courtney (Crystal) is the oldest, age eighteen, pretty, and the wild child who is always in trouble. Currently she is having an affair with a married man and her dad has just received the news. She has a beautiful voice and has dreamed of moving to Nashville to become a famous singer.
The early chapters are narrated by Jess, the youngest of three teenaged sisters, who accidently commit murder and escape their abusive and alcoholic father. Without money, they take off in their father’s truck for Vancouver, change their names and identity and start a new life. But unfortunately, they put their trust in the wrong people, and end up in an even more nightmarish situation.
The very best part of the book are the characters. Stevens has created three sisters with great personalities and an amazing bond between them. The story moves at just the right pace and kept me turning the pages quickly.
This is a story about three sisters who escape the abuse of their alcoholic father but end up in a more horrifying situation. It's painful and heartbreaking at times but it grabs you and you're on the emotional ride.
I don’t want to give away much of the plot, as so much of the thrill of “Those Girls” is being able to experience the mistakes and events as they evolve. The strong sisters and the bonds between them are the best part of the book. Even so, it is a very compelling story that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys thrillers with strong female characters.
Overall, I would rate this book at 3.5 or 4. It was a quick read, and kept me engaged enough for me to want to find out how it ended. I do still want to try her other book, Still Missing, which I have on my bookshelf but haven't gotten to yet.
The setting for the novel takes place in rural Littlefield, a small town near the Alberta border, catering mostly to the farming and logging industry. With the close of the mill, the girl’s dad worked away from home in Calgary, Alberta.
The three Campbell sisters. Jess, Courtney, and Dani live on a remote ranch in Western Canada where they work hard, to help pay for their rent, and try to stay out of the way of their abusive father when he comes home. Their mom died in a truck accident.
Jess (Jamie) the youngest of the three, age fifteen, is the smart sister. She loves photography.
Dani (Dallas) age sixteen is the middle sister, -the bossy one. She has always been angry at the world around her.
Courtney (Crystal) is the oldest, age eighteen, pretty, and the wild child who is always in trouble. Currently she is having an affair with a married man and her dad has just received the news. She has a beautiful voice and has dreamed of moving to Nashville to become a famous singer.
The early chapters are narrated by Jess, the youngest of three teenaged sisters, who accidently commit murder and escape their abusive and alcoholic father. Without money, they take off in their father’s truck for Vancouver, change their names and identity and start a new life. But unfortunately, they put their trust in the wrong people, and end up in an even more nightmarish situation.
The very best part of the book are the characters. Stevens has created three sisters with great personalities and an amazing bond between them. The story moves at just the right pace and kept me turning the pages quickly.
This is a story about three sisters who escape the abuse of their alcoholic father but end up in a more horrifying situation. It's painful and heartbreaking at times but it grabs you and you're on the emotional ride.
I don’t want to give away much of the plot, as so much of the thrill of “Those Girls” is being able to experience the mistakes and events as they evolve. The strong sisters and the bonds between them are the best part of the book. Even so, it is a very compelling story that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys thrillers with strong female characters.
Overall, I would rate this book at 3.5 or 4. It was a quick read, and kept me engaged enough for me to want to find out how it ended. I do still want to try her other book, Still Missing, which I have on my bookshelf but haven't gotten to yet.
April 25, 2015
This is totally 'unputdownable'.
There has not been one Chevy Stevens book I have had the pleasure of reading that I haven't liked or had a small moan about. This author really knows its reader.
The Campbell sisters, Jess, Courtney and Dani do not have the best of lives. They're Mother was dead.
[The story tells you how she came to die]
And they live with they're Father. He is one horrible man! He treats each girl terrible, he's abusive, cruel, he's cruel to the point of almost death.
He goes off to work for periods of times and the girls spend a lot of time on their own. No money for food. They sometimes have to resort to stealing.
Soup mixed with super noodle's seem to be their stable diet to fill up on.
There is a neighbor not far, he is the one that rents out the place where they live.
He is concerned that the girls are on their own a lot, and has said if they're Father is away for much longer he would have to inform Social Services. Being that they have been in foster homes before and split up, they don't want that to happen again. So they hide things from him and lie to him at all costs.
An incident happens one day when their Father has come home.
The girls are forced to go on the run.
No money, only a truck with hardly any fuel, they take a gun, and some provisions.
Events take a turn for the worse on route.
When their truck breaks down and they are walking to find the nearest place for help, a vehicle slows down, they see two lads in there. Being cautious they didn't at first accept help. But one said he was a mechanic and could sort the truck out.
