Melissa (Sailing the Greek Isles)'s Reviews > What Remains
What Remains
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Outlier Alert!
I have really liked Walker's books in the past, but there was something about this one that just didn't work for me.
This book starts off with an absolutely intense scenario that captivated me immediately. Elise is a police officer working in the cold case unit with her partner Rowan. She is shopping for towels during a work break and a shooting occurs in the store, and she shoots and kills the perpetrator. She is feeling an immense amount of guilt and wants to track down a man who was right there when it happened in order to clarify whether or not she was justified. But when she find him, things go sideways.
My main issue is that I cannot stand it when someone goes off on their own with an investigation, and it doesn't make it any better that she is a cop. Elise took unnecessary risk after unnecessary risk, even after the danger ramps up. I couldn't get behind her reasoning for this and it just caused me to get more and more annoyed as it progressed.
There is a parallel storyline that is scattered throughout, about an unidentified body found in a "kill room" (used for cremation of animal carcasses after hunting.) I liked how this was integrated with the other situation in the end, but I thought it was kind of clunky getting there at times.
I'll chalk this up to not being one of my favorites from this author because the rogue cop theme rubs me the wrong way. It isn't awful, and many other reviewers have really loved it, so take my review with a grain of salt and form your own opinion.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
I have really liked Walker's books in the past, but there was something about this one that just didn't work for me.
This book starts off with an absolutely intense scenario that captivated me immediately. Elise is a police officer working in the cold case unit with her partner Rowan. She is shopping for towels during a work break and a shooting occurs in the store, and she shoots and kills the perpetrator. She is feeling an immense amount of guilt and wants to track down a man who was right there when it happened in order to clarify whether or not she was justified. But when she find him, things go sideways.
My main issue is that I cannot stand it when someone goes off on their own with an investigation, and it doesn't make it any better that she is a cop. Elise took unnecessary risk after unnecessary risk, even after the danger ramps up. I couldn't get behind her reasoning for this and it just caused me to get more and more annoyed as it progressed.
There is a parallel storyline that is scattered throughout, about an unidentified body found in a "kill room" (used for cremation of animal carcasses after hunting.) I liked how this was integrated with the other situation in the end, but I thought it was kind of clunky getting there at times.
I'll chalk this up to not being one of my favorites from this author because the rogue cop theme rubs me the wrong way. It isn't awful, and many other reviewers have really loved it, so take my review with a grain of salt and form your own opinion.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
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Reading Progress
January 22, 2023
– Shelved
January 22, 2023
– Shelved as:
to-read
June 12, 2023
–
Started Reading
June 14, 2023
–
Finished Reading
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Southern Lady Reads (Crazy Busy-Will Catch Up!)
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Jun 14, 2023 05:02AM
I just saw that this one came out. So excited to see your review of it!
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Southern Lady Reads (Work is Nuts Right Now.. wrote: "I saw this one came out! So excited to see your thoughts"
It is keeping my interest, if I just had time at home to read things would be great lol
It is keeping my interest, if I just had time at home to read things would be great lol
I'm seeing reviews all over the place for this one. Looks like you aren't the only one feeling this way. I've been debating adding this one but I may pass. A fair and honest review, Melissa
Jen CAN wrote: "I'm seeing reviews all over the place for this one. Looks like you aren't the only one feeling this way. I've been debating adding this one but I may pass. A fair and honest review, Melissa"
Thanks Jen, I went around and around about my review because it's a decent thriller, but it just didn't work for me.
Thanks Jen, I went around and around about my review because it's a decent thriller, but it just didn't work for me.
Carol wrote: "I have read mixed reviews on this one, Melissa. I am sorry it didn’t quite make the mark. Hope your next read is a winner ⭐️!!"
Thanks Carol!
Thanks Carol!
Wonderful review, Melissa! 💙 Maybe I'll try another book by this author. This one seems to be getting a lot of mixed reviews.
Not a fan of rogue cops either, but glad her latest release didn't turn you off to Wendy Walker entirely.
I liked another of Wendy Walker's books and was wondering about this one. Thanks for your helpful review!
