I REALLY wanted to love this book.
The description reads: "No Country for Old Men meets Killing Eve in this gritty, feminist Western thriller from the award-winning author of These Women."
"No Country for Old Men" is a absolute gritty and dark masterpiece. And my love for female assassins has no bounds which will explain my love for "Killing Eve" I hit request so hard my dog woke up and asked for another treat.
We have two women in prison: Florence "Florida" Baum and Diosmary "Dios" Sandoval. The first part of this book is the best, IMO, and it's a decent portrayal of prison life. I guess, of course, since I still haven't spent any time in the pen. They get paroled early and that's where this book starts to 'theoretically" take off.
Florida takes off and for whatever reason, Dios is obsessed with her and follows her and forces a showdown which is foreshadowed in the very beginning.
At it's core this is a great book. In fact it may be fantastic. But I didn't like several things. Specifically the personalities of everyone involved. To me, a sign of a great writer is to portray several personalities with their own life and character. This one is not the case as you can cut and paste every character in the book. They are all the same character. And second: It tries to be a police procedural which to me falls short. Maybe I read too many of them but the main detective on the case just wasn't believably written.
Overall, I think the book is average and I recommend it. There are plenty who, when reading the synopsis, should take a chance and get some satisfaction from it. Unfortunately, I don't think I'm in that group.

I really appreciate the publisher Farrar, Straus & Giroux as well as NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an advance reader copy in exchange for a honest review. Thank you!

4 stars
This was a new to me author and WOW
I was taken in with the premise of prison life, the insight of the other prisoner housed with the woman acting as if her being there was this huge mistake.
Boy -it takes off from there.

Ivy Pochoda's 'Sing Her Down' takes a bold leap away from the typical crime fiction narrative, spotlighting the true victims of violence rather than glorifying the perpetrator. This compelling novel draws readers into the post-prison lives of two women navigating a pandemic-stricken Los Angeles, diving deep into themes of anger, injustice, and the intersectionality of class and race.

Pochoda skillfully subverts the usual crime fiction clichés, presenting characters like Florida, an affluent former inmate, and Dios, a determined scholarship student from Queens. The addition of Detective Lobos, battling her own demons of domestic violence while exploring the complexities of female aggression, enriches the story with nuanced reflections on violence and redemption.

As the plot accelerates towards a breathtaking climax, Pochoda masterfully blurs the distinctions between guilt and innocence, offering a story that not only thrills but also profoundly affects its audience, ensuring the emotional resonance of 'Sing Her Down' endures well beyond the last page.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Receiving an advanced copy was much appreciated. I believe both existing fans and newcomers will find it equally enjoyable.

I was offered the opportunity to read an advance review copy of this novel from Netgalley, and the glowing comments from some of my favorite crime fiction authors made me pounce on it. There is much to admire in the fresh, intense, writing style—sometimes almost poetic in its rhythm. Amid all this Prose with a capital P was a story that turned out just not to be for me. The book was classified—perhaps unfairly—in the mystery/thriller genre. In a thriller, usually someone is saving the world from some crisis; in a mystery novel, someone is solving a crime, however cozy or gory the circumstances. Here we seemed to be dealing more with literary fiction about violence itself—about female aggression and terrible violence by women. The novel is a skillful handling of incredibly dark material, but just too dark for me to finish.

This was a really tough read, and not for the faint of heart, so be warned when you pick this one up. I truly appreciated the perspective of this novel, and how it did not shy away from the violence and brutality and raw emotions manifesting in physicality that women are capable of. It wasn't easy to read, but incredibly impressive in Ivy Pochoda's telling. She is a truly gifted writer, and even when a book such as this one is not exactly in my wheelhouse, I can recognize that it is beautifully and brilliantly written and recommend it to other readers I know will fully appreciate it.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Hmmm this was a solid middle rating for me. It follows the story of two female convicts, Florence (Florida) and Dios as they try to kind of run from the violence inside of them after being released from prison during the COVID pandemic. I saw a blurb that related this to Killing Eve, and I would say it definitely gave that vibe except without the romantic/erotic fascination, and set in the wild west of Los Angeles and Arizona during the pandemic when everything was eerily empty.

It starts inside a women's prison, where we see just how capable the women can be of violence, and how these ghosts of people you have hurt manifest themselves inside you, even if you try to run from it. Of course we also get a bleak picture of the prison system and misogyny experienced by the women inside.

Upon their release from prison, Florida is set on getting back to her life but with the encouragement of Dios, who is never far behind her, they engage in more violence which slowly comes to a peak in a showdown in front of a street mural painter.

I liked the inclusion of the perspective of Lobos, a female cop, as she struggled with wanting to regain her power and be capable of violence when faced with an abusive ex-husband.

This book kept me on my toes and it was a quick read, but if you are not a fan of mulitple perspectives and piecing a story together from different viewpoints, then maybe this isn't for you. It was a bit confusing at times and I never really felt for the characters. I don't think I would read this again, but then again I am not a fan of dark books normally.

