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book_concierge's review
1.0
ZERO stars
This is the third book in the Riverdale mystery series starring the four teens from the Archie comic books: Archie, Veronica, Jughead and Betty.
In this episode the mayor (Veronica’s mom) has decided to revive an old tradition of the Riverdale Revels, a celebration of fall that includes a pageant. Seems the Revels were an annual tradition for many years, but stopped inexplicably in the 1940s, shortly after the town was official incorporated/founded, and at which time a time capsule was buried. So this year’s festivities will start with the unearthing and opening of the capsule. But when it’s opened …
Up to this point it seems like a pretty typical YA mystery. But then it goes in all sorts of weird directions. There’s a cult involved, seems there may have been some serious bad business in the past that everyone is covering up. Ostow includes a couple of pages of “The Maple Man” musing about his next victim, which seem to go nowhere. Then there are Betty’s diary entries, which read like no teen’s diary I’ve ever seen. And the occasional series of cryptic text messages. Ostow also is trying too hard, in my opinion, to diversify her cast. There are bi-sexual kids, a lesbian couple, a gay guy who’s planning to be in the pageant.
The whole thing is just a hot mess. Oh, well, at least it fulfilled a challenge or two.
This is the third book in the Riverdale mystery series starring the four teens from the Archie comic books: Archie, Veronica, Jughead and Betty.
In this episode the mayor (Veronica’s mom) has decided to revive an old tradition of the Riverdale Revels, a celebration of fall that includes a pageant. Seems the Revels were an annual tradition for many years, but stopped inexplicably in the 1940s, shortly after the town was official incorporated/founded, and at which time a time capsule was buried. So this year’s festivities will start with the unearthing and opening of the capsule. But when it’s opened …
Up to this point it seems like a pretty typical YA mystery. But then it goes in all sorts of weird directions. There’s a cult involved, seems there may have been some serious bad business in the past that everyone is covering up. Ostow includes a couple of pages of “The Maple Man” musing about his next victim, which seem to go nowhere. Then there are Betty’s diary entries, which read like no teen’s diary I’ve ever seen. And the occasional series of cryptic text messages. Ostow also is trying too hard, in my opinion, to diversify her cast. There are bi-sexual kids, a lesbian couple, a gay guy who’s planning to be in the pageant.
The whole thing is just a hot mess. Oh, well, at least it fulfilled a challenge or two.
hitbooksnotgirlz's review against another edition
3.0
This series doesn’t really feel like a series at all. Each novel sort of starts in a new place in time, and answers few (if any) questions about where the last one left off. Was Archie exonerated for the crime Hiram Lodge framed him for? If he was, how so? The lack of answers is irritating to me, so I give it three stars. It would be a solid 4 if the series was written a little (or a lot)more seamlessly. These feel more like stand alone novels for fans of the TV show than a cohesive series.
btpbookclub's review against another edition
4.0
This is book three in the Riverdale series best read in order. These books are getting better and better. This book focuses on bringing back an old town tradition. But the gang want to know more about this tradition... Why did it stop? Whats it about? They soon find it has a deadly twist and noone wants to talk about it. But after digging up a time barrel 75 years old, they soon have to start talking about it and its shocking.
A suspense filled story. A dark twist. Brilliant read. Devoured it in a day. Highly recommend. Four stars from me. According to Amazon this story doesn't feature in the tv series.
A suspense filled story. A dark twist. Brilliant read. Devoured it in a day. Highly recommend. Four stars from me. According to Amazon this story doesn't feature in the tv series.
huntercamp's review
4.0
It’s absolutely ridiculous, but I will say it’s exactly what I wanted. Riverdale is an absolutely ridiculous show that I adore, and the author honestly gets the insane charm, and the voices of each one of the over dramatic characters. Honestly enjoyed it.
booksandcoasters96's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- 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? It's complicated
3.0
ieryka_magic's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
dblue236's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
greergreer's review against another edition
3.0
Needed more of the murder mystery in the beginning. All the good bits of this book were in the last chapter.