Book Review — THE LUCKY ONES by Kiersten Modglin
They were supposed to die.
Five years ago, the residents of the Gerbera subdivision in the small town of Fallen Oaks were brutally murdered in their beds. The only survivors, now called The Fallen Oaks Five, were children—practically strangers at the time, forever connected by the weight of all they witnessed.
Now grown, the anniversary of their families’ deaths approaches and the Fallen Oaks Five receive letters of warning: the killers are still out there and they aren’t finished with them.
In a race against time and murderers who remain both faceless and nameless, the Five must return to their old homes in order to piece together the events of a night they’d all rather forget. Their old town is riddled with secrets, and every person they come into contact with is a suspect. With everything at stake, can the Five solve the mystery and finally learn the truth about the night that cost them everything? Or will they find themselves victims of a fate they should’ve succumbed to years ago?
Published: January 11, 2022
My ThoughtsIs it appropriate to call a survivor of horrific violence “lucky?”
If everyone I loved was murdered, and someone called me lucky, I’d probably punch that someone in the face. Figuratively, at least, because I’m not great with my fists.
The Lucky Ones starts strong. We’re right there within the chaos and horror, and I felt the confusion and fear.
The story then becomes a puzzle for us to solve, while the five survivors search for answers before they, too, can be murdered.
Pacing is quick, with a few great twists to knock us off balance.
Some things felt improbable/implausible, such as the absolute absence of media attention. And the ending felt like too much of a stretch, while leaving loose ends. Still, I enjoyed the journey.
I listened to this on audio, which I recommend. The narration kept me fully engaged.
*I received a free audio download from OrangeSky Audio, via NetGalley.*
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