This book was so good! Honestly, the whole conversation about how there isn't an end to the universe is one of my favorite things, and also when Holly and Ralph had that conversation about how there are also good forces in the world to counteract the evil forces. That's such a comfort to me, and something that has come up several times over several recent books, interestingly; that when bad things happen, look for the helpers. I love that, and I love it here.
I remember being really creeped out about the Outsider the first time I read this book, but it wasn't as scary this time around, maybe because I already know what to expect. It's still creepy and disgusting and evil, but I wasn't as freaked out as I was the first time.
I'm glad they cleared Terry's name in the end, but I'm also really sad about all the tragedy that happened that no one can take back. I appreciate the sentiment that at least the Outsider can't harm anyone else, I do, but so many have already been harmed. I was devastated at the end that Howie and Alec died because I felt like we were so close to the end. We could've killed Jack and the Outsider, and everyone could've been safe. They were so close to the finish line.
I first met Holly in this book because I read this way before the other books where she first appeared, so I didn't have the context then. Now I do and it's interesting because even then, I fell in love with her as the story progressed, but now I'm revisiting this, I can understand better the person she was/is and I appreciate her bravery and tenacity so much more. I just got past the scene where everyone gets together and puts the pieces together about the Outsider, and Holly telling them about the supernatural stuff and Ralph not wanting to accept it. Thank goodness for Jeannie being there and forcing him to sit and listen. Also poor Marcy, her husband died because of this and honestly, I believe Ralph owes it to her to get to the truth.
The Peterson family, and the girls that the first guy was accused of killing, I don't think they're ever going to know the truth either. It's so sad reading about the Peterson family, and I wonder too, with the Peterson's neighbor, if she should've saved his life at all. So heartbreaking. I can't even imagine.
Such a great read even the second time around. I thought I wouldn't enjoy it as much because I read it relatively recently and wasn't planning on rereading so soon, but I ended up loving it all over again.