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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
a fun read, here are some opinions:
- stevie can be a pretty annoying protagonist
- i really did not like david, tbh the only characters i could really stand were nate and janelle
- the rep is a different matter.. there are confirmed lgbtq+ characters and one who uses they/them pronouns. unfortunately, after it is established that they go with they/them, the narrator constantly refers to them with she/her and it made me pretty uncomfortable. not sure whether that was intentional but i can’t see how it would be? pretty disappointed by that as i heard that the series is supposed to have great queer rep.
- i liked the setting
- i liked how the story constantly switches between past and present
i will definitely read the next books because ngl i couldn’t put it down once i started bc the plot and the murder mystery have me hooked. however, there are some things i criticize (as i just mentioned).
3.5 stars.
- stevie can be a pretty annoying protagonist
- i really did not like david, tbh the only characters i could really stand were nate and janelle
- the rep is a different matter.. there are confirmed lgbtq+ characters and one who uses they/them pronouns. unfortunately, after it is established that they go with they/them, the narrator constantly refers to them with she/her and it made me pretty uncomfortable. not sure whether that was intentional but i can’t see how it would be? pretty disappointed by that as i heard that the series is supposed to have great queer rep.
- i liked the setting
- i liked how the story constantly switches between past and present
i will definitely read the next books because ngl i couldn’t put it down once i started bc the plot and the murder mystery have me hooked. however, there are some things i criticize (as i just mentioned).
3.5 stars.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Murder
Minor: Death of parent, Alcohol
I’ve been frustrated with the YA genre recently and have been starting to wonder if I’ve simply grown out of it. This book was an excellent reminder of what it is that I love about the genre. It’s well written, the characters are well rounded and believable, but it is unmistakably about being a young person. This is my first time reading anything by Maureen Johnson, but it won’t be my last. This story is a mystery novel, but it’s also a novel about wanting your narrative to go one way but dealing with the interruptions of reality.
There's something different about how this book is written. I can't put my finger on it, but generally, I felt like I couldn't really get a good grasp of the characters? Tbh, it really added to the tension/suspicion in each interaction, and was probably intentional, given that the character we're seeing this through wants to be a detective.
The mystery is v entriguing, but going into it knowing there are so many books in this series, I was already annoyed that this was going to get draggggged out.
Hard to put down though, and I can't stop thinking about the next one.
The mystery is v entriguing, but going into it knowing there are so many books in this series, I was already annoyed that this was going to get draggggged out.
Hard to put down though, and I can't stop thinking about the next one.
Incredibly entertaining it’s a 3.5 for sure but nothing astonishing and YA so that’s why it’s getting 3 stars. When can I start the next one?!
Seems the author took some tips from the marisha pessl school of writing
I started this book while I was super busy, so I didn’t really get around to actually reading it until a day ago. I wish I gave it the time right away BECAUSE IT’S AMAZING. I truly (haha pun) could not put this murder mystery down. Stevie is such a fun character to follow along with! It’s written well with detailed imagery. Also, David has my heart lol. I ordered the second book right away!!