The Good Daughter: A Novel

Karin Slaughter is my favorite author and this book reminded me exactly why. I read it in two days and could not put it down. Just incredible. The story centers on sisters Samantha and Charlotte Quinn, survivors of a brutal crime. Twenty-eight years before, a horrifying attack on their family home in rural Georgia left their mother dead and their family completely fractured. Charlotte, known as Charlie, has followed in her father’s footsteps and become a lawyer, seemingly the ideal good daughter. But when violence strikes their small town of Pikeville again, Charlie is thrust into a nightmare, forced to confront the terrible memories she has spent decades trying to bury. This is first and foremost a story about a family struggling to overcome its dark and secret-laden past. The rich character development and emotional, often haunting flashbacks make it impossible not to feel deeply invested in these sisters and what they have survived. The novel weaves together complex family dynamics, the lingering effects of trauma, and a sharp look at the criminal justice system in a way that feels both gripping and deeply human. No spoilers, but the twists are earned and the ending is unforgettable. If you love dark, emotionally powerful thrillers with characters you genuinely care about, this one is a must read. Karin Slaughter never misses.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

I really wanted to give this book 5 stars, except for one thing. It captures you from the very start, fast paced, captivating characters, excellent story line! I found myself wondering if Karin Slaughter is a retired scientist, an attorney or just someone who whizzed her way through all subjects? Perhaps an author that just does all her homework in research and story development? I knew I had read at least one of her bookstore before that I truly enjoyed so I thought I would open this one, as I was looking for a REALLY good book. The only disappointment I had was the story is also colored with what must be the authors own political leanings. I just hate it when that happens! However, I suppose that as our own religious and political attitudes are reflected in our own lives, why would a creative author not have that same liberty? I am going to try another of her books and see if it is a continuous trend or if I just remember why it took so long for me to open another...

An interesting and uniquely told story. Lots of different personalities and twists and turns. Sibling rivalry, love, crimes and secrets.

This book takes the reader from the tragic night Charlie and Samantha's mother is murdered to 28 years later, and walks us through all the way that night shaped and misshaped their lives. The current town tragedy brings to light many secrets and twists its way into The Quinn sister's past and current selves. This book is not for the faint of heart. This book is intense and it hardly lets up, from murder, to torture, to school shootings, to court room drama, to broken marriages, affairs, tragic death, disabilities, r**e and TBIs. I don't think that list is near complete, just off the top of my head. It packs a punch and really takes you there. It is dark. I could not put it down. I appreciated the complexity of the crime that is the central focus of the story, and while I guessed the "who done it" I didn't predict the second twist Slaughter likes to throw at her characters in their personal lives. And yet somehow it all becomes intertwined. But what made this book for me were the characters. Slaughter lets her characters drive her thrillers and I think that is what makes them great for me. The complexity and depth of Charlie and Samantha. How they were defined by their trauma, their mother, their father, and each other. It felt so real. Slaughter writes it all so vividly they came alive to me. The way she writes imperfect character that you are rooting for is unmatched. I think Charlie was my favorite, yet she did so many things that made me stress. And Rusty! The way he was seen by Sam, by Charlie, the town and his friends - what the reader comes to understand about him. It is all unpacked perfectly. This is master class in plotting. There are a lot of heavy topics in this book and there is graphic violence and one very graphic r**e scene. I am sure people have argued until they're blue in the face about how it was unnecessary to be so graphic. It was a lot but I don't think it was handled poorly. Slaughter does not shy from the tough topics and I appreciate that so much. I think not minimizing the horror of this crime is one of those tough topics she is asking the reader to face.

Slow start and abrupt ending. Could have added more intrigue and tension. Overall still a good storyline and relatable characters.

Book was excellent Intimidating by the thickness of this book there are only 19chapters, but they’re long . This book didn’t feel “secure” as I felt like when I’m holding it the pages were going to come apart at the seam Great store line- love the little twist wood have love to seen more into the character that went to prison

This was such a great read. The mystery, the thrill, the horrible events, but it all tied together to make a great story. A family of lawyers all so different but so similar. After each tragedy more facts and details from their awful past comes back. **Full disclosure There is brutal rape explained in this book**

It is a must read! Brings all the feels and keeps you invested! A fantastic thriller! I love the way Slaughter writes...perfectly telling the story with such imagery! Chefs kiss!

Muy bueno, entretenido.

Früher häufiger, Heut zu Tage seltener geniesse ich gerne ein Buch sei es Spionage Crime. Karin Slaughter gehört für mich zu eine Autorin welche ich mit Freude lese, allerdings nur in Original Sprache

Loved it from start to finish. Karen Slaughter never fails to thrill! The twists and turns were expertly written over and over again.

初めてKarin Slaughterの作品を読みました。推理小説というジャンルでは、くくれないような奥深い作品でした。単純な犯人探しではないんですよね。

I don't find good at all. Is really very dragging. I'd definitely not a page turnner book for me I am sorry is maybe not my type as I am more of thriller book person.