These lads are not all sweetness and light. That is all I am saying.
They have had to go on the run again changing names and ID. Here they try to create a new life for each of themselves.
Eighteen years pass and one of the sisters go missing.
This flashes back the past which they have tried so hard to 'forget'.
My thoughts:
I loved the sisters relationship with each other in this book. At one time, even though there are age differences it wasn't always the oldest one that made decisions, sometimes the younger one made complete common sense with her viewpoint.
It was a tense drama. Kept me wondering what would become of them.
When they were with those boys and the events written about there [which when you read it you will know exactly what I mean] I was shouting in my head "No, NO, don't believe them, there is something not right"
I wanted to reach out through the pages and wrap these three kids in my arms, bring them home and give them a good family life which all children should be entitled to.
Chevy Stevens really knows how to write a 'thrilling' thriller that has emotions with it, that has tension and wonderment. I did so enjoy this book and was sorry when it ended.
Nope, I didn't work out the ending, so that's a PLUS for me.
I received an uncorrected manuscript from the publishers so some may be subject to change, however, the story will remain in tact
Thank you to the author and to St. Martin's Press Via Net galley for allowing me to read and review this advanced copy
June 2, 2017
Τρεις αδερφές που η ζωή δεν τους φέρθηκε καλά. Η μητέρα τους πεθαίνει και μένουν μόνες με τον μέθυσο πατέρα τους που τις κακοποιεί. Μετά από έναν καυγά, η κατάσταση ξεφεύγει και αναγκάζονται να το σκάσουν. Όμως η συνέχεια είναι ακόμη χειρότερη....
Μετά από δεκαοκτώ χρόνια, η απουσία μιας εκ των τριών θα τις φέρει πάλι στο σημείο μηδέν.
Ο ρυθμός της αφήγησης είναι έντονος και παρόλο που χωρίζεται σε δύο μέρη, δεν μπορείς να αφήσεις το βιβλίο από τα χέρια σου. Νομίζω ότι αυτό το βιβλίο, δεν είναι απλά ένα αστυνομικό θρίλερ.Είναι ένα βιβλίο χαρακτήρων.
Πιο πολύ μου άρεσε ο δεσμός των τριών αδερφών, το πόσο πραγματικός και ουσιαστικός ήταν. Καθεμιά τους θα έκανε τα πάντα για να προστατεύσει τις άλλες χωρίς να τους καταλογίσει ευθύνες.
Μετά από δεκαοκτώ χρόνια, η απουσία μιας εκ των τριών θα τις φέρει πάλι στο σημείο μηδέν.
Ο ρυθμός της αφήγησης είναι έντονος και παρόλο που χωρίζεται σε δύο μέρη, δεν μπορείς να αφήσεις το βιβλίο από τα χέρια σου. Νομίζω ότι αυτό το βιβλίο, δεν είναι απλά ένα αστυνομικό θρίλερ.Είναι ένα βιβλίο χαρακτήρων.
Πιο πολύ μου άρεσε ο δεσμός των τριών αδερφών, το πόσο πραγματικός και ουσιαστικός ήταν. Καθεμιά τους θα έκανε τα πάντα για να προστατεύσει τις άλλες χωρίς να τους καταλογίσει ευθύνες.
March 25, 2019
Terrifyingly real! The brilliant performance of the narrators made the brutality and horror nearly unbearable!
Narrators Jorjeana Marie & Emily Woo Zeller each earn 5★'s!
In the years following the death of their mother, Dani, Courtney, and Jess have become victims of thier father's abuse. During the times when he is gone to work for weeks at a time, they are left to fend for themselves on what little money is left from his last job. Whatever is left after he drinks most of it on his way home, that is.
One night, long after the girls have gone to bed, thier father returns home from his last job, very drunk and very angry, again. What happens that same night will change their lives forever. But the nightmare isn't over.
Not by a long shot.
"Tell you what. I'll let you stay if you'll smoke a joint with me."
I didn't want to smoke anything with him but he had this angry energy about him, like if I said no he'd freak out. I imagined his big hands hitting me in the face, all over my body, his own face twisted in rage. .....
I looked around, nobody could see me and no one knew I was there. I'd thought that meant I was safe.
I was an idiot.
Those Girls by Chevy Stevens pulled me into the story in way that made me feel as if I were part of it. Narrators Jorjeana Marie & Emily Woo Zeller's brilliant performance pulled me into the story even further, ratcheting the intensity of the horrific brutality all that more real.
