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3.47 AVERAGE
3.47 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
What a bummer this one turned out to be. I've watched the Aurora Teagarden mystery series on Hallmark and really enjoyed it! In the book, Aurora feels incomplete and like she was written as a 90 year old in a 30 year old's body... I also didn't like how often harmful gender stereotypes were mentioned and seen as a positive (Aurora talking about how a taller woman must be jealous of her because she is shorter and therefore more feminine). There were also a few times where Aurora mentioned wishing she was more religious than she was (and even attending church to try to kindle that interest) - to me it just felt like the author pushing some sort of agenda.
The actual mystery part was an intriguing story I just wish everything else was less dated/sketchy feeling... Needless to say, I will not be continuing the series.
The actual mystery part was an intriguing story I just wish everything else was less dated/sketchy feeling... Needless to say, I will not be continuing the series.
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I love love love Charlaine Harris. Light reading yet captivating and well written. You can't go wrong with any of her series, and I especially have loved reading this one.
I was hooked the minute I started reading it. Like a lot of other Charlaine Harris books, this one was easy enough to read, very enjoyable, but didn't hold back from terrifying things (like describing a dead body or vivacious act). My only complainant (and it's minor and kind of superficial) is that the author made it a point to describe in detail all of Aurora's clothing and hairstyles- which now are outdated and awkward. It made it so I couldn't see her as the cute, but mousy librarian that she was supposed to be; I only saw a goofy little woman, wearing old lady clothes. Haha, now that I write it down I feel silly complaining about it.
In general, Charlaine Harris' books are always quick reads, but enticing enough to make me want to read the next one. I finished this book in one day, while making meals, cleaning, and chasing around a toddler.
I am excited to start the next Aurora Teagarden book as soon as possible, and I'm kicking myself for waiting so long to read the first one!
In general, Charlaine Harris' books are always quick reads, but enticing enough to make me want to read the next one. I finished this book in one day, while making meals, cleaning, and chasing around a toddler.
I am excited to start the next Aurora Teagarden book as soon as possible, and I'm kicking myself for waiting so long to read the first one!
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I went in expecting a cozy mystery and it wasn’t quite that, had the tone but was a bit gruesome. Overall a good read though and the audiobook narrator is excellent!
A bit dated, I enjoyed that when it came to the technology but not the way the character thought about other women, which felt very of a time. At one point she honestly thinks “she hates me because she resents that I’m short and she’s tall and unfeminine.” The heroine also dates two men at once and plans fo introduce them both to her 6 year old brother on the same day, which seems like a weird way to handle the situation.
A bit dated, I enjoyed that when it came to the technology but not the way the character thought about other women, which felt very of a time. At one point she honestly thinks “she hates me because she resents that I’m short and she’s tall and unfeminine.” The heroine also dates two men at once and plans fo introduce them both to her 6 year old brother on the same day, which seems like a weird way to handle the situation.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Murder
Moderate: Rape, Stalking
dark
slow-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
Sad this sat on my "to read" pile for so long. Really enjoyed Aurora's first mystery. A little dated (no one had mobile phones in the early nineties), but still very enjoyable. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I thought some chapters dragged a little bit, but the overall plot was engaging. The ending felt a bit abrupt, but fitting. This was not a "surprise ending" plot, but one that left a careful y curated breadcrumb trail to the ending. There is room for character development, but this does provide a good baseline for the characters that will be series regulars. Overall an enjoyable read.