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asourceoffiction's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
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? Yes
3.5
Loved the atmospheric setting, loved all the jazz, loved the characters (particularly Louis Armstrong and Ida). I thought the killings would be the thing that drew me into this book, but it was so much more about the people.
The narrative structure was fun because each group would uncover a different piece of the puzzle, and there was plenty for them each to unravel. But the puzzle itself was a little convoluted, and so many names were thrown about that I struggled to keep them all straight even by the end.
I really enjoyed it the more I got to know everyone, but the little pockets of plot confusion just kept it from being more memorable for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Racial slurs, Violence, Murder, and Rape
jessgrace88's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Police brutality, Sexual violence, and Murder
Moderate: Pedophilia and War
Minor: Blood, Domestic abuse, Alcohol, Addiction, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, and Abortion
crows_in_a_trenchcoat's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
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? No
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Murder, Rape, Gore, Death, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Blood, Racism, and Racial slurs
Moderate: Pedophilia
noonjinx's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
New Orleans 1919: an axe weilding serial killer is murdering seemingly unrelated victims (in rooms locked from the inside) and leaving tarot cards behind (implying a voodoo connection). The story plays out against a background of mafia violence, police corruption, racial tensions and the dawn of jazz (young Louis Armstrong is a character).
The summary sounds great, and the writing flows quite well, but somehow the author manages to make this book rather dull. I didn't care about any of the characters, there is very little interaction between them, they have hardly any agency, none of them seemed to be in any jeopardy until about page 200, and some of their storylines don't go anywhere. Even the killings they are investigating happen offstage.
I nearly gave up half way through. The second half is better but not enough to make me read another.
The summary sounds great, and the writing flows quite well, but somehow the author manages to make this book rather dull. I didn't care about any of the characters, there is very little interaction between them, they have hardly any agency, none of them seemed to be in any jeopardy until about page 200, and some of their storylines don't go anywhere. Even the killings they are investigating happen offstage.
I nearly gave up half way through. The second half is better but not enough to make me read another.
Content Warnings
Minor: Murder and Child abuse
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