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A review by blewballoon
Hatchet Girls by Diana Rodriguez Wallach
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
As someone who grew up around and is very familiar with the Fall River area and the Lizzie Borden story, I really enjoyed this. I think the author did a pretty good job of highlighting the sinister aspects of the area's history and describing the scenery and people. The biggest mistake I think they made was that they called the high school "Fall River High" which is not the name of the public high school there. The author's note explains some other liberties they took on purpose, which didn't bother me. It was really fun to read a horror story set so close to home, and I thought the narrator also did a great job bringing the text to life.
As for the story itself, I actually found it more compelling before the twist. The initial premise was intriguing, but the twist/reveal made it feel less interesting and more typical to me. It cut the tension from the previously tangled character dynamics and motivations and simplified them. The ending (before the epilogue) was better than I expected, though. If you're a "I celebrate women's rights, but also women's wrongs" type reader and you want a YA horror, this might be a good fit for you.
As for the story itself, I actually found it more compelling before the twist. The initial premise was intriguing, but the twist/reveal made it feel less interesting and more typical to me. It cut the tension from the previously tangled character dynamics and motivations and simplified them. The ending (before the epilogue) was better than I expected, though. If you're a "I celebrate women's rights, but also women's wrongs" type reader and you want a YA horror, this might be a good fit for you.
Graphic: Violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, and Death of parent
Minor: Addiction, Physical abuse, Racism, Toxic relationship, Grief, Toxic friendship, and Classism