I felt as if I was the fourth sister to Dani, Courtney, and Jess. I loved the three sister's endless resourcefulness and bravery, the way they stuck together, never once abandoning each other. One sister always sacrificing themselves to save the other two from further suffering, no matter what harm and pain it would bring on to themselves.
The terror begins early with the return of thier father. He glares at the girls with so much furiosity and madness, blazing so hot that I could feel the heat on my bare skin like a sunburn. Thinking, oh god, how much more terrified Dani, Courtney, and Jess must be. Frozen with terror of what he would do next,
my body was ridged with fear, always feeling like a coiled spring, adrenaline infusing in my veins, ready for fight or flight if he moved so much as a muscle!
I nearly jumped out of my skin when one of my cats knocked something off the dresser!
After escaping from their father they find themselves facing an even greater evil. I could sense the evil of these men, danger rolling off them like cold water, making me shiver. I could feel their cold eyes, see the cruel curl of their smiles. My heart, hammering against my ribs so hard it felt like it was trying to escape. And I did want to escape, to stop listening. But I couldn't turn it off. How could I abandon them? I felt like I was one of them and I had to see this through to the bitter end, hoping all three would come out alive.
Hope was fading fast.
Narrators Jorjeana Marie & Emily Woo Zeller each earn 5★'s!
In the years following the death of their mother, Dani, Courtney, and Jess have become victims of thier father's abuse. During the times when he is gone to work for weeks at a time, they are left to fend for themselves on what little money is left from his last job. Whatever is left after he drinks most of it on his way home, that is.
One night, long after the girls have gone to bed, thier father returns home from his last job, very drunk and very angry, again. What happens that same night will change their lives forever. But the nightmare isn't over.
Not by a long shot.
"Tell you what. I'll let you stay if you'll smoke a joint with me."
I didn't want to smoke anything with him but he had this angry energy about him, like if I said no he'd freak out. I imagined his big hands hitting me in the face, all over my body, his own face twisted in rage. .....
I looked around, nobody could see me and no one knew I was there. I'd thought that meant I was safe.
I was an idiot.
Those Girls by Chevy Stevens pulled me into the story in way that made me feel as if I were part of it. Narrators Jorjeana Marie & Emily Woo Zeller's brilliant performance pulled me into the story even further, ratcheting the intensity of the horrific brutality all that more real.
I felt as if I was the fourth sister to Dani, Courtney, and Jess. I loved the three sister's endless resourcefulness and bravery, the way they stuck together, never once abandoning each other. One sister always sacrificing themselves to save the other two from further suffering, no matter what harm and pain it would bring on to themselves.
The terror begins early with the return of thier father. He glares at the girls with so much furiosity and madness, blazing so hot that I could feel the heat on my bare skin like a sunburn. Thinking, oh god, how much more terrified Dani, Courtney, and Jess must be. Frozen with terror of what he would do next,
my body was ridged with fear, always feeling like a coiled spring, adrenaline infusing in my veins, ready for fight or flight if he moved so much as a muscle!
I nearly jumped out of my skin when one of my cats knocked something off the dresser!
After escaping from their father they find themselves facing an even greater evil. I could sense the evil of these men, danger rolling off them like cold water, making me shiver. I could feel their cold eyes, see the cruel curl of their smiles. My heart, hammering against my ribs so hard it felt like it was trying to escape. And I did want to escape, to stop listening. But I couldn't turn it off. How could I abandon them? I felt like I was one of them and I had to see this through to the bitter end, hoping all three would come out alive.
Hope was fading fast.
July 20, 2015
I really don't want to be a Dana downer but......the story started out terrific. Lots of action, mystery and then when I started to get to page 225 its when it went all downhill for me.It seemed rushed. unrealistic. And I do like my books to be alittle realistic. Alot of people enjoyed this book but I feel like an alien for not. These girls have been through so much but what kicked it badly was the niece searching for her aunt who went back to cash creek. Like seriously she had no idea what she was up against, the brutality of these men. And thats where Dana Downer set in.
June 30, 2015
When their mother passed away, Jess, Courtney and Dani found themselves at the mercy of their drunken and abusive father. He would leave them on their own for weeks on end, while they struggled to survive and when he finally arrived home, drunk and violent the teenage girls would be in constant fear for their lives. When unexpectedly and with horrible certainty the nightmare came to life the Campbell girls - Dani the eldest, Courtney and Jess the youngest – knew the only thing they could do was vanish – change their names and disappear forever. But fate would be against them – once again in danger for their lives and with events rapidly spiralling out of control the three girls; close and devoted to each other, but terribly scared – ran…
Eighteen years later and settled into the anonymity of life in Vancouver, Courtney was moody and emotional with highs and lows ever constant. Dani and Jess were settled and working though the past was a force which tried to enter their thoughts on a regular basis. But when suddenly one of the sisters was unable to be located, the past was once again on their doorstep. As the two remaining sisters traced their steps back into the past, their terror at what they would find, what would be confronting them was acute. The evil and viciousness was still there; their fear was immense – what could they do? What would they do?
