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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
M... kay....
So, this book is CLEARLY the first in a series. You’re probably thinking “Duh. It’s literally a trilogy”, but I mean it in the sense that you can clearly TELL that it is the first in a series because it doesn’t really stand on its own. This is the first third of a mystery, the first third if a story and that is really obvious.
Therefore, it makes it very hard to review. I don’t really know my feelings on this book because it’s like... just the beginning, ya know??? There’s not really much to have an opinion on.
So far, the characters are really interesting and there is also a lot if diversity which just feels really natural, unlike in some books where diversity is just there for the sake of diversity. Each character has a distinct and unique personality and there’s a really lovable cast if characters (especially Nate, my fave).
However, one thing I’d like to mention is that there is one character who uses they/them pronouns, yet is referred two as ‘she’ by the narrator a handful of times after this interaction - just something to note. Hopefully this was just something that was missed during editing and will be fixed in the next instalment.
The mysteries being set up are really interesting and I’m looking forward to see where we go from here.
So, this book is CLEARLY the first in a series. You’re probably thinking “Duh. It’s literally a trilogy”, but I mean it in the sense that you can clearly TELL that it is the first in a series because it doesn’t really stand on its own. This is the first third of a mystery, the first third if a story and that is really obvious.
Therefore, it makes it very hard to review. I don’t really know my feelings on this book because it’s like... just the beginning, ya know??? There’s not really much to have an opinion on.
So far, the characters are really interesting and there is also a lot if diversity which just feels really natural, unlike in some books where diversity is just there for the sake of diversity. Each character has a distinct and unique personality and there’s a really lovable cast if characters (especially Nate, my fave).
However, one thing I’d like to mention is that there is one character who uses they/them pronouns, yet is referred two as ‘she’ by the narrator a handful of times after this interaction - just something to note. Hopefully this was just something that was missed during editing and will be fixed in the next instalment.
The mysteries being set up are really interesting and I’m looking forward to see where we go from here.
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
So fun. Reminds me of the Gallagher girls series!!
adventurous
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I am so confused by the ending. Who is Truly Devious? What happens to Ellie? What happens to David and Stevie? I cannot wait for the second book!!!
Overall I don't know my opinion on this exactly. It was a meh read but the mystery is really interesting so an extra star for that and also because I love Stevie.
Also it was slow and weird. No more words.
Edit: changing the rating to 3 stars just cuz i have these moments where i think abt my rating too hard and decide that it wasn't that amazing
Also it was slow and weird. No more words.
Edit: changing the rating to 3 stars just cuz i have these moments where i think abt my rating too hard and decide that it wasn't that amazing
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book was picked for April by our Cozy Mystery Bookclub. I think it has been one of my favorites so far.
On the surface Ellingham Academy is an ordinary school, but dig deeper and it is a place to give kids leeway to be themselves. Stephanie (Stevie) Bell applied and one of her querks… solving the 1936 kidnapping and murder of the school’s founding father’s wife (Iris) and daughter (Alice). As well as the murder of another student. And Stevie – got in – not only is she a true crime junkie – She also fights anxiety. But at this school, she feels like she’s “home”. Until one of the students, dies. They think they know who the murderer is.. but do they really? The setting, the two in one murder mystery, and the characters will draw you in instantly.
The book is the first in the series and I am anxious to read the next few. In fact we chose both #2 and #3 in the series for May’s book club.
Book Quote: “You have to take things as they are, not how you hear they’re supposed to be.”
On the surface Ellingham Academy is an ordinary school, but dig deeper and it is a place to give kids leeway to be themselves. Stephanie (Stevie) Bell applied and one of her querks… solving the 1936 kidnapping and murder of the school’s founding father’s wife (Iris) and daughter (Alice). As well as the murder of another student. And Stevie – got in – not only is she a true crime junkie – She also fights anxiety. But at this school, she feels like she’s “home”. Until one of the students, dies. They think they know who the murderer is.. but do they really? The setting, the two in one murder mystery, and the characters will draw you in instantly.
The book is the first in the series and I am anxious to read the next few. In fact we chose both #2 and #3 in the series for May’s book club.
Book Quote: “You have to take things as they are, not how you hear they’re supposed to be.”