Ripple

"About killer mermaid, a boy breaks her curse"

"True Crime and Nonfiction are not my norm at all, but something about this title got my attention so I checked it out. It was quite an interesting read, but it was a bit of a slow start that was hard for me to get into at first until I switched my focus/perspective and the narrative changed then it got more engaging for me.<br/>Some of what's different with having read this story is that I'm used to reading fantasy and other fiction and always saying this was such a great story and I loved it, but it's hard to say that about this one. The reason it's hard to say that about this is because it's true crime and real life. I don't think a boy in the woods being murdered and having to solve the mystery of his death and how it affects his family and others are great the same way fiction is great. I don't love reading about murder and the pain and unresolved situations, but I do love that this mystery was solved with this particular boy's death.<br/>This is well-written and keeps you interested and invested to discover the answers along with the investigative journalist. I found it intriguing to read about how the solution to the mystery unfolded and what it revealed about the people and the family members as they went through talking about it and figuring things out. It is a sad and hard thing to read about those that have a hard time in life and find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time and lose their life for it. There are a few different aspects shown and talked about about how they approach things when investigating this boy, Frank's murder, first with the normal approaches and then with the unique with the psychic and those involved sharing their spiritual and other types of experiences relating to Frank and his death when they felt like they were being lead to answers or having some sort of communication sent to them by him from the other side. The investigation and journey to find answers take on a life of its own and when they find the answers they're right where they thought they were but others had been trying to hide the answers from view. The thing is even though they find the answers and solve the murder/death of Frank, there are still a lot of unanswered questions and unknowns. In the end, there's always more than one victim in these kinds of situations and it's a hard thing to have to deal with and face, but Frank's family had a good outlook on things and the experience of talking through things helped them all to break down some walls and find ways to talk and work on becoming closer to one another in their family.<br/>If you're a fan of true crime and figuring out mysteries and what makes others tick or the like then make sure to take a look at this one and read it. Thanks to NetGalley and Steerforth Press for letting me read and review this enlightening story. All thoughts and opinions are my own."

"I loved this book for a lot of reasons. One, is that I think Mandy Hubbard is an absolute genius. Two, it's not in a series. I really love coming across these novels where I can read the whole book and not have to wait for the next one to come out. While I have my favorite series out there and tons of people are putting out trilogies, I really look forward to books like Ripple.<br/><br/>I loved the story. I am really getting into these more unusual paranormal young adult novels. Lexi is a siren. I haven't read a whole lot with sirens and I loved how this was different and stood out. The book was very gripping and I couldn't put it down for anything! Obviously I couldn't imagine the pain and loneliness that Lexi has lived with, but I was able to connect with her from the very beginning. <br/><br/>Lexi's such a strong character who is able to take torment from her peers, even from herself, and still manage to keep her head up high. At least when anyone is looking. My heart ached for Lexi as I saw how far she's fallen. I don't know how many times I found myself on the verge of tears because of her story. Brilliantly done. And Cole, well, he's just the icing on the cake. I really loved how he reached out and took a risk (and it was) to befriend Lexi. Very well done.<br/><br/>We learn so much in this book and it keeps you guessing. I didn't see the ending coming. At all. I was completely broadsided and loved it. I was glued to the pages, anxious to see how it all would turn out. It was excellent writing right up to the very last word. Again, Mandy Hubbard = Genius. I must insist that everyone pick this up. Because it's amazing. Incredible."