One of the Good Guys Book Review

One of the Good Guys

by Araminta Hall

Publisher: Gillian Flynn Books, an imprint of Zando
Ginasbookreport Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Mystery / Thriller / Suspense
Read This If You Love: Dark Objects

“Because people have always wanted horror stories. The power of fear is so potent.”

One of the Good Guys is a compelling novel. Cole has recently uprooted his life to live in a vacant sea-side landscape when he meets Lenora, who has also recently rented a nearby cottage. As they are getting to know one another, two women who are participating in a charity walk to raise awareness of violence against women go missing. What follows next is an exploration of the depths of the way women feel, live with, and process fear on a daily basis and the fragility of men who don’t (or can’t) comprehend it. Or worse, they cause it in the first place. 

This is not your typical mystery novel and, for me, that was a good thing. It made me think about the genre and the real-life implications of our fascination with violence against women stories. I suspect that many readers will find themselves uncomfortable after reading the book. Maybe, just maybe, that’s the point. 

There are a LOT of triggers in this book and it does focus a lot on domestic violence. It does not, however, glorify it or use it lightly like some popular authors are known to do. Still, take caution if you think it is too much for you.