Those Girls by author Chevy Stevens is a gripping and intense psychological thriller. The love and devotion of the three sisters in this novel was tested to the limits of their endurance but remained strong. Their loyalty to one another was deep; their struggle for survival was heartbreaking. Filled with emotion I found it difficult to put down, needing to know what was going to happen next. I have enjoyed Chevy Stevens’ work in the past and this one most definitely didn’t disappoint! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review.
Eighteen years later and settled into the anonymity of life in Vancouver, Courtney was moody and emotional with highs and lows ever constant. Dani and Jess were settled and working though the past was a force which tried to enter their thoughts on a regular basis. But when suddenly one of the sisters was unable to be located, the past was once again on their doorstep. As the two remaining sisters traced their steps back into the past, their terror at what they would find, what would be confronting them was acute. The evil and viciousness was still there; their fear was immense – what could they do? What would they do?
Those Girls by author Chevy Stevens is a gripping and intense psychological thriller. The love and devotion of the three sisters in this novel was tested to the limits of their endurance but remained strong. Their loyalty to one another was deep; their struggle for survival was heartbreaking. Filled with emotion I found it difficult to put down, needing to know what was going to happen next. I have enjoyed Chevy Stevens’ work in the past and this one most definitely didn’t disappoint! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review.
December 22, 2015
3 stars!
The 3 Campbell sisters ( Jess, Courtney and Dani ) live on a remote ranch in western Canada where they work hard and try to stay out of the way of their abusive alcoholic father. One night a fight gets out of hand and it leads the sisters to go on the run, only to get caught in an even worse nightmare when their truck breaks down in a small town.
Eighteen years later, they have new identities and are still trying to forget what happened to them that summer. But then one of the sisters goes missing, with her niece following, and they are all forced to confront the past.
So parts of this were actually pretty hard for me to get through. I admittedly skimmed through some of the more tough parts. Usually books don't affect me quite like that. I've also read books by this author before, without having this issue...but this one was different...it was just bleak. That old cliche " Things can't possibly get any worse now " Well, that didn't apply to this. Everything that could possibly go wrong, went wrong. And the most frustrating part? That alot of what went wrong was just poor decision making by the sisters. But then, if they had made good choices, I guess we wouldn't have a story.
So I'm just torn on this. I feel as though my liking of Chevy Stevens novels is going down the more I read by her. I loved her debut " Still Missing ", liked well enough her last novel " That Night ", but wasn't really feeling all that great about this one. I still think she's a great writer, but don't think I'll go into her next novel with as much enthusiasm as I have up until now.
The 3 Campbell sisters ( Jess, Courtney and Dani ) live on a remote ranch in western Canada where they work hard and try to stay out of the way of their abusive alcoholic father. One night a fight gets out of hand and it leads the sisters to go on the run, only to get caught in an even worse nightmare when their truck breaks down in a small town.
Eighteen years later, they have new identities and are still trying to forget what happened to them that summer. But then one of the sisters goes missing, with her niece following, and they are all forced to confront the past.
So parts of this were actually pretty hard for me to get through. I admittedly skimmed through some of the more tough parts. Usually books don't affect me quite like that. I've also read books by this author before, without having this issue...but this one was different...it was just bleak. That old cliche " Things can't possibly get any worse now " Well, that didn't apply to this. Everything that could possibly go wrong, went wrong. And the most frustrating part? That alot of what went wrong was just poor decision making by the sisters. But then, if they had made good choices, I guess we wouldn't have a story.
So I'm just torn on this. I feel as though my liking of Chevy Stevens novels is going down the more I read by her. I loved her debut " Still Missing ", liked well enough her last novel " That Night ", but wasn't really feeling all that great about this one. I still think she's a great writer, but don't think I'll go into her next novel with as much enthusiasm as I have up until now.
April 27, 2017
Disclaimer: Trigger Warning for Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Torture.
