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miranda_is_reading's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
sad
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
3.25
Was very excited to read this book due to an upcoming trip to New Orleans. It was an interesting read, but other than when and where it’s set I didn’t get as much history as I would have liked. The mystery aspect of the story also kind of lacked. There wasn’t many twist and turns as I would have liked. But then again it was likely realistic of the time period.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Murder, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Alcoholism, Confinement, Death, Drug use, Abandonment, Alcohol, Blood, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Grief, Sexual content, Trafficking, and Violence
Minor: Eating disorder, Gun violence, Infidelity, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Torture, Vomit, War, Addiction, Bullying, Gaslighting, and Self harm
sarah2438's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I love this author's writing style so much but this one just didn't do it for me. There was a lot of missed potential and the story dragged a bit. The romance never drew me in. The murder mystery aspect is very predictable. I really hoped Patrick was going to be the killer, with ties to Marcello, and that he would be the one who *actually* beat up Charlie (he could've stolen the drugs for murder from Charlie!) but no, he was gay just like my favorite Patrick (the name will forever be associated with The Perks of Being a Wallflower). The Charlie storyline felt unnecessary because we never had any opportunity to bond with him; the story takes place after he's been beaten, and the author only gives a few memories to get attached to him. The highlight of this story is Cokie, who I'm convinced is one of the purest, kindest characters I've read this year. I needed more Cokie.
It's hard for me to tell what I would actually rate this book if I hadn't read this author's other works. This was only her second novel, and the two since then were incredible. She's been a strong writer since the start, and even though this one wasn't my favorite, I'm excited to see what else she comes out with.
It's hard for me to tell what I would actually rate this book if I hadn't read this author's other works. This was only her second novel, and the two since then were incredible. She's been a strong writer since the start, and even though this one wasn't my favorite, I'm excited to see what else she comes out with.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual harassment
Minor: Sexual assault, Dementia, Death of parent, and Emotional abuse
awells96's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dementia, Grief, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Racism, and Toxic relationship
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