A compelling and intense novel. Pochoda caught my attention with her first novel and she continues her impressive and unflinching characterizations of women in this novel. Not to spoil too much, the novel deals with women in prison at the time of the COVID 19 pandemic and provides the reader with a window into a mostly unseen world. Gripping character studies and intense plotting make for a very satisfying read. I can't wait to read what Pochoda writes next. Her voice is wholly individual, intelligent, and unique.

I have read and enjoyed THESE WOMEN and VISITATION STREET. SING HER DOWN is written from different points of view, and at times I struggled with what and who were real. There is no question that Pachoda is a gifted writer, but the violence-yes I get women are as capable as men in that respect, was a turn off for me.

Ivy Pochoda's Sing Her Down is a riveting departure from conventional crime fiction by shifting the focus from a glamorized killer to those most directly impacted by violence. She takes readers on a gripping journey into the lives of two women recently released from prison, thrust into Los Angeles locked down by the pandemic.

In exploring themes like female rage, systemic injustices in the penal system, and class and race. Pochoda challenges traditional notions of women in crime fiction by overturning tropes. She introduces Florida, a well-to-do inmate from L.A., and Dios, a scholarship student from Queens. The character of Detective Lobos, grappling with her history of domestic violence while questioning the nature of women's violence, adds a complex layer to the narrative.

The tension rises as the story hurtles toward its heart-stopping showdown. The thrilling and surprising climax blurs the lines between crime and punishment, creating a gripping and profoundly moving pay-off that will linger long after that final page.

I received a digit and an audio copy from the publisher and enjoyed both formats. I enjoyed the multiple narrators, who all added excitement to the story.

Sing Her Down is a dark gritty book about obsession, betrayal and the vicious hidden selves some people are capable of hiding. I appreciate the gritty depth and POV style. I can say I truly connected to the characters in the book as both are fairly unredeemable but it was still a good read.. I find thrillers and criminal elements a fascinating read because I always wonder what creates theses types of people within society m. Although this is fiction it still mirrors the obsessions that we read of and the things that drive crimes. To that the book does justice in its world building. As I said I didn’t truly connect with the book but I still feel many might enjoy it. Happy reading.

In Sing Her Down, author Ivy Pochoda explores the dark, violent, gritty side of women through two recently incarcerated main characters. The story highlights the impact of the pandemic on homeless and other marginalized populations. This is a well written novel that was a bit difficult for me to read as I found it quite violent. I read it in small batches.

**Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an electronic ARC and the opportunity to review this book.

I snatched an early copy of this as soon as I saw it, but never wrote a review because I don’t like when I don’t like my favorite authors. So before I write the absolute very least about this book, let me tell you that I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE Ivy Pochoda. <i>Visitation Street</i>, <i>Wonder Valley</i> and <i>These Women</i> are all books that blew me away. I love how multifaceted Pochoda’s characters are and especially love that the location is so well-developed that it too becomes a character in her stories.

The fact that those things were missing from me here was probably why I failed to connect to <i>Sing Her Down</i>. After publication I saw that this was compared to <i>No Country for Old Men</i> to which I say . . .

<a href="https://lunapic.com"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/TmZvTtb.gif" border=0></a>

I mean, I guess I can see it as a bare bones comparison, but again the depth was really lacking for me. This game of chase takes place during Covid (Covid being the catalyst behind Florida and Dios being sprung from the pokey) and most likely it was another anticipated release that fell short due to it being written in that period of the unknown. It seems like having all the time in the world to write would have had these brilliant minds creating the best of the best, but we (or at least I) tend to forget authors were experiencing all the same day-to-day stresses (my kingdom back then for some toilet paper) as the rest of us normies so their work product may have suffered the consequences.

I still will 100% be first in line again for whatever Ivy Pochoda comes up with next.

<i>ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.</i>

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing this ARC. A novel set initially in a women's prison during Covid, i was instantly sold. Sing Her Down is unlike any novel I've ever read. I gauge my interest by how long it takes me to finish a novel. I was sad every morning and every evening when I had to stop reading (i.e., get ready for work or going to bed). Such a good quick read. Highly recommended.

This is a pandemic novel. I thought, somewhat foolish maybe, that I would be okay with reading one now. It's 2023, we are dealing with it by getting COVID vaccines and boosting them (GET YOUR SHOTS), and I was like "I can be a mental headspace for this novel".

Boy was I WRONG.

Now, you're thinking, oh, this is something against the author. This is something against the type of novel. Nope. Wrong. All wrong. This is 100% on me not being able to read a pandemic novel. Plus, it makes me so angry that I can't because there's so much good in it. From the little I read until I couldn't anymore, there's good. I highly recommend it if you are unlike me and can get through such a novel. I just - I couldn't. It wasn't even the setting - a women's prison - or the characters. It was the pandemic part of the setting and I am so sorry that I had to put this down. We'll give it another try in a few years.