Audio book version by Jorgeana Marie, Emily Woo Zeller, and Nicol Zanzerella ( 11h 29m)
Well, this was quite the wild ride! Separated into three different parts, Those Girls, is set in the Canadian province of British Columbia and spans eighteen years in the lives of the three Campbell sisters. These girls surely live through hell and at times it was hard to stomach. Chevy Stevens' villains are truly the most despicable of evil. Sometimes I just wanted the story to end because I felt the descriptions so vivid that I just wanted to close my eyes and slap my hands over my ears. And that was only after the first 14 chapters!
What truly kept me engaged was the performances given by the three narrators in the audio (Jorgeana Marie, Emily Woo Zeller, and Nicol Zanzerella) They were highly engaging and really kept the pacing of the story. Although at times, I was curious as to the accents used for some of the characters. I have family and friends from BC and none of them appear to have mid-western accents. But I digress...
Now I know why people like audio books!
Audio book version by Jorgeana Marie, Emily Woo Zeller, and Nicol Zanzerella ( 11h 29m)
Well, this was quite the wild ride! Separated into three different parts, Those Girls, is set in the Canadian province of British Columbia and spans eighteen years in the lives of the three Campbell sisters. These girls surely live through hell and at times it was hard to stomach. Chevy Stevens' villains are truly the most despicable of evil. Sometimes I just wanted the story to end because I felt the descriptions so vivid that I just wanted to close my eyes and slap my hands over my ears. And that was only after the first 14 chapters!
What truly kept me engaged was the performances given by the three narrators in the audio (Jorgeana Marie, Emily Woo Zeller, and Nicol Zanzerella) They were highly engaging and really kept the pacing of the story. Although at times, I was curious as to the accents used for some of the characters. I have family and friends from BC and none of them appear to have mid-western accents. But I digress...
Now I know why people like audio books!
October 2, 2015
Sisters Dani, Courtney and Jess have survived a lot growing up. 18 years after changing their identities in order to survive, Courtney goes missing. Skylar, Courtney's niece, fears the worst and sets off on a journey to find out where she has gone. Skylar learns the awful truth about the horrifying events that happened in the past and all three sisters are forced to relive them.
At the beginning I struggled to put it down. There was a lot of suspense created as the events that were unfolding were terrifying. However, around three quarters of the way through I struggled to want to keep reading. To a degree I could predict where the story was going and became frustrated with Skylar for making such stupid and risky decisions. I did keep reading and I'm glad I did because I found the ending quite emotional. I liked how the author didn't go into graphic details around the treatment of the girls. Overall, the story touches on some pretty important issues and I think captures the strong bond sisters can have with each other.
At the beginning I struggled to put it down. There was a lot of suspense created as the events that were unfolding were terrifying. However, around three quarters of the way through I struggled to want to keep reading. To a degree I could predict where the story was going and became frustrated with Skylar for making such stupid and risky decisions. I did keep reading and I'm glad I did because I found the ending quite emotional. I liked how the author didn't go into graphic details around the treatment of the girls. Overall, the story touches on some pretty important issues and I think captures the strong bond sisters can have with each other.
December 14, 2021
Those Girls by Chevy Stevens is a fabulous thriller that ticks all the boxes when it comes to this genre. I’ve read a few books by this author and I’d have to say this is one of my favourites.
A brilliant page-turner and on the edge of your seat story about survival and revenge. This is a book you won’t be able to put down as you’ll want and need to know how this is going to end. I LOVED and thoroughly enjoyed this book. Highly recommended.
A brilliant page-turner and on the edge of your seat story about survival and revenge. This is a book you won’t be able to put down as you’ll want and need to know how this is going to end. I LOVED and thoroughly enjoyed this book. Highly recommended.
September 26, 2017
Here we go again--another nail biter from Chevy Stevens. And another enthralling read about females being abducted, held against their will, and abused. Yet the females become stronger from their experiences and here, three sisters form a bond they'll never break. But the R word (revenge) just won't let go of one of them, and the excitement level reaches a new level. You wonder what some people use for brains. Very good ending.
January 16, 2016
What an ending!
I just finished the book and am blubbering like a baby. Strange, since the story is scary as heck! The ending though, was anything but scary.
Skylar is an amazing girl, even if naive. Her naivety is sweet though in a very endearing way. She has the best intentions. She is still a force to reckon with in this tale.
Boy-oh-boy though, the villains in this one are terrifying! Especially Gavin. He's the kind of scary that keeps you up at night.
Definitely true to Chevy's writing, the story pulls you in and paints the most terrifyingly vivid picture. I love that though! She is definitely a master storyteller in the thriller department. I have read all of her books, I guess you can say I am a super fan. She is simply my favorite Canadian author. Why? Because her stories scare the shit out of me, and I like that.
