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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book really had me second guessing who the murderer was up until the reveal. The characters were all delightful, but maybe a bit too perfect to feel totally real. I honestly didn’t mind it though, it just made me read it as more of a comedy-drama instead of a grim murder mystery. My one qualm with the book is that, as a native Chicagoan, i found the details about Chicago pulled me out of the story. One of the victims is “from the Loop”? And somehow Evan Wilding lives on the top of a hill in a famously flat city? If you are not familiar with the area, this will not affect your enjoyment of the book whatsoever. it’s only bitter snobs like myself who will notice, but notice I did.
Not sure which character was more annoying—the “brilliant forensic semiotician” or the pretentious serial killer dubbed the Viking Poet. No patience for the sort of murderer who somehow manages to appear completely normal 99% of the time, while being batshit crazy. Plus, how does one hold down a job while stalking the protagonist, carrying out complicated killing rites AND composing arcane poetry. Less a believable procedural than an opportunity for the author to regurgitate copious amounts of research into runes, Viking mythology, bog bodies, etc.
Decent free amazon read, endearing characters, and I learned a good bit about Vikings.
I liked it. Not fabulous, but I'd read more of this author. The characters were more interesting and unique than most writers make them, although they all spoke exactly the same. Overall a good read.
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Bullying, Cursing, Death, Mental illness, Misogyny, Violence, Kidnapping, Stalking, Murder, Gaslighting