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akshade's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Graphic: Stalking, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Gore, Death, Body horror, Violence, Kidnapping, and Murder
Moderate: Mental illness and Pregnancy
Minor: Suicide attempt
ksilvio's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Moderate: Murder and Torture
Minor: Child abuse, Miscarriage, Pregnancy, Suicide attempt, Adult/minor relationship, and Stalking
erosencrantz's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Murder and Gore
vickyhhh's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Graphic: Murder and Death
alexisgarcia's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
Graphic: Alcohol, Grief, Murder, Stalking, Death, Gaslighting, and Pregnancy
emory's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
2.5
The concept was extremely intriguing, and what makes it most disappointing is that one of the false flag tracks that the main character tries to investigate--the only one, actually, before stumbling into the real answer with two "and then it hits me" sentences following paragraphs that in no way lead into her wild conclusions that just so happen to be correct--would have presented a much more interesting and absorbing read. <Spoiler> The man obsessed with collection as a form of manipulation in the art world and the way that would tie into the feminist statements Kim Lord was seeking to make would have made for a much better, contemplative, genuinely intriguing story! Hummel, though, does not flesh out the feminist aspect of her character's work at all, constantly mentioning it but failing to explain how the grisly art exhibit she's concocted would involve feminist theory at all. In fact, the book tread the same trail of sensationalizing and aestheticizing the
This book is not without it's merit. The voice of the main character is very distinct and believable, if a bit corny at times. And despite the frilly and ridiculous habit of ending a paragraph with an italicized fragment of what she was just talking about, Hummel is very skilled at setting the scene and mood. Had this been a noir novel taking place in 20th century LA, I would've been extremely impressed. The research on the city glowed through the actual plot, and the settings became their own characters. The times when the protagonist was describing her bygone days as a crime journalist were gripping in their remorse and mysteriousness.
I do think this book exceeds it's mission within the thriller genre, but I wish the author had taken her very compelling ideas to a more interesting conclusion and turned the genre on its head, made the book mean something rather than striving for a gripping afternoon read. But on its mediocre objective, it did deliver.
Graphic: Death, Murder, Misogyny, and Stalking
Moderate: Gore, Suicide attempt, and Violence
kayseearr's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Maggie’s backstory with the hometown murder case was also underdeveloped and unclear. She can be still compelled to find out the truth about Kim without having a past experience to motivate her!
Graphic: Murder and Violence