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inirac's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Addiction, Cursing, Drug abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Hate crime, Racial slurs, Racism, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Police brutality, Religious bigotry, Murder, Cultural appropriation, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, and Colonisation
Moderate: Animal death, Abandonment, and War
5teverin0's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Death, Gore, Gun violence, Racism, Violence, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual content
karobiner's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Addiction, Gun violence, Racism, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Death, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Police brutality, Murder, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Colonisation, War, and Injury/Injury detail
oz2021's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Graphic: Death, Gore, Racial slurs, Racism, Violence, Xenophobia, Murder, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Misogyny and Panic attacks/disorders
babsbee's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Graphic: Death, Gore, Gun violence, Racism, Blood, and Murder
katy_bee's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
I found the characters well drawn and compelling, the mystery intriguing and the world building was excellent- and thought provoking.
The final chapters meander a little as the story enters its final twists but I was invested enough by then that I can forgive it!
Graphic: Racism, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Gun violence, Hate crime, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, and War
kerrygetsliterary's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
In an alternate version of 1920s United States where Indigenous Americans have thrived instead of being nearly completely wiped out, a gruesome murder is discovered at the top of the Land Trust building. A nondescript white man has been killed in a brutal way, and the once peaceful Cahokia is now in frightened conflict. Detectives Barrow and Drummond begin to investigate and learn that not everything is at it seems.
I have mixed feelings about this book. It's very possible that I'm just not smart enough for it, or reading it at a different time would make me feel differently about it. Who knows.
First, the pros. The writing is excellent. This is my first novel by Francis Spufford, and while I didn't love it, I would still read his other work
The plot is interesting and well planned.
The MC Barrow is well developed and I enjoyed reading his journey.
The alternate history of 1920s America was intriguing. It parallels the US of today in many ways, which is a sad reality of our society.
Now, the cons. It is evident we are meant to root for Barrow and despise Drummond (he's awful), however I wanted more. It's not particularly clear why Drummond does what he does or has his beliefs, unless I just missed it.
Some of the dialogue felt awkward.
There is a lot going on and I found it hard to follow at first.
The touch of romance felt unnecessary and out of p[ace.
The opening of the book pulled me in, then it dragged a bit, then got interesting again. I both liked and disliked the ending. I almost DNFed but I'm glad I stuck it out. And the author's note at the end made me appreciate it more, however I wish that was at the beginning of the book instead. So maybe read that first if you're interested? I can definitely see many readers loving this and I understand why there are 5 star reviews already. It will appeal to those who enjoy light historical fiction with a murder mystery. If you read it, let me know what you think!
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Cursing, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Violence, Blood, Murder, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail