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karachapp's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- 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? No
3.75
Moderate: Ableism, Alcoholism, Death, Emotional abuse, and Homophobia
joeytruty's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
First off, both mysteries are very well done and mostly satisfying. The solution to the overarching mystery is a bit stretched, in my opinion, but I'm willing to overlook it because the ride to get their was filled with enough happy solutions.
However, it is shocking to me that this author continues to dance along the edge of good and bad LGBT representation. This is now the second series (the first being The Word is Murder) where portrayal of gay relationships, people, and plot threads falls flat more often than I was comfortable. It's a complicated issue and one that I think, mostly, comes from a place of good intention. I will 100% continue reading this series and the other mentioned, but I'm not sure how far down this line Horowitz can go.
However, it is shocking to me that this author continues to dance along the edge of good and bad LGBT representation. This is now the second series (the first being The Word is Murder) where portrayal of gay relationships, people, and plot threads falls flat more often than I was comfortable. It's a complicated issue and one that I think, mostly, comes from a place of good intention. I will 100% continue reading this series and the other mentioned, but I'm not sure how far down this line Horowitz can go.
Moderate: Homophobia, Suicide, and Alcoholism
jim_jam's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
It’s a good book but once again I find the insertion of the second book in the middle very strange. It does make sense with the plot but the break in the main story is disconcerting and does make the story rather long and much harder to keep track of. I did enjoy the book though. somewhat get the vibe of anti-sex work sentiment and anti-bdsm for the author. The homophobia of the killer does not sit well with me, it feels quite contrived and forced.
Graphic: Death, Murder, Homophobia, and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Alcoholism, Stalking, Misogyny, Infidelity, Car accident, and Ableism
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