52 Likes by Medeia Sharif

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a review. This did not effect my opinion of the book, or my review itself.

The good about 52 Likes:

The idea of social media being used to solve a crime is one that fascinates me. We are currently seeing examples of this with podcasts like Serial and Missing Maura Murray, as well as online forums for solving cold cases, and even PostSecret possibly getting a clue to a murder from the murderer themself.

52 Likes explores how social media can hurt victims of crime, but also help bring their attackers to justice. Through Valerie, her protagonist, Sharif shows how, thanks to technology, one moment can haunt a person for a lifetime. But Valerie is strong, and works to turn friendship and photo sites to her own advantage.

The not-so-good about 52 Likes: 

The writing style is unfortunately flat. Sharif does a lot of telling, and not a lot of showing. When metaphors are used, they read as cliched. Sharif also seems to repeat herself a lot, giving the readers the same information over and over again.

The big twist seems to come out of nowhere, and doesn't really make much sense looking back. Valerie also seems to figure it out in a sudden flash, off of very little information.

The other negative is, for me, a personal preference. This was a very dark story, with very little light. So many bad things had happened, and kept happening to Valerie, many times in graphic detail. I do read a lot of darker mysteries and thrillers, but there has to be some glimmer of hope throughout, not just in the last few pages.

So...?

So I personally wouldn't read another book by this author, or recommend it to a friend. It wasn't for me.

2/5 stars **