All the Dangerous Things

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Isabelle Drake has never been perfect. In fact, she's felt extreme guilt since she was a child. But so much about her childhood seems to be behind a curtain of things she doesn't want to think about and things she can't quite remember. Instead, she moves forward and is thrilled when she is hired at her dream job.

At a recent conference where she discusses the case with the public in the hope of gathering any and all new information she meets Waylon, a true crime podcaster, who offers her his services. At first she's appalled and wants nothing to do with him but after taking time to think about it more she believes he may be able to help so the two work together to try to find Mason. Will they succeed? You'll have to read this to find out.Teaming up with true crime podcaster Waylon Spencer, Isabelle investigates her son’s case. But Waylon has motives of his own and as long-forgotten memories of Isabelle’s past resurface, doubt begins to cloud her sleepless nights. Stellar suspense at its very best. . . this one will rightfully find itself on many a year-end, best-of list.” – Vulture

Overall, I’m glad I read it because I’ve been curious about this author. However, I cannot recommend this one. This book is slow and laborious. Willingham has a tendency to use more words than are necessary to say the most basic of things so it takes forever for her to just get to the point. A lot of people like that style of writing, and sometimes I do too, but for whatever reason it just didn't work for me here. I like my thrillers a little more thrilling. Although the analogies are really good, there are too many of them, they become distracting and pull you out of the storyline.After some thought, Isabelle agrees and Waylon comes to stay in Savannah, to be near her and make the interview process easier on them both. Thus, it begins. My only minor critique of her first book was that I thought she had written one twist TOO many and should have stopped after the first one. The writing style was punchy and flowed well. Perfect along with the short chapters for creating the tension and suspense that kept me hooked to the end despite working out the plot too early.

We are nothing but what we choose to believe, but it’s all a mirage, bending and warping and shimmering in the distance, changing its form at any given second. —Stacy Willingham, All the Dangerous ThingsFinally, I must mention the characterisation. These are without doubt, flawed, complex people who are all portrayed well so they feel authentic and they are what makes this such a powerful and thought provoking psychological thriller. I highly recommend this and I can’t wait to read what the author comes up with next.