55 pages • 1 hour read
Jess LoureyUnspeakable Things
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
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.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
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.
Who Should Read Unspeakable Things?
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.