Fair enough Melissa. I hear you, but I suppose I gave her grace due to her trauma.
I love a book that delves into the psychology of the characters so I loved it, but can see that it might not work for everyone.
I love a book that delves into the psychology of the characters so I loved it, but can see that it might not work for everyone.
Rosh wrote: "Wonderful review, Melissa! 💙 Maybe I'll try another book by this author. This one seems to be getting a lot of mixed reviews."
I have definitely liked some of her others.
I have definitely liked some of her others.
Teres wrote: "Not a fan of rogue cops either, but glad her latest release didn't turn you off to Wendy Walker entirely."
I'll still give her another chance!
I'll still give her another chance!
Susan - on semi hiatus wrote: "I liked another of Wendy Walker's books and was wondering about this one. Thanks for your helpful review!"
Thanks Susan, you may enjoy!
Thanks Susan, you may enjoy!
JanB wrote: "Fair enough Melissa. I hear you, but I suppose I gave her grace due to her trauma.
I love a book that delves into the psychology of the characters so I loved it, but can see that it might not work..."
I did like that it was a little deeper than your run of the mill thriller
I love a book that delves into the psychology of the characters so I loved it, but can see that it might not work..."
I did like that it was a little deeper than your run of the mill thriller
GirlWithThePinkSkiMask wrote: "Not the cop gone rogue! Ugh too bad. Great review!💖"
If it's not enough when the citizens go rogue now the cops are doing it too!
If it's not enough when the citizens go rogue now the cops are doing it too!
Not having a relatable protagonist (or one that's just frustrating) can definitely detract from a read - glad it was good overall, despite the overused rogue cop theme. Great review, Melissa!
A wrote: "Not having a relatable protagonist (or one that's just frustrating) can definitely detract from a read - glad it was good overall, despite the overused rogue cop theme. Great review, Melissa!"
Thanks so much A!
Thanks so much A!
I’m seeing lots of mixed reviews on this one. I love the author but it seems like this one might not be for me. Appreciate your review, Melissa!
Chelsea wrote: "I’m seeing lots of mixed reviews on this one. I love the author but it seems like this one might not be for me. Appreciate your review, Melissa!"
I really wanted to like it more!
I really wanted to like it more!
I liked this a bit more, but I also completely understand your feelings about the rogue cop trope. Her decisions were awful! Excellent review, Melissa!
Kat (on semi-hiatus) wrote: "I liked this a bit more, but I also completely understand your feelings about the rogue cop trope. Her decisions were awful! Excellent review, Melissa!"
Thanks Kat, it's definitely a "me" thing!
Thanks Kat, it's definitely a "me" thing!
I wasn’t a fan of the last Wendy Walker book that I read, and I’ve been in no hurry to read this one. Great and fair review, Melissa!
Rachel wrote: "I wasn’t a fan of the last Wendy Walker book that I read, and I’ve been in no hurry to read this one. Great and fair review, Melissa!"
Thanks Rachel!
Thanks Rachel!
Jess wrote: "I’m with ya. Can’t put my finger on it but I couldn’t get into this one"
I can't quite figure out why I didn't connect with it
I can't quite figure out why I didn't connect with it
Excellent review, Melissa! I'm on the fence about whether to buy this. I usually love her books. They have decreased in wowing me after my favorite by her "All is Not Forgotten." <3
Karen wrote: "Excellent review, Melissa! I'm on the fence about whether to buy this. I usually love her books. They have decreased in wowing me after my favorite by her "All is Not Forgotten." <3"
I'd see if I could find it from the library if I were you.
I'd see if I could find it from the library if I were you.
Sorry this wasn’t as good as you thought but I understand your feelings on this one great review Melissa! 💕
Lisa wrote: "Sorry this wasn’t as good as you thought but I understand your feelings on this one great review Melissa! 💕"
Thanks Lisa!
Thanks Lisa!
Michelle wrote: "Fantastic review, Melissa! 💖 I'm sorry this one was a bit of a disappointment."
Thanks Michelle!
Thanks Michelle!
Wonderful review, Melissa. I have this one on hold at the library, it might not be something I want to hear, afterall.