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3.98 AVERAGE
3.98 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I really enjoyed the ghost element of this book -- I didn't think it was frightening until I couldn't sleep one night and then it crept into my head! I also loved the setting of a rundown motel, frozen in time down to manual phones and door locks that require old-fashioned keys. Finally, the author created an interesting, quirky place in the form of Fell, NY. The characters were interesting, multi-faceted, and relatable, but I confess to being let down by the action-based climax: not so much WHAT happened but how it happened. I think it would have been much harder to achieve than was depicted, though I could definitely tell the research that had gone into making the act seem realistic. I also question what followed the climax -- what we learn about the second big mystery, the mystery that brought the main character to the mysterious little Fell, NY. Maaaybe that would have been possible in the 80s, but...I'm not sure. I wanted more convincing evidence of how this was pulled off, but it was glossed over. Lastly, the death of one secondary character rather surprised me and seemed unnecessarily harsh, not even needed for the plot. That said, I enjoyed the positive note of the ending for the primary characters and, yes, I will be reading more of Simone St. James.
I really like how this book draws attention to sexism and victim-blaming that happens when a murder victim is a woman. However, the parallel storytelling of Viv's and Carly's experiences made the book feel repetitive. I love the premise of this story, but for me it was just ok.
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
It took a bit to get into this book but once I was in I was hooked ! I loved Viv and Carly's parallel stories. Similar events happening but under different circumstances. I like how this book blends interesting characters, crazy plot twits and an important statement on the mistreatment of women together all in one fascinating book.
A good little dual time-line mystery thriller will a paranormal element.
It kept me engaged all the way with some nice twists and turns.
I would say that if you’re thinking of reading this for the ghost element, you’ll be disappointed. It’s mainly mystery with a sprinkle of not too out-there paranormal.
It kept me engaged all the way with some nice twists and turns.
I would say that if you’re thinking of reading this for the ghost element, you’ll be disappointed. It’s mainly mystery with a sprinkle of not too out-there paranormal.