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3.5 AVERAGE
3.5 AVERAGE
"The only unforgiveable sin is to be boring." Christopher Hitches (though it does sound like something Oscar Wilde would say, too).
Well, this book committed the unforgivable sin: it was boring. It was neither scary or funny enough to be truly interesting. Now, the concept/premise IS interesting. That is why I purchased this book in the first place. The execution, sadly, missed the mark.
The characters were fine. They came across as well-defined for the most part. Though, I'm not sure about Melissa's whole aversion to religion/the occult. It had potential but I feel like it was rushed, like so many elements in this book.
I'm quite open to conceding that my disinterest in this book is because I like my horror more...intense. I guess it's appropriate this book took place in the suburbs because the story was quite pedestrian. As I read that last chapter, I just kept hearing "Thank You for Being A Friend" play in my head.
If you are one who like horror set in a suburban backdrop then I would recommend Cunning Folk by Adam Nevill.
Well, this book committed the unforgivable sin: it was boring. It was neither scary or funny enough to be truly interesting. Now, the concept/premise IS interesting. That is why I purchased this book in the first place. The execution, sadly, missed the mark.
The characters were fine. They came across as well-defined for the most part. Though, I'm not sure about Melissa's whole aversion to religion/the occult. It had potential but I feel like it was rushed, like so many elements in this book.
I'm quite open to conceding that my disinterest in this book is because I like my horror more...intense. I guess it's appropriate this book took place in the suburbs because the story was quite pedestrian. As I read that last chapter, I just kept hearing "Thank You for Being A Friend" play in my head.
If you are one who like horror set in a suburban backdrop then I would recommend Cunning Folk by Adam Nevill.
First, I will tell you, in case you're not very into "horror" that this book is what I would consider "horror lite". I mean, there's a demon and a little gory imagery, and TRIGGER for those that need it, a little bit of animal violence; but I still wouldn't consider it a true "horror", we're not talking Bentley Little or Stephen King here. It was a little campy and more than a little cheesy, but I'm not using either of those words in a bad way, in fact, without those elements, the book probably would have been barely a two start for me. At first I was afraid I was going to pull-the-bookmark because I couldn't handle these suburban housewife woman and their mundane problems etc... It is a world I 100% cannot relate to so I was just not on board with them. They were kind of whiny, a little annoying and I was going to puke if they mentioned Lululemon leggings, for real. Then the She-Shed happened and you'd think that would be the final nail in the coffin of this book, but nope. This actually blew the doors off and opened up something very sinister and dangerous which is what these ladies needed to reexamine their priorities, their families and their place in the world beyond their cul-de-sac. The author has amazing pacing and a great sense of humor, which made this a very easy read. I will look for more of her books, they will probably be fun pallet cleanser reads between heavier subjects.
I thought this would be a funny chic lit, but it was a more serious horror kind. 3.5 stars.
2.75 because the cover was awesome. I could visualize what the author wrote but also, I’m the type of mom who wears a black skirted bathing suit so there’s that. Sorry, I digress…honestly, I probably am older than who the author targeted.
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-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:
No
A dissapointment, I didn't care about any of the characters which killed the suspense. There are better books with similar plots out there.
I don't typically read horror, but I was hooked by the premise. Amy, Jess, Melissa, and Liz are neighbours who have a monthly wine get-together. A demonic force is released when Liz builds a shed in her backyard. Liz is now possessed and she is ready to shake up the Chicago cul-de-sac.
I listened to this book on audio and the narrator did a really good job. I don't think I would've enjoyed the story as much if I had read it. The audiobook narration was solid and it pushed me to continue reading. This story doesn't bring anything new or special to the table, but the narrative is laced with equal amounts of creepiness and humour. I feel like this would make a fun and entertaining dark comedic film. The epilogue ending is left predictably open, but overall, this was a fun audiobook to listen to while doing chores.
I listened to this book on audio and the narrator did a really good job. I don't think I would've enjoyed the story as much if I had read it. The audiobook narration was solid and it pushed me to continue reading. This story doesn't bring anything new or special to the table, but the narrative is laced with equal amounts of creepiness and humour. I feel like this would make a fun and entertaining dark comedic film. The epilogue ending is left predictably open, but overall, this was a fun audiobook to listen to while doing chores.
3.5*
What this did well: portrayal of female friendship, expectations of women and mothers, and what it's like to love someone who struggles with addiction
What lowered my rating: the commentary was a more on the nose, and I would have preferred for it be obvious but not spelled out for me; a lot of the chapters ended with foreboding sentences akin to "I would soon find out everything wasn't what it seemed," and this technique did make me roll my eyes
I think this would be a great book club pick for a group who enjoys thrillers and maybe wants to dabble in horror. The horror is very light and most would consider this a "cozy horror" for that reason. I think a lot of women, especially mothers living in suburbia, would find a lot of moments in this to be relatable and would enjoy discussing the storyline. I just don't think this did anything new with the commentary it made or the characters it portrayed, but I do think the demonic possession was fun technique to use to portray the struggles of women and mothers.
What this did well: portrayal of female friendship, expectations of women and mothers, and what it's like to love someone who struggles with addiction
What lowered my rating: the commentary was a more on the nose, and I would have preferred for it be obvious but not spelled out for me; a lot of the chapters ended with foreboding sentences akin to "I would soon find out everything wasn't what it seemed," and this technique did make me roll my eyes
I think this would be a great book club pick for a group who enjoys thrillers and maybe wants to dabble in horror. The horror is very light and most would consider this a "cozy horror" for that reason. I think a lot of women, especially mothers living in suburbia, would find a lot of moments in this to be relatable and would enjoy discussing the storyline. I just don't think this did anything new with the commentary it made or the characters it portrayed, but I do think the demonic possession was fun technique to use to portray the struggles of women and mothers.
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No