Scan barcode
ordinarypickle's review
This was really bad, felt poorly researched, and I couldn't care less about any of the characters
tayparks's review
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
bookph1le's review against another edition
3.0
A fun enough mystery, though I would have preferred a different ending. I also wish the author hadn't tried to write some of the character POVs in dialect. I really hate when authors do this, and in this case it often didn't strike me as particularly authentic.
litwithleigh's review
3.0
Writing: basic | Plot: JUICY b/c I'm obsessed with the tropes used | Ending: fine
Phat ass trigger warning: religious trauma, child abuse, GRAPHIC miscarriage around 87%
SYNOPSIS
3 wives. 1 dead husband. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MY OPINION
This is the equivalent of reading a gossip magazine. Objectively, you know it is trash, but subjectively, you're vibing. If I'm being a hard ass, I'd probably give this a 2. But since I'm the biggest hoe for cults and bigamy/polygamy on the planet, I was eating this up. If you are not a mega-fan (yes the mega is important) of these tropes, give it a pass. Also, this is LONG. Like over 400 pages. So I'm expecting some congratulatory comments because if you've followed my reviews, you know I'm all about that <380 pgs LOL.
According to the author's note, Cate Quinn did her research for this book and has even won a fancy grant to conduct some other unrelated research in Britain. HOWEVER, if you look through the reviews, there's many dissenting opinnis from Mormons about how Mormonism and the FLDS are represented in this book. I cannot speak to the accuracy of the religious representation, but I would say that if you love being a Mormon, you probably shouldn't read this.
I was HELLA confused as to why Rachel, Tina, and Emily were using Southern dialect in Utah??? Especially Tina who was from Las Vegas??? Not that I lived in LV, but I've been around the block and I don't think LV natives say stuff like "I'm fixin' for a burrito" ?????? Tbh the Southern dialect was such a bizarre choice that I would've dnfed if the tropes weren't my faves of all time. Strange vibes for sure.
Anyways, I'll be the first to admit this isn't a literary masterpiece and there's some swiss cheese plot hole moments. If you're looking for a trashy, juicy read and you love cults and bigamy/polygamy, then go right ahead.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: JUICY tropes, surprisingly fast-paced for being over 400pgs but that might be because I loved the tropes
Cons: characters born in Utah and Nevada using Southern dialect ????, lots of plot holes lol, I was confused as to what time period this took place in
____________________________
For some sick reason, do you want to hear more of my nonsense? Check out my podcast: Novels & Nonsense streaming everywhere.
Phat ass trigger warning: religious trauma, child abuse, GRAPHIC miscarriage around 87%
SYNOPSIS
3 wives. 1 dead husband. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MY OPINION
This is the equivalent of reading a gossip magazine. Objectively, you know it is trash, but subjectively, you're vibing. If I'm being a hard ass, I'd probably give this a 2. But since I'm the biggest hoe for cults and bigamy/polygamy on the planet, I was eating this up. If you are not a mega-fan (yes the mega is important) of these tropes, give it a pass. Also, this is LONG. Like over 400 pages. So I'm expecting some congratulatory comments because if you've followed my reviews, you know I'm all about that <380 pgs LOL.
According to the author's note, Cate Quinn did her research for this book and has even won a fancy grant to conduct some other unrelated research in Britain. HOWEVER, if you look through the reviews, there's many dissenting opinnis from Mormons about how Mormonism and the FLDS are represented in this book. I cannot speak to the accuracy of the religious representation, but I would say that if you love being a Mormon, you probably shouldn't read this.
I was HELLA confused as to why Rachel, Tina, and Emily were using Southern dialect in Utah??? Especially Tina who was from Las Vegas??? Not that I lived in LV, but I've been around the block and I don't think LV natives say stuff like "I'm fixin' for a burrito" ?????? Tbh the Southern dialect was such a bizarre choice that I would've dnfed if the tropes weren't my faves of all time. Strange vibes for sure.
Anyways, I'll be the first to admit this isn't a literary masterpiece and there's some swiss cheese plot hole moments. If you're looking for a trashy, juicy read and you love cults and bigamy/polygamy, then go right ahead.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: JUICY tropes, surprisingly fast-paced for being over 400pgs but that might be because I loved the tropes
Cons: characters born in Utah and Nevada using Southern dialect ????, lots of plot holes lol, I was confused as to what time period this took place in
____________________________
For some sick reason, do you want to hear more of my nonsense? Check out my podcast: Novels & Nonsense streaming everywhere.
bookish_withsky's review against another edition
3.0
I did not have overly high expectations going into this point. It is multiple point of view and revolved around Mormons in a poly marriage. There are three wives whose husband has been killed and none of them get along with one another. However, I was baffled. Each point of view feels like an actual different person is speaking. I genuinely could not tell which I full heartedly believed had done it. I felt each had reasonable motive, so much so that it would be a little harder to blame them, but none of the wives really seemed capable of murdering their husband. Not only are you working out the murder mystery, you're also trying to solve the mystery behind the first wife's past. It genuinely blew me away and I loved every minute of it.
karenina4777's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- 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
courtneyyloves's review
5.0
5 Stars
“Blake’s dead, his wife killed him. The question is… what one?”
A murder. Cults. Dark themes. An absolute thrilling and interesting read. I liked each perspective we got from Tina, Rachel, and Emily. We learn how they came to meet Blake, and live together. I love how different they are and how they grow throughout the book. I liked the friendship they didnt have and then they did.
Lots of triggering subjects as well.
“Blake’s dead, his wife killed him. The question is… what one?”
A murder. Cults. Dark themes. An absolute thrilling and interesting read. I liked each perspective we got from Tina, Rachel, and Emily. We learn how they came to meet Blake, and live together. I love how different they are and how they grow throughout the book. I liked the friendship they didnt have and then they did.
Lots of triggering subjects as well.
lucmuc's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75