The Mad Girl

This book is truly deserving of a full 5-star rating for so many compelling reasons. The narrative is utterly immersive, keeping the reader fully engaged and present in the moment throughout the story. Yet the subject matter is also refreshingly bold and courageous. By the time you reach the final pages, the emotional impact can be quite draining, but in the most cathartic way. If themes related to the Catholic faith, grappling with loss at a young age, and navigating life's challenges through self-reliance pique your interest, then this book will provide you with much to feel, contemplate, and explore across a wide spectrum of experiences. What more could you ask for in a captivating crime novel? I've found myself carrying this book with me everywhere, reading it on my phone just to ensure I can squeeze in those final few pages and complete this profoundly moving story.

All too often, this tragic story is unfortunately very real for many of today's young people.

Andrew Colvin’s The Mad Girl is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that delves into the dark and often unsettling depths of trauma, control, and the quest for redemption. Set against the backdrop of Albuquerque in the winter of 2012, this book presents a gripping narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats while providing a profound exploration of its complex characters. The plot centers on Cee Stark, a young girl whose childhood is marred by her father's abuse and a traumatic event that leaves her feeling responsible for the deaths of her father and beloved brother. At the age of twelve, seeking solace and forgiveness, Cee turns to her parish priest. This relationship, however, becomes another source of torment as she falls under the sway of his distorted teachings and control. As Cee grows into a teenager, her struggle for emotional independence becomes a central theme, leading to a series of bad decisions and three acts of violence that attract the attention of the police. Colvin’s narrative is both compelling and disturbing, painting a vivid picture of Cee’s troubled life and the inner turmoil that drives her actions. The author does an excellent job of portraying the psychological impact of abuse and manipulation, making Cee a deeply sympathetic character despite the dark path she treads. Readers will find themselves grappling with the moral complexities of her situation, questioning how much of her actions are a result of her past and whether redemption is truly possible for someone so scarred by trauma. Character development is one of the novel’s strongest points. Cee is a nuanced and multi-dimensional protagonist. Her evolution from a vulnerable child to a teenager fighting for her own sense of self is portrayed with authenticity and sensitivity. Colvin captures the conflicting emotions that drive her—guilt, anger, and a desperate need for autonomy. Her relationship with the priest adds another layer of complexity to the story, highlighting the dangerous dynamics of power and control. The priest, too, is a well-crafted character, embodying the darker aspects of spiritual guidance twisted by personal demons. His influence over Cee and the resulting battle of wills is both disturbing and engrossing. Colvin avoids painting him as a one-dimensional villain; instead, he is a tragic figure whose own tortured mind leads him to inflict suffering on those seeking his help. The plot is tightly woven, with each event building upon the last to create a crescendo of tension and suspense. The acts of violence that unfold are not merely sensational; they are integral to the narrative, each one revealing more about Cee’s psyche and the world she inhabits. The police investigation adds a layer of intrigue, as readers are drawn into the web of connections between Cee and the victims. Fans of psychological thrillers and character-driven dramas will find much to appreciate in The Mad Girl. The novel’s exploration of trauma and its long-lasting effects is handled with care and insight, making it a poignant and sometimes painful read. Colvin’s writing is crisp and evocative, capturing the bleakness of Cee’s reality and the flickering hope that she might find a way out. The Mad Girl by Andrew Colvin is a gripping and emotionally charged novel that offers a deep dive into the complexities of trauma, control, and the struggle for redemption. With its well-developed characters, tense plot, and thought-provoking themes, it is a must-read for fans of the genre. Colvin’s ability to blend suspense with a nuanced exploration of his characters’ inner lives makes this book a standout in contemporary fiction.

I found "The Mad Girl" by Andrew Colvin to be an enthralling thriller that meticulously explores the intricate nuances of trauma, manipulation, and redemption. With compelling characters and unexpected plot twists the writer weaves – with reasonable mastery - a narrative that kept me hooked from cover to cover. It's a novel exploration of the human psyche, highlighting the inevitable consequences of the choices we make and the beauty and resilience of the human spirit when it comes to dealing with mental health issues.

Cee is such a vulnerable, damaged, angry girl and so many people have taken advantage of her, and I feel so bad for her--things go so cuckoo-bananas off the rails very early on in this book. I couldn't believe the twist and turns--I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Absolutely fantastic--ten out of ten recommend. I liked it so much I might even buy a paperback copy...I was so satisfied with the ending. I mean in a way, the eternal cycle did turn out to be a new chance, it is bittersweet, and definitely ambiguous, but I'm deciding to go with the happiest interpretation I can. This book was so good!