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mycupoftealcsw's review against another edition
2.5
I appreciate the social and historical commentary aspects of the book - especially the ideas of found family and the discussion around how members of marginalized communities often join (or uphold) the systems of oppression and the damage that does.
Unfortunately, however, that's pretty much what saved the book because I found the main character to be confusing and inconsistent. The main issue is that he is a really, really bad detective. He is constantly telling his suspects what the other suspects say to him and then asks them to corroborate-that's not at all how you do interviews. He also provides frequent updates to all the suspects about the case they are all potentially involved in. He takes way too much direction from Pearl and others in the house. He tells perfect strangers sensitive and private information. He uses his real name when an alias would have been better. Finally, he lets his dick and his feelings get way too involved in how he views the case and the suspects.
Also, the number of men in the book who are immediately attracted to Andy (and he to them) got real old real fast. It felt very not-like-other-girls fantasy FMC.
There were some things about Pearl and Irene that also don't make sense:
Why would a woman so invested in making sure no one in the outside world suspects anything about her family or life leave over half her company to someone everyone is supposed to believe is her social secretary - especially when Irene had a son everyone would have probably assumed would inherit everything?
On that note, how do they even explain why Pearl even still lives there?
Why would Andy recommend, and Pearl even consider, moving the family portrait to a place that, by the way the house seems to be laid out, would potentially be seen by anyone who happens to come to the house?
I'll probably check out the next in the series because reviews indicate that one is better, but this one felt very message heavy, but plot and character thin.
Unfortunately, however, that's pretty much what saved the book because I found the main character to be confusing and inconsistent. The main issue is that he is a really, really bad detective. He is constantly telling his suspects what the other suspects say to him and then asks them to corroborate-that's not at all how you do interviews. He also provides frequent updates to all the suspects about the case they are all potentially involved in. He takes way too much direction from Pearl and others in the house. He tells perfect strangers sensitive and private information. He uses his real name when an alias would have been better. Finally, he lets his dick and his feelings get way too involved in how he views the case and the suspects.
Also, the number of men in the book who are immediately attracted to Andy (and he to them) got real old real fast. It felt very not-like-other-girls fantasy FMC.
There were some things about Pearl and Irene that also don't make sense:
On that note, how do they even explain why Pearl even still lives there?
I'll probably check out the next in the series because reviews indicate that one is better, but this one felt very message heavy, but plot and character thin.
hstyer's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
bookschaosnart's review against another edition
5.0
Knives Out but queer and historical which is a huge complement. Set in the 1950s SF/Bay area so the social commentary required of detective/suspense stories is there in spades in the best way as it contributes to and services the story. An outed former policeman gets hired to be a PI to investigate if the matriarch of a house full of queer people was murdered and if so by who.
2nd read:
I do enjoy it very much and feel the previous review is still valid; slow to build as they needed to do some world building first since it'll be a series
2nd read:
I do enjoy it very much and feel the previous review is still valid; slow to build as they needed to do some world building first since it'll be a series
princekei08's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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
5.0
purplesapphire's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.5
I actually quite liked this one. A little slow but its not an action novel so its not really supposed to be. It reads more like a film noir and its about the conversations and the characters. Love the lush setting and the writing is actually fantastic. There was a few spots that got me good - when the end of a chapter tied perfectly into the title of the next. I didn't expect to like it as much as I did and I wasn't going to continue reading the series when I was only a quarter of the way through but by the last quarter, I was ready to read more. You can also read it as a stand alone which is nice.
snowdrop_68's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
kellen96's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was an incredible book with real issues from the 50s. The character development and the way society was at the time really draws you in, both happy and dark moments, however, they really are the heart of this book and the mystery is a fun sub plot to follow throughout. Can’t wait for the sequel!