I just love Ivy Pochoda. Her writing style is so engrossing. Gripping Novel! I was so pulled into this book right away. It is violent for sure, but made me really think.

It is about two prisoners Dios, a cunning, devious, sadistic woman and Florida, who appears to be more of an innocent bystander, yet Dios sets out to prove Florida has a much darker side. Both are let out on earlier release during the pandemic. Dios stalks Florida to LA. You know a show down in coming with these two. Detective Lobos is looking to find these two, yet she has her own story that is wrestling with her conscience. The setting is gritty and perfectly set.

Beyond the physical violence, it really is a psychological mind experience for me. It explores the idea of women being innately sinister and not just going down a bad path due to bad men. Yet, another idea that All Women have rage, it’s how we handle it that matters.

Thank you NetGalley, Farrah, Straus and Giroux and Ivy Pochoda for a copy of this book. I always leave reviews of books I read.

"Let me tell you- inside we all rage the same. It’s how we let it out that differs.”

Definitely a case of this one just isn't for me. The story felt disjointed. I never understood why we were given glimpses into each woman's mind. I don't think violence is a surprise. Are we surprised women can be violent too? The world is an ugly place and too many get lost in the shadows and slip between the cracks. This book seemed to take that point and constantly shove it in your face. I was surprised by the depth of darkness but I soon found Dios and Florida's voices hard to distinguish.

I think this might have worked for me as an audio book. It sounds like the audiobook has a full cast and I think that would probably be amazing.

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

Book Review: Sing Her Down by Ivy Pochoda

⭐⭐⭐.5 stars

Sing Her Down by Ivy Pochoda is a gripping and lyrical novel that delves into the depths of a woman’s identity, the impact of societal prejudices, and the dangerous consequences of obsession. Pochoda’s exquisite writing style immerses readers in a world where darkness lurks beneath the surface, challenging our perceptions of innocence and guilt.

The story revolves around Florence “Florida” Baum, a woman who arrives at an Arizona women’s prison claiming to be an innocent victim. However, her ex-cellmate, Diosmary Sandoval, knows the truth that Florida hides from herself and the world. Dios understands that women can also be capable of darkness, despite society’s refusal to acknowledge it. Determined to open Florida’s eyes and unleash her true self, Dios’s obsession takes a dangerous turn when an unexpected reprieve grants both women their freedom. This sets off a deadly cat-and-mouse chase from Arizona to the desolate streets of Los Angeles.

The strength of Sing Her Down lies in Pochoda’s masterful writing. The prose is undeniably beautiful and lyrical, creating a haunting atmosphere that lingers long after the final page. Pochoda fearlessly tackles weighty topics such as sexism, misogyny, rape, and even the backdrop of a pandemic, weaving them seamlessly into the narrative. The author’s ability to address these issues with sensitivity and depth is commendable and adds layers of complexity to the story.

However, despite the exceptional writing, there are some shortcomings that prevent Sing Her Down from reaching its full potential. Throughout the novel, readers may find themselves grappling with confusion regarding what is happening, what is real, and what is not. This lack of clarity can make it challenging to fully connect with the story being told, detracting from the overall reading experience.

Additionally, the beginning of the book showcases a stronger narrative than when detective Lobos takes over and Dios essentially disappears from the story. While Lobos brings a new perspective and adds intrigue to the plot, the absence of Dios diminishes the intensity and depth that her character initially brought to the story.

Despite these flaws, Sing Her Down is still worth reading for its exceptional writing alone. Pochoda’s ability to craft raw and poetic prose elevates the novel beyond its shortcomings. The exploration of identity, societal biases, and the dangerous consequences of obsession make for a thought-provoking and engaging read.

In conclusion, Sing Her Down by Ivy Pochoda is a dark and poetic exploration of identity and obsession. While some may find themselves grappling with confusion at times, the novel’s compelling themes and fearless exploration of societal issues make it a worthwhile read. Pochoda’s ability to tackle weighty topics with sensitivity and depth solidifies her as a talented writer who deserves recognition in the literary world.

**ARC Via NetGalley**

An atmospheric and thought provoking novel that will stay with you. Consistently paced and with vivid characters not to be forgotten.
Many thanks to Farrar, Straus and Giroux,and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book is pitched as No Country for Old Men meets Killing Eve. I was sold when I read that because I love both.

The book is told from multiple POVs. First, we have Florida, we met her in an Arizona prison. Florida insists she is innocent and just happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Her cellmate Dios doesn't believe her story.
The two women find themselves freed on the same day and Dios is fixated on Florida. and that's when things go haywire. Intermixed with these two women's stories is another inmate's POV and a detective's.

I loved the POVs and the tension woven throughout the book however I feel like it could have been grittier.

I still enjoyed this book and would recommend it. And if you can get your hands on the audiobook you will not be disappointed. The narrators have done a fantastic job.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for sending a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.