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wickedgrumpy's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Premise was quite good, but the execution suffered. It dragged in the middle and the wrap up at the end wasn’t very satisfying because it left so many questions unanswered.
Minor: Ableism, Addiction, Alcoholism, Body horror, Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Chronic illness, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Gore, Gun violence, Infidelity, Mental illness, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexism, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Medical trauma, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Dysphoria, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
shawniejo's review against another edition
4.0
Graphic: Child death, Death, Gun violence, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Murder, Pregnancy, and Alcohol
Moderate: Torture and Suicide attempt
Minor: Rape
jess_tries2read's review against another edition
- 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? Yes
5.0
The story starts in the most dramatic way possible: a consciousness in a body they don't remember, nor do they remember anything else, except one name, Anna. This character is dragged into a neverending whirlwind of events once he sees a woman sprinting through the forest crying for help. Eventually he ends up a Blackheath, a blighted estate that once held prestige, until it was marred by the death of one of the Hardcadtle children 19 years ago.
The unique mystery had me in its grip until it ended.
5/5
Graphic: Child death, Suicide, and Blood
Minor: Body horror, Sexual harassment, and Classism
literarydumpling's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I said about a third of the way through the book and I had the impression that I probably wasn't clever enough to solve the mystery in the book. I'm glad to say that was the only 100% correct conclusion I came to for this book.
So cleverly written, I love the premise and the way the elements weave themselves together. A little baffling at times, but not so much that you won't pick the book up again.
I did find it incredibly useful that they had a character list and map at the front of the book so it was easy to refer to (and not miss, unlike some of my adventures in other books). It's a very unique take on a mystery thriller that I've not seen before with some slight fantasy/supernatural elements to it that are simple enough to understand.
Seriously enjoyable and the twists and reveals were all incredibly satisfying.
Graphic: Suicide, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Child death
priscillarobock's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Moderate: Child death, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Suicide attempt, Murder, Gaslighting, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
heini's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Child death, Confinement, Death, Fatphobia, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Moderate: Infidelity, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Blood
Minor: Animal death, Drug use, Torture, Stalking, and Fire/Fire injury
blewballoon's review against another edition
- 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? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Violence, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Fatphobia
Minor: Drug abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Alcohol, and Classism
ambarleti's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Graphic: Ableism, Child death, Drug use, Fatphobia, Suicide, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Child abuse
nikimorr's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The setting is just as creative and incredible as the character concept - Blackheath House, a mansion crumbling to the ground. A party with the exact same guests as those 19 years prior - when the hosts’ son was murdered during the party. We never quite know when or where in the world this party all takes place, leaving it all up to the imagination. Totally original and unique!
By the end, admittedly, it can feel difficult to keep all the details straight; however, the author is kind enough to add extra reminders throughout about who someone is or a detail I’d forgotten. With the last few perspectives, it is almost impossible to completely keep up with every detail, but you realize it does not matter - it’ll all come together, and the author is intentionally keeping you, the reader, in the dark for the big finale.
I was definitely cheering for our main character to solve it all by the end. One thing remains clear - he is a good person. But was he always a good person?
SPOILERS AHEAD - My favorite part about the ending is not learning exactly what happened to Evelyn Hardcastle as it is learning why Aiden and Anna are there. What a concept for a PRISON! And for Aiden, it really is a prison, and you feel it with him throughout the book. Learning that Anna, who Aiden comes to love and trust is truly his enemy, is a true thinking moment for the reader. Can people change? Are some people worth saving even after committing horrible crimes? What really is our true nature? One thing that stuck with me is that Aiden finally succeeded in solving the mystery when he truly was a kind and good person throughout - maybe the good guys do win in the end.
Graphic: Child death, Confinement, Death, Murder, and Classism
Moderate: Animal death, Violence, Blood, Stalking, and Alcohol
samisreading's review against another edition
4.5
Graphic: Animal death, Fatphobia, Gun violence, Blood, and Murder