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3.81 AVERAGE
3.81 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
mysterious
fast-paced
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Satisfying mystery that keeps the reader guessing even when they are sure they’ve sussed it!
mysterious
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Diverse cast of characters:
No
I have a lot of thoughts on this book, the first being that I understand and appreciate the decision to publish it with only the absolutely necessary amount of editing done because it was published after the author's passing. That being said, I do want to point out that you can definitely tell. The writing is notably rough around the edges, especially dialogues and character descriptions often felt a bit stiff and clumsy; specifically those of female characters, which brings me to my next point of critcism.
It was very obvious that the book was written 20 years ago. Maybe I've become more attuned to outdated attitudes in books than I realised or maybe I was especially sensitive to it now because the last few books I read before this one were all published in the 2020s. Either way, I was unpleasantly surprised and annoyed by the sheer amount of remarks with an underlying misogynistic, homophobic, fatphobic or racist tone throughout the entire story. These were both uncomfortably casually sprinkled in and, unsurprisingly, served no purpose whatsoever. I further feel that topics such as mental health issues, alcoholism and sexual assault, especially of men, failed to be handled with the sensibility they deserve.
My third and last "big" issue with this book was the entirely unnecessary addition of a romantic sub-plot. It was palpably out of place and felt forced, even more so considering that it was the only thing going on that added nothing to the investigation. God forbid a female character, even less a female main character, does not have a romantic interest and is fine with that! Oh, the misery!Jonathan was whatever, but Patrick pissed me off to no end (I commend the author for her ability to write a character so loathesome and deeply insufferable) and when at some point it almost seemed like him and Jazz would get back together, I was ready to throw the book.
I realise it sounds like I didn't enjoy the book at all, but that is thankfully not the case. Regarding the plot, I had a really good time reading it. The entire thing was set up and structured very effectively. The intrigue is there from the start and the progression of the case is very well-paced which held my attention from the first page to the last, despite all my hang-ups. The wide expanse of characters and hints was superbly well-managed and put together. This was an entertaining read and has evidently been very thought-provoking in a way, which I appreciate.
If you're looking for something plot-driven that'll keep you guessing and are content with a simple, somewhat unpolished writing style and mostly shallow characterisations, I can recommend this book.
It was very obvious that the book was written 20 years ago. Maybe I've become more attuned to outdated attitudes in books than I realised or maybe I was especially sensitive to it now because the last few books I read before this one were all published in the 2020s. Either way, I was unpleasantly surprised and annoyed by the sheer amount of remarks with an underlying misogynistic, homophobic, fatphobic or racist tone throughout the entire story. These were both uncomfortably casually sprinkled in and, unsurprisingly, served no purpose whatsoever. I further feel that topics such as mental health issues, alcoholism and sexual assault, especially of men, failed to be handled with the sensibility they deserve.
My third and last "big" issue with this book was the entirely unnecessary addition of a romantic sub-plot. It was palpably out of place and felt forced, even more so considering that it was the only thing going on that added nothing to the investigation. God forbid a female character, even less a female main character, does not have a romantic interest and is fine with that! Oh, the misery!
I realise it sounds like I didn't enjoy the book at all, but that is thankfully not the case. Regarding the plot, I had a really good time reading it. The entire thing was set up and structured very effectively. The intrigue is there from the start and the progression of the case is very well-paced which held my attention from the first page to the last, despite all my hang-ups. The wide expanse of characters and hints was superbly well-managed and put together. This was an entertaining read and has evidently been very thought-provoking in a way, which I appreciate.
If you're looking for something plot-driven that'll keep you guessing and are content with a simple, somewhat unpolished writing style and mostly shallow characterisations, I can recommend this book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide
Minor: Sexual assault
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-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:
Yes