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johnawickline's review
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
The history and mystery of Cliffside Manor is as murky and clouded as the impenetrable fog the protagonist arrives within to the grand estate. Eleanor Harper’s first day at Cliffside is anything but normal and the story continues to twist and reveal itself from there. This book sprinkles the mystery throughout and continues to make the reader ponder at what could be happening. The build up of the book up to the climax and the revealing of the history of the manor are well executed. Things get increasingly spooky and unsettling and that feeling remains constant throughout the novel, so much so that the feeling of uneasiness is constant as the protagonists stumbles through her hardships. Overall this book is for someone who would enjoy a slow reveal that focuses on a small cast of characters, each with their own distinct personality.
While fully engaged with the story, I found the climax to be somewhat abrupt. The explanation makes sense and the reveal is entertaining but I did not feel like there was build up, foreshadowing, or enough hints towards this climax throughout the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death
Moderate: Murder and Suicide
helenferg's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Grief, Death of parent, Medical trauma, Forced institutionalization, and Car accident
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