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3.27 AVERAGE
3.27 AVERAGE
I downloaded the audiobook of this from the library. Sadly after four or five chapters I had to give up as the narrator wasn't working for me (partly because he sounded about 12!), but I was invested enough to download the Kindle version. I liked the Cumbrian setting - my Aunt and Uncle lived there and we holidayed with them often, so I have a real fondness for the area. It was a fun story, although I guessed 'whodunnit' quite early on. I didn't realise it was part of a series. The next book is Christmassy (or maybe just wintery) so I'll probably give it a go sometime.
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abortion, Murder
The potential for this book was huge and I was excited to read it. Unfortunately it just didn’t meet those expectations. The backbone of the story was great and if you just took the story itself it’s enjoyable. But the poor level of writing, it felt like it had been written by a 15 year old, that was so stop-starty, jolting with no character development just ruined it for me, which was a shame because the potential is high.
This is a great police procedural/mystery story, where DI James Walker has to find out who is murdering residents of the village of Kirkby Abbey in Cumbria during the Christmas season. The murderer has been leaving Christmas cards with different people who he feels are sinners and should be punished for their 'crimes'. He plans to kill twelve people over the twelve days of Christmas. He also leaves James a disgusting Christmas present at his front door. James has his wife Annie to protect, so he sets out to find out who the killer is and he is very surprised when he discovers who it is. I really enjoyed this book, even though I guessed who the killer was very early on. I enjoyed the relationship between James and Annie and their back stories. I love a good murder mystery and this one ticked all the boxes! I especially liked that it was set at Christmas time.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
As a huge fan of this author, I was so excited to finish my festive reads with this. A gripping thriller with the tag line of 12 days, 12 murders. An absolute great concept and I began to read with heaps of anticipation.
Unfortunately, I was left disappointed. Despite starting well, and being reeled in by the tradition of this authors writing style, it’s pace slowed half way through, and I was left deflated when the final reveal was made. Although it made sense because of the connections between the killer and their victims, it felt very rush and half finished. There was more that could have been done with this.
As festive thrillers goes, this is just an average read, but not awful. It hasn’t put me off from picking up more by this author, just not his greatest work so be prepared!
Unfortunately, I was left disappointed. Despite starting well, and being reeled in by the tradition of this authors writing style, it’s pace slowed half way through, and I was left deflated when the final reveal was made. Although it made sense because of the connections between the killer and their victims, it felt very rush and half finished. There was more that could have been done with this.
As festive thrillers goes, this is just an average read, but not awful. It hasn’t put me off from picking up more by this author, just not his greatest work so be prepared!
adventurous
dark
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes