Only Girl Alive
by Holly S. Roberts
As day breaks over the Tanner family home, the house is deadly silent and the door is firmly closed. Upstairs, the whole family lie cold and lifeless in their beds. All with the same look of fear in their unblinking eyes…
Detective Eve Bennet takes a steadying breath as she enters the main bedroom of the Tanners’ modest home in the tight-knit town of Hilldale. Mrs Tanner’s high-collared nightgown and her long plaited blonde hair are soaked in blood. Next to her, Mr Tanner’s hands are clasped together in a final prayer.
Filled with dread, Eve forces herself towards the children’s rooms. But instead of two children, she only finds one. Where is the youngest daughter, Hannah? And why are there long scratches across the walls?
Eve tracks Hannah down to her uncle’s house nearby. But he won’t let her step foot in the house. Eve knows what it’s like to be held captive by a family member, and fears for Hannah’s safety. What is he terrified Hannah might reveal?
Back at the Tanner home, Eve makes a shocking discovery in the dust covered attic. Mr Tanner was hiding a dark secret from the rest of the community—the kind of secret someone would kill for.
Realizing another family could be in danger, Eve runs from the house and stumbles into the path of the one man she spent years trying to forget— and he won’t let her get away this time. Can Eve escape the evil that has haunted her whole life? And will she catch the killer before another innocent family is murdered?
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Martial Peak Reviews
Only Girl Alive by Holly S. Roberts is an intense, gripping novel that hooks readers with its blend of suspense, thrill, and a stark exploration of human psychology within a dark, twisted narrative. Set against the backdrop of a small, eerie town, this book masterfully weaves the delicate threads of fear, strength, and revelation through its central protagonist, whose journey is as bewildering as it is enlightening.
The novel follows the story of Emma Wright, the sole survivor of a brutal massacre that claimed the lives of her classmates during their high school graduation party. Branded as the 'Only Girl Alive', Emma's subsequent life is far from normal. She battles not only the trauma of her past and the haunting memories but also the relentless media attention and public scrutiny that come with her unwanted fame. What sets Roberts' protagonist apart is not just her survival but her relentless quest for normalcy and truth amidst overwhelming odds.
Holly S. Roberts adeptly captures the emotional turmoil of Emma. Her vivid character portrayal is wrenching and real, pulling readers deep into the turmoil that whirls inside Emma. The first-person narrative is a crucial choice, allowing an intimate glimpse into Emma’s psychological state, encompassing her fears, hopes, and the pain of isolation. Roberts' writing style is engaging and detailed, inviting readers into the very psyche of her protagonist, making them feel each wave of despair and flicker of hope alongside her.
The thriller element of the book is deftly plotted. Following Emma’s journey, readers are introduced to a series of clues and characters that appear to rotate around the mystery of who was truly behind the massacre. The pace is meticulously set, creating a perfect balance between fast-moving action and slow, suspense-building sequences. The plot twists are unforeseen and impactful, contributing to a sense of urgency and intrigue that compels the reader to turn pages relentlessly.
However, it's not just the plot mechanics that endear this book to its audience. Roberts explores themes of identity, resilience, and the quest for truth in ways that resonate on a deeply person level. In Emma, we see a reflection of the very human struggle of moving past trauma, of the fight within oneself to reclaim life in the shadow of enormous personal tragedy. Particularly compelling is the exploration of public perception and media influence on individual lives; Emma’s character often finds herself wrestling with the disparity between who she really is and who the world perceives her to be.
Roberts also does not shy away from the darker aspects of her narrative. The descriptions of the massacre and its aftermath are chilling, providing a haunting realism to the story. This stark portrayal is not gratuitous but rather necessary, underscoring the horrific reality that such acts of violence leave on individuals and communities alike. It’s a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the ripple effects of violence.
Supporting characters in the novel, from the tentative friendships Emma forms to the figures who wish her further harm, are well-developed. Each adds layers to the story, contributing either to the tensions or to the rare moments of relief in the narrative. Their interactions with Emma are pivotal in outlining her evolving understanding of trust, guilt, and redemption.
A unique aspect of Only Girl Alive is its end. Without spoiling it, the conclusion is as thought-provoking as it is satisfying, offering a resolution that feels earned and truthful. It doesn’t just serve as a closure for the plot but opens a broader dialogue about survival, justice, and emotional reconstruction. The end serves as a testament to Emma’s transformation through the novel — a journey from victim to survivor to a woman in command of her own narrative.
In conclusion, Only Girl Alive by Holly S. Roberts is a compelling thriller that does more than just entertain. It challenges, evokes, and provokes thought about deeper social issues while presenting a riveting narrative of resilience and resolution. It is a novel that not only stays with you long after the last page is turned but also invites you to reflect on the broader aspects of human conditions and the complex interplay of society, media, and personal identity. This is a must-read for those who appreciate thrillers with psychological depth and real-world relevance.
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