Do Not Become Alarmed, the newest release by Maile Meloy, follows a family that meets devastation when their children disappear while on a cruise in Central America. I started this book as a buddy read with Janel from Keeper of Pages; we have been wanting to do a buddy read for a while and, when I won this book from Goodreads and it was coming up in Janel’s TBR pile, it was the perfect opportunity to get it done!
It isn’t often that I discuss a book I absolutely hated on Clues and Reviews but I am disappointed to say that this book left me completely underwhelmed. This is not to say that others would not enjoy this one, but I was clearly not the correct reader for this one!
Marketed as a mystery/thriller, I found this to be completely off base. This novel lacked any of the core components I love in my thrillers. There were no fast paced chapters to be found, there were no red herrings and no major plot twists. I didn’t find any of the characters to be particularly complex or likeable. I didn’t find myself feeling on edge. Needless to say, the author needed to no warning in the title of this book, I would not become alarmed during this text at all.
Aside from my genre issue I had a serious issue connecting with any of the characters. Both the children and the adult protagonists were a little irritating. I didn’t find myself particularly sympathetic or concerned for their plights. I also found that I struggled enormously with the pacing. There were moments in this book where absolutely nothing was happening. I understand that not all books can be non-stop action, but this one lacked any moments of excitement for me.
This book did have a few instances where I could see some potential, but overall, they were quickly outshone by more mundane moments. I read solidly until the 60% mark where I was tempted to add this to my DNF pile; I ended up skimming the remaining text so I could discuss it with Janel.
Overall, I would skip this book or get it from the library. I gave it 1/5 stars.
Clues and Reviews 
So many disappointing reviews about this one,
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s a shame since I feel like so many people were looking forward to it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Refreshing to read an honest, no beating about the bush review. But a pity you were so disappointed, and for the author too. Maybe it would be better off repackaged as another sort of novel.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I think it was absolutely mismarketed!
LikeLike
Ouch! You felt about this the way I felt about Idaho…a book I truly hated which doesn’t happen often as you said. Appreciate your honestly and you’ll need a 5 star read after that one it sounds like:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wanted to read Idaho…maybe I’ll skip it now!! lol
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was horrible Sam…imo:) It was my book club’s pick a few months ago and not one of the 8 of us liked it
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yikes!! I will avoid avoid avoid.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a great honest review. I read and reviewed for my blog and was thoroughly disappointed.
As you have I was also honest and it’s not often I dislike a book!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I feel bad because I really wanted to like this one but it really did nothing for me! I am glad I wasn’t the only one!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the honest review. I won’t be alarmed about skipping it! LOl
LikeLiked by 1 person