Mother.GAMER.Writer

Originally Reviewed At: Mother/Gamer/WriterRating: 5 out of 5 Controllers, Crown RatingReview Source: ARC From PublisherReviewer: AimeeKayI truly enjoyed McMahon’s The One I Left Behind. I haven’t read a serial killer suspense novel in a really long time. Not really sure why, I used to read them all the time. I guess maybe I read them so much they began to lose their appeal? I also think it’s because I’d read so many more often than not, I was able to figure out how the book was going to end before I was even half way through (always finished but was seldom surprised). Thankfully, that was not the case with The One I Left Behind. Yes there are twists and turns in her story, but it seemed to be just the right amount. I say this because even though there were a lot they didn’t annoy me as they have with other stories I’ve read recently. Some twists I suspected the answers. But the main mystery, who is Neptune, I was still guessing at up until the end. Moreover, the way the author was able to weave the mysteries into the story and to mesh it all together in the end…perfect. McMahon’s story bounces back and forth between the main characters life in 1985 and her present day. The time period is at the top of each chapter though, so it was easy to see what time period you are supposed to be in. I also really liked how she wrote her characters. They weren't perfect, but they were true to themselves and they were interesting. I think my favorite character was Vera, Reggie’s mom. In 1985 she is completely self-absorbed. In 2010 she is more than a little unstable. However, no matter what period in time, she remained unapologetic. I definitely recommend this one. 5 out of 5 controllers with the little crowns. The story is great, the characters are great, just absolutely loved it.