What Happened to Nina?

Dervla McTiernan

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What Happened to Nina? by Dervla McTiernan is a gripping read that centers around the disappearance of a young woman named Nina, exploring the emotional turmoil experienced by both her family and her boyfriend Simon's family. Told from multiple perspectives, the novel delves into the tension created by social media and the strain in both households as they confront the uncertainty and implications of Nina's absence.

The writing style is engaging and fast-paced, allowing readers to feel the weight of the characters' experiences. Though some grammatical errors were noted, the character development was praised for being relatable and multifaceted. While the plot may not include twists typical of thrillers, it captivates with its focus on interpersonal dynamics and the impact of trauma, making it a thought-provoking read more in the vein of true crime than mystery.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed and relatable, reflecting complex family dynamics and societal issues.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is generally praised for its engagement and character development, though some readers noted grammatical issues.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative centers on the impact of Nina's disappearance on both her family and her boyfriend's family, exploring themes of family dynamics, trauma, and social media's role in public perception.

Setting:

The story is set in Vermont, though some readers noted inconsistencies in the depiction of the setting.

Pacing:

The pacing is noted as fast and engaging, making it hard for readers to stop once they start.

Notes:

The book explores the effects of a disappearance on two families.

It highlights the negative impact of social media on personal tragedies.

The story is told from multiple points of view, creating a layered narrative.

Grammatical errors were noted by some readers, impacting their experience.

The title and cover art were criticized for not accurately representing the story.

The plot is not about 'whodunnit' but rather an exploration of family dynamics and trauma.

Readers found the characters believable but not always likable.

There are no gory details, but there are implications of abuse in relationships.

It was compared loosely to the Gabby Petito case, focusing on how media portrays such events.

The pacing is fast, contributing to its 'page-turner' quality.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of disappearance, trauma, and implied domestic abuse.

From The Publisher:

From the #1 internationally bestselling author of The Murder Rule comes an emotional novel of suspense about two families at war.

Nina and Simon are the perfect couple. Young, fun and deeply in love. Until they leave for a weekend at his family's cabin in Vermont, and only Simon comes home.

WHAT HAPPENED TO NINA?

Nobody knows. Simon's explanation about what happened in their last hours together doesn't add up. Nina's parents push the police for answers, and Simon's parents rush to protect him. They hire expensive lawyers and a PR firm that quickly ramps up a vicious, nothing-is-off-limits media campaign.

HOW FAR WILL HIS FAMILY GO TO KEEP HIM SAFE?

Soon, facts are lost in a swirl of accusation and counter-accusation. Everyone chooses a side, and the story goes viral, fueled by armchair investigators and wild conspiracy theories and illustrated with pretty pictures taken from Nina's social media accounts. Journalists descend on their small Vermont town, followed by a few obsessive "fans."

HOW FAR WILL HER FAMILY GO TO GET TO THE TRUTH?

Nina's family is under siege, but they never lose sight of the only thing that really matters - finding their daughter. Out-gunned by Simon's wealthy, powerful family, Nina's parents recognize that if playing by the rules won't get them anywhere, it's time to break them.

Ratings (3)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (2)

Reader Stats (4):

Read It (3)
Want To Read (1)

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