Though I thought that this was a really interesting story with good characters and plot twists, there were quite a few literary elements that kept the author from really taking this the next step. First of all, the formatting of the book was a bit distracting; I did like the chapters switching back and forth between the different points of view, but I did not like the random interspersed Investigation Chapters. I can understand that the author was trying to build suspense and give enough little hints to keep you riveted, but an astute reader would have already picked up on these hints and would have found the insights into Investigation as unnecessary and irritating; which is exactly how I'd describe them. Further, the titles of the chapters got to be obnoxious after awhile, but that might be just a personal preference. I really don't see the point of titling a chapter if it is just going to tell you something as mundane as "Nora's Version of the Date" - it is a bit insulting as a reader that the author doesn't think you're going to understand what is going on. On a more positive note, I really did like the author's character development all around. I really liked the relationship created between Nora and Neil and I felt like I had fairly solid ideas on who these people were - the only characters I really wanted to know more about were Nora's family, specifically her mother, since she turns out to be such a complex character. Again, I think the author held out from giving too much away to build suspense, but the actions at the end didn't seem entirely warranted given the descriptions given.Overall I'd say that this was an ok read, but I wouldn't really recommend it. I found myself wanting to get to the end just to be done with it rather than pure enjoyment. Started out fairly interesting, though I find the device of alternate chapters giving views of the two main characters somewhat awkward and amateurish. Still I kept reading. Interspersed are very brief comments about homicide which of course leads you to believe someone will be murdered. When it happens, however, again awkward. Seemed like she got herself into a story and didn't know how to end it.
What do You think about In Het Hart (2009)?
The book started great! However, the end was so somber, it made me cry. In general, a good read.
—Nicole
The "twist" at the end was not really worth it. Pretty tame.
—Riza
