Unspeakable Things by Jess Lourey is a dark and intense thriller based on a true crime story. The book follows Cassie McDowell, a young teenage girl living in a dysfunctional family in a small Minnesota town during the 1980s. As boys in the town start getting kidnapped and returning changed, Cassie navigates the dangers both outside and inside her home, dealing with her alcoholic father, swinging parties hosted by her parents, and the mystery of the abductions. The story is narrated from Cassie's perspective, offering a raw and emotional insight into her experiences and fears.

Characters:

Characters in the story reflect deep dysfunction and trauma, but several lack development, leading to a disconnect with the reader.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is engaging and nostalgic, effectively drawing readers into a disturbing narrative through the eyes of a young protagonist.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot is deeply disturbing and intertwines real-life events with dark psychological themes, focusing on family dysfunction and community secrets.

Setting:

The setting enriches the narrative, rooted in a nostalgic yet eerie small-town America in the 1980s, highlighting societal issues.

Pacing:

Pacing varies; it maintains suspense but can be inconsistent, affecting the overall engagement.

I laughed and dug into the popcorn. Mom had made a huge batch, super salty and doused in brewer’s yeast. That had been an hour earlier, when we’d started game night. The bowl was getting down to the o...

Notes:

Unspeakable Things is inspired by true events from the author's hometown.

The book deals with dark themes, including child abuse and dysfunctional family dynamics.

It is set in the 1980s, adding a nostalgic feel to the story.

The narrative is from the perspective of 12-year-old Cassie McDowell, making it more impactful.

The book highlights the contrast between the dangers inside and outside Cassie's home.

There's a recurring theme of secrets and willful ignorance among the characters.

Lourey's writing is noted for its suspense and emotional depth, though some characters felt underdeveloped.

Readers reported a sense of dread and discomfort throughout the book.

The novel ends with unresolved questions and loose ends, leading to some disappointment among readers.

The author has expressed that the book reflects the trauma of a real abduction case, further intensifying its impact.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers include childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, PTSD, substance abuse, and emotional trauma.

From The Publisher:

Inspired by a terrifying true story from the author's hometown, a heart-pounding novel of suspense about a small Minnesota community where nothing is as quiet-or as safe-as it seems.

Cassie McDowell's life in 1980s Minnesota seems perfectly wholesome. She lives on a farm, loves school, and has a crush on the nicest boy in class. Yes, there are her parents' strange parties and their parade of deviant guests, but she's grown accustomed to them.

All that changes when someone comes hunting in Lilydale.

One by one, local boys go missing. One by one, they return changed-violent, moody, and withdrawn. What happened to them becomes the stuff of shocking rumors. The accusations of who's responsible grow just as wild, and dangerous town secrets start to surface. Then Cassie's own sister undergoes the dark change. If she is to survive, Cassie must find her way in an adult world where every sin is justified, and only the truth is unforgivable.

Ratings (7)

Loved It (4)
Liked It (2)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (19):

Read It (7)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (11)

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Unspeakable Things

Jess Lourey