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minimicropup's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
- Hammering. Christmas chorus. Candy. Crinkle bags. Musty church scent. Practicing lines. Echoing room. Dog panting. Keyboard clacking. iPhone keyboard feedback. WhatsApp notifications.
- Christmas theatrics and drama
- Clusterf*** of problems, conflicts, and secrets
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Death
Minor: Alcoholism
hmetwade's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Minor: Domestic abuse, Death, Gaslighting, Murder, Physical abuse, Drug use, Toxic relationship, Alcoholism, Toxic friendship, and Addiction
jennyoli96's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Minor: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Murder, Drug use, and Toxic relationship
jean_atlas's review against another edition
4.0
Minor: Domestic abuse, Death of parent, and Alcoholism
emma6544's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Moderate: Death
Minor: Alcoholism and Domestic abuse
aileron's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Death and Confinement
Moderate: Murder and Classism
Minor: Alcoholism and Domestic abuse
toofondofbooks_'s review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Body horror, Emotional abuse, Excrement, Toxic friendship, Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Alcohol, Death, Chronic illness, and Confinement
helena_chris's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
5.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Death of parent, and Death
Minor: Confinement and Domestic abuse
kirstym25's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Murder, and Death
Moderate: Alcoholism and Classism
creativelifeofliz's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The Fairway Players are busy this holiday season rehearsing for their production of Jack and the Beanstalk to raise funds for the new church roof. Of course, like in The Appeal, there are tons of petty rivalries and seemingly-minor backstage problems. Then a dead body shows up on the stage. Who is to blame? Lawyers Femi and Charlotte again investigate letters, emails, and police transcripts to identify the victim and the killer.
It was delightful to be back in the world of the Fairway Players. Everyone seems to be so enmeshed in petty drama and acts of sabotage. I enjoyed getting to figure out the mystery along with Femi and Charlotte. It's interesting to see how their interpretations varied from my own. I think the only real drawback of this story is that it's really only novella-length. I think getting a chance to explore all the corners of the story a bit more would have been fun.
Overall, if you're looking for a fun Christmas whodunit, I definitely recommend picking this one up. It's fast-paced and surprisingly emotional (both laughter and sadness). Take a look at the content warnings, as there are some tough topics discussed, but overall it's a lighthearted taste of chaos.
Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for providing an advanced copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
Moderate: Bullying, Murder, Classism, and Death
Minor: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Drug use, Violence, and Domestic abuse