Reviews - Den mørke almen

3.17k reviews for:

I really wanted to love this book because I've heard great things about the author, but I don't think this was the right one to start with. I enjoyed the writing all the way through, and didn't mind the slow pace. However, it was a very long time to spend in the head of this entitled, manipulative protagonist. I believed we'd be watching a character transformation as he deals with a near-death experience, traumatic brain injury, and the unraveling of a gruesome crime in his family, but no such luck. I really enjoyed the first third of this book, but didn't feel very invested by the end.

thebookenjoyer's review against another edition

3.0

I loved the first 400 pages a lot, even though the pacing is super slow for a traditional mystery, in that they don’t find the skull until 150 pages in. But his fight with/killing of the cop doesn’t work for me. It’s wildly bleak and was so upsetting to read, and it also seems so unbelievable that Toby could take down a large, strong cop who would know how to fight. And then there’s no explanation for the break-in that’s satisfying — why did they go through those drawers so thoroughly, was it just to look for that watch? I did really love the read for most of this book, Tana French is so good with the tension and love and complicated relationships between members of the family, and reading about the Ivy House is a pleasure.

tiffml's review against another edition

2.0

Not sure why I even finished this. The story was not compelling and none of the characters were likable.

sarabethscodius's review against another edition

2.0

2.5

brb_reads's review against another edition

2.0

As an (almost) Tana French completist, this one really did not work for me. Typically her stories flow well and keep me engaged but I had to rewind several times because I lost attention. It felt disjointed and even some of the main events didn’t feel believable. Still plan on reading all of her books and her new one coming out but can say I’m glad this one is over.

mselvis's review against another edition

4.0

Just when you think you are a good person.

lilcoop71's review against another edition

3.0

You can't go wrong with Tana French, but this was not one of my favorites. Honestly I felt that it could have been shorter; and though there was a surprise twist at the end, I didn't really enjoy the twist or find it all that plausible, while the solution to the main mystery wasn't all that surprising. However, there was one very odd detail in the book that reminded me so much of In the Woods that I need to go back and read it again.