THE GIRL BEFORE by Rena Olsen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ugh, so disturbing! THE GIRL BEFORE is a great read though, hard to put down. It’s not a typical suspense novel, as it’s clear up front what’s going on. However, the story flipping between “Now” and “Then” creates some amazing tension, fear almost, about what horror will be revealed next.

Clara is a frustratingly naive character, refusing to believe the obvious when it was right in front of her. As Clara tells her story, it’s up to the reader to decide if she was a victim, perpetrator, or a bit of both. And, of course, Clara has to decide how she sees herself after all the evidence is presented.

I enjoyed how the story was constructed, alternating between the past and present, though you need to pay attention – the past is not told chronologically. This book was difficult to read with its dark subject matter, but at the same time I was glued to the pages. I’d definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy a different kind of suspense.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book through Penguin’s First to Read Program in exchange for an honest review.