This had me completely hooked from start to finish, and was a fantastic thriller. It was pretty dark so might be best to check the content warnings.

In Rain City Lights, Marissa Harrison transports us to America in the ’80s. Not the fluorescent bubble-gum pink visions codified in John Hughs movies, but the oft-forgotten grime of serial killers, yuppie racism, and the AIDS epidemic. Harrison effortlessly incorporates all of these topics and more, treating each human experience with the gravitas and compassion it deserves. Her characters, each wonderfully complex in their own way, mediate these experiences. This unforgettable, deeply flawed ensemble actualizes Harrison’s kaleidoscopic view of ‘80s Seattle, and the story of how their lives intertwine will keep you invested until the book’s last letter. Not to mention, Harrison’s prose is spell-binding without being overwrought or unrealistic. Harrison is an author to watch, and I urge all lovers of mysteries, romances, and well-written fiction to read her impressive debut.

CW: addiction, sexual violence, homophobia, PTSD

Due to illness I unfortunately have to make my reviews short and to the point. If you love thrillers with a side of romantic view then this book is for you. While I don't normally read thrillers, this one made me want to add more to my reading shelf. It's enough to keep wanting to know more with each page you turn.

This was such a good book. It hooked me early and kept my attention throughout. This isn't my typical genre, a little darker than what i'm used to but so good. I definitely recommend this one.

Star-crossed lovers early life that has racial, poverty, violence, drugs, prostitution, serial killer, and expectations as the backdrop to a well-crafted complex story in part one. Part 2 revolves around past murders that involve the main characters years later with an unexpected twist
This story even though fiction resonates with BLM.
An independent review thanks to Books go Social / NetGalley

The two main characters of Monti and Sasha are the driving force that keep this novel's storyline both heartbreaking and worth fighting for. I was initially drawn to this debut because of the true crime aspect and while that is present, I felt there could have been a little bit more added as the story progressed. It focuses on romance a little more than I would have liked and although it is written well, that aspect was more often frustrating and distracting than anything.

The second half is much more enjoyable than the first, which is heavy on the character background that include characters that are pretty horrible people (but I will say it makes sense to the story). The topics covered here are pretty rough (heroin addiction, sex work, rape, murder, domestic abuse, and religion). That's A LOT of heavy stuff and it was never used egregiously, I just wish that there could have been a "light at the end of the tunnel" or more definition to the characters we meet.

Monti as the main protagonist was refreshing and badass. There were pieces of her story that I noticed felt way too easy (I don't want to mention those because of spoilers). I'll just say when they happened, I kinda just said to myself "Oh, that's convenient" It would never be that easy or simple in reality.

Not a bad book at all. I really appreciate how it teetered the edge of true crime AND romance in a new way. Just not was I was expecting. It took a little while to really get invested and the subject was hard to push through at times. Monti and Sasha as the main characters and the Seattle setting were the shining stars.

This is an absolute must read novel. I loved almost everything about it and I already miss the characters.

It’s 1981 in Seattle and there’s been a string of murders targeting black prostitutes. But honestly while crucial to the storyline, it’s not the focal point. Monti, the protagonist, and her neighbor/best friend Sasha are coming of age in some of the most difficult circumstances. Both children of single parents for reasons explained in the book, Monti and Sasha’s story address racial discrimination, classism, gender inequality, prostitution, homelessness, and drug abuse, among many other issues. And of course the favorite ‘will they/won’t they’ storyline.

I think what I loved most about this book is that Harrison wove intensely rich characters and plot lines from beginning to end. There’s certainly a thriller aspect in that there’s a huge murder component but the way she developed the characters, both with flashbacks and by moving the storyline forward a decade, is what struck me as truly beautiful writing.

The only thing that made this slightly difficult to read was that the time jumped around and if a chapter started it in the past, it was always easy to note when it shifted back to the future. There was also a moment when it said it was 1981 and the trial was taking place, but I think that date was inaccurate? Regardless, the story was not affected and everything still flowed very well.
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Please go read and fall in love with this book and these characters like I did so it gets all the attention it deserves. And pre-order it for when it’s officially published in October!