The Girl Next Door

Kinda slow in the beginning but picks slowly picks up

Meh... felt very gratuitous, though I've learned, since finishing the book, it's based on a true story. All seemed a bit contrived; characters didn't feel developed or have much to them. It almost felt like the author was indulging in child sexual abuse and violence more as a fetish/fantasy than a true-ish crime novel (and that's a horrible thing to write about someone but it's honestly what I felt at several points in the book). Dialogue and writing too simplistic; didn't feel much of a connection with the characters, not even the victim. I felt bad for her in that situation, just out of human nature, but no real connection.

I wouldn't recommend it. I didn't find it to be particularly suspenseful, or a page turner. In fact, I almost quit on it but I typically don't like not finishing a book I've started and wanted to see it through. It is very disturbing.

This book makes you feel all the emotions! I felt exactly how Ketchum wanted me to feel, guilty for even reading it. His way of emerging you into the story is wonderful! This book is absolutely not for everyone.

What the fuck did I just read?? It’s like a train wreck - you can’t look away. I just kept reading. Horrified the whole time. I don’t think I’d recommend this book. The things you read in this book.. it’s devastating and based on true events. I don’t think this book will leave my mind.

This book is absolutely sad, scary, and you wont put it down.