If you haven't read any of her books, I urge you to do so.
I just finished the book and am blubbering like a baby. Strange, since the story is scary as heck! The ending though, was anything but scary.
Skylar is an amazing girl, even if naive. Her naivety is sweet though in a very endearing way. She has the best intentions. She is still a force to reckon with in this tale.
Boy-oh-boy though, the villains in this one are terrifying! Especially Gavin. He's the kind of scary that keeps you up at night.
Definitely true to Chevy's writing, the story pulls you in and paints the most terrifyingly vivid picture. I love that though! She is definitely a master storyteller in the thriller department. I have read all of her books, I guess you can say I am a super fan. She is simply my favorite Canadian author. Why? Because her stories scare the shit out of me, and I like that.
If you haven't read any of her books, I urge you to do so.
May 11, 2018
WOW! I was not prepared for this. I knew it was a thriller and would most likely be good. What I got was a thriller that was dark and twisted with one of the worst male villains ever...and I couldn’t put it down! These three women went through so much darkness in their lives. It was heart breaking and so raw. I loved it and can’t wait to read more from this author.
June 1, 2020
"It had been years since dad had brought us chocolate bars, not since our mom had died. It had only been three days since I killed him".
Those Girls
by Chevy Stevens
I just..I don't know how to rate this.
TRIGGER WARMING..Rape Depiction..several rape depictions. Pretty graphic stuff.
This is one of the bleakest, most lonely books I have ever read. That does not mean it isn't good. I would give it 3.5 stars. But it was a tough read. Actually that is not doing it justice, it was a PAINFUL read.
There are hundreds of reviews that offer a plot review so I do not need to do that. Suffice to say, I thought I knew what I was getting into. But I could not have imagined.
Chevy Stephens seems to have a knack for writing about emotionally broken, lost human beings. She is a very good writer. With that said, I have liked some of her books better then others. This one WOULD have been one of my favorites but it is almost to bleak if that makes sense.
When one reads many tragic and dark books, one gets to a point where they are not as easily shocked..this was shocking.
I will say Chevy's 'Still Missing" is in a way as disturbing as this but "Those Girls" really pushes the envelope. I feel I must warn anyone who has a tough time reading about graphic rape scenes and beyond that, the deep gut wrenching mournful quality of the book does not let up for a minute.
Obviously you know you are getting a heavy book. It is about a group of sisters who escape from their abusive dad only to find themselves in worse peril when they are trapped in a strange town with some of the local guys..it's really reading tragedy after tragedy befall this hapless group. And it does not make it any easier that all the girls are so likable.
I do not think these are in any way spoilers as all of this happens pretty early. Or much of it anyway. I will say this was a powerful pierce of writing that I will not soon forget but it was an extremely difficult read. 3.5 stars.
Those Girls
by Chevy Stevens
I just..I don't know how to rate this.
TRIGGER WARMING..Rape Depiction..several rape depictions. Pretty graphic stuff.
This is one of the bleakest, most lonely books I have ever read. That does not mean it isn't good. I would give it 3.5 stars. But it was a tough read. Actually that is not doing it justice, it was a PAINFUL read.
There are hundreds of reviews that offer a plot review so I do not need to do that. Suffice to say, I thought I knew what I was getting into. But I could not have imagined.
Chevy Stephens seems to have a knack for writing about emotionally broken, lost human beings. She is a very good writer. With that said, I have liked some of her books better then others. This one WOULD have been one of my favorites but it is almost to bleak if that makes sense.
When one reads many tragic and dark books, one gets to a point where they are not as easily shocked..this was shocking.
I will say Chevy's 'Still Missing" is in a way as disturbing as this but "Those Girls" really pushes the envelope. I feel I must warn anyone who has a tough time reading about graphic rape scenes and beyond that, the deep gut wrenching mournful quality of the book does not let up for a minute.
Obviously you know you are getting a heavy book. It is about a group of sisters who escape from their abusive dad only to find themselves in worse peril when they are trapped in a strange town with some of the local guys..it's really reading tragedy after tragedy befall this hapless group. And it does not make it any easier that all the girls are so likable.
I do not think these are in any way spoilers as all of this happens pretty early. Or much of it anyway. I will say this was a powerful pierce of writing that I will not soon forget but it was an extremely difficult read. 3.5 stars.
November 10, 2016
I wavered back and forth with my rating while reading this book.
