Rachel Krall is the host of a highly successful true crime podcast, Guilty or Not Guilty, and she’s on her way to Neapolis, North Carolina to cover a contentious rape trial for her second season. She’s taken extraordinary care to keep her physical identity secret and her audience has not seen her likeness. So, she’s unnerved when she finds a note addressed to her placed on the rental car outside a diner on the outskirts of Neapolis. The note, from Hannah Stills, asks for her help in examining the drowning death of her sister Jenny in the same town 25 years ago. She believes she was murdered.
The story is a chilling examination of our rape culture, both past and present. The trial serves as a microcosm of the issues surrounding how victims are treated, the unique nature of how the cases are tried in our court systems and how both the alleged victims and rapists are often characterized. It’s a difficult one to absorb from any perspective, extremely hard for me as I’ve been a longtime advocate of change in our system. The young woman at the center of this case typifies the victims who decide to take their assaults to trial. The town splits sides as the young man who is accused of raping her is also symbolic of many of those on trial in that he comes from an upstanding family, is viewed positively in the community and asserts that the sex was consensual. The situation is tough enough but made even more heartbreaking as Rachel investigates what happened to Jenny Stills a generation ago.
I’m so glad I opted to listen to this book as excerpts of Rachel’s podcast are included throughout the trial, making this more compelling as we get to see how the trial is capsulized in every episode (what better way to take in a podcast!). And, the main narrator is my most favorite, January LaVoy who delivered another great performance (they all did). While this is a difficult topic, it’s brilliant in its presentation of controversial issues that keep you riveted. The courtroom drama was palatable and the mystery of what happened to Jenny kept me hooked as I looked for connections and resolution. I’m deliberately not sharing anything related to the ending not only to avoid spoiling it for new readers/listeners but to emphasize that the journey getting there is even more important. This is a must read, but especially on audio.
Book Info
- Release Date: August 4, 2020
- Narrators: Bailey Carr, January LaVoy & Samantha Desz
- Audio Length: 9 hours, 59 minutes
- Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Fantastic review Jo I definitely want to listen to this one!
Thank you, Nicki💜 It is so close to non fiction in how the issues are portrayed. I think you’d really enjoy it.
I just had a look on Scribd and audible but it’s not available 🙁 I guess I’ll just have to wait until it is.
Mine was a library copy. It should definitely be on Audible though…
Not in the UK unfortunately. 🙁
That is so weird. She lives in Australia but that should have anything to do with it.
It’s I imagine probably something to do country rights.
You should contact Macmillan and ask. They’d probably give it to you for review.
I am so glad you enjoyed this book. I thought it to be outstanding really. Wonderful review and I am sure we are in for a great discussion tomorrow!
Thank you, Marialyce💜 It’s a great book for discussion. I was so unsettled throughout.
So glad to hear you enjoyed the audio version as much as I enjoyed the print version. I thought this would translate nicely to the different medium. Wonderful review ❤️
Thank you, Tessa💜 The podcast portion was particularly great. It also helped that multiple narrators were used.
I’ll have to check out the audio, Jonetta! I loved The Escape Room. Terrific review! ♥️
Thank you, Jennifer💜 I need to listen to The Escape Room.
Great review. I’ve heard so many good things about this book.
Thanks, Jacob💜 It lived up to the hype.
Fab review! I read this one and really liked the incorporation of the podcast, I can imagine it being enhanced on audio.
Thank you, Janel💜 The podcast had background sound effects!
Dammit, wish I’d listened to the audio now lol!
I considered not telling you😏
Fab review! I’m glad to hear you enjoyed this one as well, and I imagine it’s even better on audio. xx
Thank you, Yvo💜 After it started and I realized the podcast episodes would be part of the performance, I was never so happy about an audio decision. It was great!
Oh yes, I’m not being on audio, but I wouldn’t have minded listening to this story in particular.
I loved this book when I read it too. I’m very tempted to go back and do the audio though because I’d love to actually hear the podcast.
It was so good on audio. The topic, however, would be tough to go through again.
Excellent review! This has been on my tbr for awhile. Sigh.
Anne – Books of My Heart
Thanks, Anne💜 My book club selected it and we discussed it yesterday. Quite a lively reaction.
Another great review, Jonetta! Will have to bump this one up!
Thank you, Julie💜 You won’t regret it!
This sounds phenomenal. I’m for sure adding this to my TBR list. Thanks for sharing.
Melanie @ Books of My Heart
Thank you, Melanie💜 It’s a great story!