I recently finished "Don’t Believe It" by Charlie Donlea and I must say, it was a thrilling ride from start to finish! As a fan of psychological thrillers and true crime stories, this book immediately piqued my interest. The premise grabbed me: a filmmaker attempting to unravel the mystery behind a woman’s wrongful conviction for murder, only to discover that the deeper she digs, the more dangerous the game gets.
From the moment I started reading, I appreciated Donlea’s writing style, which many readers have praised as a masterclass in storytelling. His ability to weave intricate plots filled with unexpected twists keeps you guessing, and I found myself immersed in the unfolding drama. The characterization, especially that of Sidney Ryan, the ambitious filmmaker, was spot on. Many reviewers shared similar sentiments, with one reader emphasizing that the layers of deception were masterfully developed, allowing for an exciting exploration of Grace Sebold’s past.
One major highlight for me was the pacing of the book. It starts with a clear trajectory, quickly grabbing your attention and drawing you into the investigation. It was hard to put down! Rachel Etheredge captures this sentiment perfectly, describing the book as “true crime on steroids” and I couldn’t agree more. The combination of suspense and well-timed reveals had me turning pages late into the night.
However, it’s not without its drawbacks. A few readers, including Alissa Brianne, expressed frustrations with certain aspects of the pacing, mentioning moments where the story slowed down unexpectedly. I can relate to that. While the majority of the book flowed seamlessly, there were sections where it felt like the narrative could have been tightened up, which momentarily pulled me out of the tension that was otherwise expertly built.
Another point that might be considered a drawback is the predictability of the climax. As Megan pointed out, it’s not just a thriller but also a mystery, and I found myself forming theories about the identity of the true killer fairly early on. While Donlea did challenge my assumptions with clever misdirection, it sometimes felt as though the conclusion was a bit too cliche. Still, the shocking revelations in the final chapters—especially the moral dilemmas confronted by Sidney—left a lasting impression and provided a deeper conversation about justice and media influence.
Overall, "Don’t Believe It" is an engaging and thought-provoking novel that I genuinely enjoyed. Its strengths—especially character development and intricate plotting—far outweigh the few pacing issues. I emerged feeling the exhilaration one expects from a well-crafted thriller, and I’m excited to see what Donlea comes up with next. If you’re a fan of cliffhangers and unexpected twist endings, this book definitely delivers.
In conclusion, I would wholeheartedly recommend "Don’t Believe It" to anyone looking for a compelling read that keeps you on your toes. While it may not be perfect, it certainly met my expectations and even exceeded some of them. I’m eager for a sequel and curious about Sidney’s path moving forward. Grab a copy, get cozy, and prepare to be hooked!
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