I’ll start with the parts that I loved - Chevy Stevens is a fantastic storyteller. I was on the edge of my seat for the entire book and hated having to put it down when life forced me to take a break from this story. Like her other books, this one was gritty, suspenseful and had my heart in my throat during many parts.
What ultimately brought down the rating for me is what I tend to refer to as “characters who are too dumb to be alive”. I see it all the time in movies and books. Characters make decisions that have me banging my head against a wall while muttering to myself "Seriously? Are you kidding me? Why would you do that?" I get that these characters were young, I really do. I could forgive their naivety when they were teenagers. But I had a hard time getting past the decisions that Skylar made, decisions I felt were incredibly dumb. I won't say too much about it since I don't want to give away any of the plot, but her actions frustrated me and brought my enjoyment of the book down at parts.
Despite this, I felt this was a good story and I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good thriller. If you haven’t read Chevy Stevens before then I would recommend starting with “Still Missing” or “Never Knowing” which are, hands down, all-time favourites of mine.
I’ll start with the parts that I loved - Chevy Stevens is a fantastic storyteller. I was on the edge of my seat for the entire book and hated having to put it down when life forced me to take a break from this story. Like her other books, this one was gritty, suspenseful and had my heart in my throat during many parts.
What ultimately brought down the rating for me is what I tend to refer to as “characters who are too dumb to be alive”. I see it all the time in movies and books. Characters make decisions that have me banging my head against a wall while muttering to myself "Seriously? Are you kidding me? Why would you do that?" I get that these characters were young, I really do. I could forgive their naivety when they were teenagers. But I had a hard time getting past the decisions that Skylar made, decisions I felt were incredibly dumb. I won't say too much about it since I don't want to give away any of the plot, but her actions frustrated me and brought my enjoyment of the book down at parts.
Despite this, I felt this was a good story and I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good thriller. If you haven’t read Chevy Stevens before then I would recommend starting with “Still Missing” or “Never Knowing” which are, hands down, all-time favourites of mine.
November 8, 2015
Unbelievable, brutal, flat, predictable. I would've thrown the book across the room in frustration, but then I realized that it's a library book. I was frustrated by the stupid decisions the characters made. I gave it 2 stars instead of 1 because the beginning wasn't too bad.
July 19, 2016
Initial reaction: I'll admit that as I'm sitting down to write the review on "Those Girls" by Chevy Stevens - I'm a bit at a loss for words. This book was so visceral, intense, and I couldn't help but feel right in the heart of the anger and hurt for the characters in every step of the horrific abuse they suffered. There were many moments that my hands were shaking as I listened to the audiobook, anticipating what the characters would do and hoping they found some sort of piece of mind as the narrative went on. (Alas, that was far and few between.)
Even with this, the narrative definitely had its slower moments and some threads of the plot that were either convenient in placing, or weren't really tied up that well. For that, it gets a high 3.5 star rating from me.
Full review:
I was completely taken by surprise by how gut wrenching Chevy Stevens' "Those Girls" turned out to be. It keeps you on the edge of your seat and doesn't let go for a while. Three young women raised by an abusive father escape (following horrific turns of events) to find themselves in captivity for a number of days, from which they barely escape with their lives and try to start over with new identities, only to get sucked back into their past.
The first part of this book was intense. I couldn't help but be drawn into the girls' situation as it descended from bad to worse. Stevens' prose and pacing is so spot on, the emotion of each of the ladies fully in the forefront. The first part is told through the POV of the youngest sister, and it broke my heart in terms of what she (and her sisters) endure as they end up having to take on entirely new identities in a march towards living in Vancouver. Fast forward several years later - the younger sister's daughter - Skylar - learns bits and pieces in her mother's and aunts' ordeals and ends up going on a journey pursuing the road they once took in order to find her missing aunt, only to end up in a nightmare of her own. I didn't like Skylar's convenient naivete, but I followed her journey nonetheless and felt for her in some of the more horrifying realizations that she comes to know about her own true history and the ordeal she faces. The latter part of the book trades between the younger sister, her daughter, and the elder sister. I felt that the latter part of the book really slowed down in terms of the momentum, and the utter idiocy of the police made me cringe in the light of such glaringly obvious points of investigation and threats. Nonetheless, it held my attention and I couldn't look away from the turns of events even up to the horrifying conclusions of the conflict. It's a read that hits home in so many ways about the horrors of abuse (physical, sexual, emotional) and yet it's also the story of a struggling family who tries to cope through all of these different hardships - even to the point where their decisions are clouded by the grief and desperation they feel to protect each other.
