Unspeakable Things by Jess Lourey is praised for its atmospheric storytelling and well-developed characters. Critics highlight its gripping, dark plot and Lourey's skillful evocation of small-town life. Some readers, however, find the pacing uneven and the subject matter disturbing. Overall, it's viewed as a compelling yet unsettling read.

Readers who relish gripping, suspenseful tales with a strong psychological element and a touch of true crime will appreciate Unspeakable Things by Jess Lourey. Fans of Gillian Flynn’s Sharp Objects or Tana French’s In the Woods will find thematically similar explorations of dark secrets and small-town mysteries captivating.

Set in the 1980s in Lilydale, Minnesota, Unspeakable Things by Jess Lourey follows 12-year-old Cass McDowell as she investigates the abuse of her male classmates and the suspicious actions of her father and his cop friend. Cass uncovers family secrets, leading to a loss of innocence and a realization that the adults and institutions around her can't be trusted, exploring themes of Loss of Innocence and Societal Hypocrisy. This novel refers to emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, as well as child neglect, murder, violence, racism, and anti-gay bias.

Jess Lourey

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Unspeakable Things Summary and Study Guide

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Unspeakable Things Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 14

Unspeakable Things Prologue-Chapter 14 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 15-28

Unspeakable Things Chapters 15-28 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 29-43

Unspeakable Things Chapters 29-43 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 44-Epilogue

Unspeakable Things Chapter 44-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Unspeakable Things Character Analysis

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Themes

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Important Quotes

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Unspeakable Things

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