She Started It by Sian Gilbert

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I received She Started It through the Book of the Month Club, intrigued by its premise and eager to dive into a thriller/suspense story. The storyline was engaging, and Sian Gilbert succeeded in making the reader feel a deep sympathy for Poppy and absolute loathing for the other main characters. However, despite these strengths, my experience with this book was mixed and left me pondering what could have made it more impactful.

A Predictable Yet Engaging Plot

As someone new to the thriller/suspense genre, I was drawn in by the intriguing premise. The story held my interest enough to keep me reading, but I was disappointed by the predictability of the ending. I found myself guessing the resolution halfway through, which significantly diminished the suspense and excitement. The lack of unexpected twists and gripping tension made the story feel more like a drama than a true suspenseful mystery. That said, the premise itself was compelling enough to make me curious about how each character’s choices would play out.

The central conflict and Poppy’s perspective had the potential for a more layered and intricate storyline. However, the linear progression and absence of red herrings or misdirections left the plot feeling overly straightforward. A thriller thrives on keeping readers guessing, and without that sense of uncertainty, the stakes felt lower than they should have been.

One-Dimensional Characters

The characterization in She Started It left much to be desired. While Gilbert did an excellent job of making Poppy sympathetic, the rest of the characters fell into the traditional “good vs. evil” archetype without much nuance. This lack of complexity made it difficult to fully invest in their stories or motivations. Thrillers often rely on morally ambiguous or multi-faceted characters to keep readers guessing, and the absence of that here was noticeable. As a result, the characters felt flat and one-dimensional.

Poppy, while the most fleshed-out character, didn’t evolve significantly throughout the story. Her role as the moral center was clear, but the lack of growth or deeper exploration of her psyche left me wanting more. Similarly, the antagonists felt cartoonishly villainous, which undermined the tension and realism of the story. A more balanced depiction of their motivations and flaws could have added much-needed depth and complexity.

A Simple Writing Style

Gilbert’s writing style is straightforward and easy to read, which can be a strength in a fast-paced thriller. However, in this case, it also felt a bit flat and lacking the atmospheric tension needed to elevate the suspense. The simplicity of the prose made the book accessible but didn’t leave much room for the kind of evocative descriptions or chilling moments that might have heightened the experience.

The dialogue, while functional, often felt stilted and failed to capture the complexity of the characters’ emotions or relationships. Thrillers benefit from sharp, tension-filled exchanges that reveal hidden motives or conflicts, and the absence of this dynamic weakened the story’s impact. Additionally, the settings, though described adequately, lacked the vividness or mood that could have enhanced the suspense.

Themes and Messages

The book touches on moral themes of revenge and justice, which are clear but oversimplified. The lack of nuance in the characters extended to the thematic elements, which felt surface-level rather than thought-provoking. While the story delivers its messages effectively, it doesn’t offer much depth or invite deeper reflection.

For instance, the exploration of revenge as a driving force could have delved into the psychological and emotional toll it takes on both the avenger and their targets. Similarly, the notion of justice was presented in a black-and-white manner, leaving little room for the moral ambiguity that often makes thrillers so compelling. A more nuanced approach to these themes could have elevated the story and given it more resonance.

Pacing and Structure

Despite its shortcomings, the book’s pacing and structure were effective enough to keep me reading. The story moved along at a steady pace, and the chapters were structured in a way that encouraged me to continue. The alternating perspectives provided some variation, but the lack of surprises or suspenseful moments meant that the pacing felt more functional than thrilling.

The structure of the book, while competent, didn’t take risks or experiment with form in ways that could have heightened the suspense. For example, incorporating unreliable narration, non-linear timelines, or fragmented chapters could have added layers of intrigue. As it stands, the straightforward progression made the book engaging in the moment but not particularly memorable.

Rating Breakdown:

Plot: 3/5 – An interesting premise, but the predictability of the ending detracted from the suspense.

Characters: 2/5 – The characters felt one-sided and lacked depth or complexity.

Writing Style: 3/5 – Simple and easy to read, but lacking the tension and atmosphere needed for a thriller.

Themes and Messages: 3/5 – The moral themes were clear but oversimplified.

Pacing and Structure: 3/5 – The book kept me reading but didn’t create much suspense or urgency.

Personal Enjoyment: 2/5 – While it wasn’t a terrible read, it didn’t leave a lasting impression and fell short of expectations.

Total Score: 16/30

Average Score: 2.67/5

Final Rating: 🐝🐝🐝 (3 honeybees)

Final Thoughts

While She Started It wasn’t a bad read, it ultimately fell short of my expectations for a thriller. The predictability of the plot, one-dimensional characters, and lack of atmospheric tension made it an enjoyable but forgettable experience. I don’t regret reading it, but it’s not a story I’d revisit or recommend to others.

If you’re new to the thriller genre or looking for a light, quick read, She Started It might still be worth a try. However, for those seeking a gripping, twist-filled suspense novel, this one may leave you wanting more. It serves as a reminder that while accessibility and simplicity can draw in readers, the heart of a great thriller lies in its ability to surprise, challenge, and unsettle.

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