I liked the read immensely, even with qualms about its pacing among other issues. I'd certainly read more from Stevens' bibliography from just the strength of this narrative alone, as it gave me so much takeaway even in the aftermath of reading it.
Overall score: 3.5/5 stars.
Even with this, the narrative definitely had its slower moments and some threads of the plot that were either convenient in placing, or weren't really tied up that well. For that, it gets a high 3.5 star rating from me.
Full review:
I was completely taken by surprise by how gut wrenching Chevy Stevens' "Those Girls" turned out to be. It keeps you on the edge of your seat and doesn't let go for a while. Three young women raised by an abusive father escape (following horrific turns of events) to find themselves in captivity for a number of days, from which they barely escape with their lives and try to start over with new identities, only to get sucked back into their past.
The first part of this book was intense. I couldn't help but be drawn into the girls' situation as it descended from bad to worse. Stevens' prose and pacing is so spot on, the emotion of each of the ladies fully in the forefront. The first part is told through the POV of the youngest sister, and it broke my heart in terms of what she (and her sisters) endure as they end up having to take on entirely new identities in a march towards living in Vancouver. Fast forward several years later - the younger sister's daughter - Skylar - learns bits and pieces in her mother's and aunts' ordeals and ends up going on a journey pursuing the road they once took in order to find her missing aunt, only to end up in a nightmare of her own. I didn't like Skylar's convenient naivete, but I followed her journey nonetheless and felt for her in some of the more horrifying realizations that she comes to know about her own true history and the ordeal she faces. The latter part of the book trades between the younger sister, her daughter, and the elder sister. I felt that the latter part of the book really slowed down in terms of the momentum, and the utter idiocy of the police made me cringe in the light of such glaringly obvious points of investigation and threats. Nonetheless, it held my attention and I couldn't look away from the turns of events even up to the horrifying conclusions of the conflict. It's a read that hits home in so many ways about the horrors of abuse (physical, sexual, emotional) and yet it's also the story of a struggling family who tries to cope through all of these different hardships - even to the point where their decisions are clouded by the grief and desperation they feel to protect each other.
I liked the read immensely, even with qualms about its pacing among other issues. I'd certainly read more from Stevens' bibliography from just the strength of this narrative alone, as it gave me so much takeaway even in the aftermath of reading it.
Overall score: 3.5/5 stars.
August 31, 2021
OOOOOOO this is my first Chevy Stevens book and it DID NOT disappoint!!! If you love a good, fast paced, dark thriller - this is for you. This is about three sisters, who ran away from their abusive dad, to be kidnapped by absolutely awful men, and tortured/raped. This is not for the faint of heart, but is a really good book!
Hear my full thoughts in my reading vlog: https://youtu.be/I-tBtvRJSYk
Hear my full thoughts in my reading vlog: https://youtu.be/I-tBtvRJSYk
February 17, 2015
2.0 out of 5 stars -- Three sisters escape a violent, abusive father only to end up in an even worse predicament that they barely survive. Years later, the women are still tormented and scarred by the events of that summer. One of the girls is determined to have a final reckoning, but plans go terribly awry.
This is the 5th book I've read by this author and it was very much a let-down. I didn't find it suspenseful, there's no mystery, and few thrills here. I read that it's supposed to be a novel about resilience and survival, but the decisions made by the women were so unbelievable that I lost whatever empathy I'd had for them early on. The characters were so one-dimensional (especially the bad guys) and I never got attached to any of the sisters. I was quite excited to get a copy of this book, but must say that every turn of the page brought predictable action and I was just glad when I finally finished it though I had considered not doing so -- which is quite rare for me. I was also disappointed in a previous book, THAT NIGHT, as I'm still trying to find the same feeling I had about this author when I read her debut, STILL MISSING.
Nevertheless, I'd like to thank NetGalley and
St. Martin's Press for the e-book manuscript to review.
This is the 5th book I've read by this author and it was very much a let-down. I didn't find it suspenseful, there's no mystery, and few thrills here. I read that it's supposed to be a novel about resilience and survival, but the decisions made by the women were so unbelievable that I lost whatever empathy I'd had for them early on. The characters were so one-dimensional (especially the bad guys) and I never got attached to any of the sisters. I was quite excited to get a copy of this book, but must say that every turn of the page brought predictable action and I was just glad when I finally finished it though I had considered not doing so -- which is quite rare for me. I was also disappointed in a previous book, THAT NIGHT, as I'm still trying to find the same feeling I had about this author when I read her debut, STILL MISSING.
Nevertheless, I'd like to thank NetGalley and
St. Martin's Press for the e-book manuscript to review.
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