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shawniejo's review against another edition
4.0
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Medical content, Alcohol, Blood, Child death, Murder, Pregnancy, and Violence
Moderate: Torture and Suicide attempt
Minor: Rape
jess_tries2read's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The story starts in the most dramatic way possible: a consciousness in a body they don't remember, nor do they remember anything else, except one name, Anna. This character is dragged into a neverending whirlwind of events once he sees a woman sprinting through the forest crying for help. Eventually he ends up a Blackheath, a blighted estate that once held prestige, until it was marred by the death of one of the Hardcadtle children 19 years ago.
The unique mystery had me in its grip until it ended.
5/5
Graphic: Child death, Suicide, and Blood
Minor: Body horror, Classism, and Sexual harassment
literarydumpling's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I said about a third of the way through the book and I had the impression that I probably wasn't clever enough to solve the mystery in the book. I'm glad to say that was the only 100% correct conclusion I came to for this book.
So cleverly written, I love the premise and the way the elements weave themselves together. A little baffling at times, but not so much that you won't pick the book up again.
I did find it incredibly useful that they had a character list and map at the front of the book so it was easy to refer to (and not miss, unlike some of my adventures in other books). It's a very unique take on a mystery thriller that I've not seen before with some slight fantasy/supernatural elements to it that are simple enough to understand.
Seriously enjoyable and the twists and reveals were all incredibly satisfying.
Graphic: Blood, Murder, and Suicide
Moderate: Child death
priscillarobock'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? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Moderate: Alcohol, Blood, Death, Child death, Injury/Injury detail, Grief, Gun violence, Murder, Physical abuse, Suicide, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Drug use, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Drug abuse, Medical content, Medical trauma, Mental illness, and Suicide attempt
heini's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Death of parent, Fatphobia, Confinement, Alcohol, Death, and Child death
Moderate: Blood, Sexual violence, Infidelity, and Sexual assault
Minor: Drug use, Torture, Fire/Fire injury, Animal death, and Stalking
blewballoon'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? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Blood, Gun violence, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, and Death
Moderate: Fatphobia
Minor: Alcohol, Classism, Rape, Sexual assault, and Drug abuse
ambarleti's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Graphic: Blood, Drug use, Ableism, Suicide, Fatphobia, Murder, and Child death
Moderate: Child abuse
nikimorr's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The setting is just as creative and incredible as the character concept - Blackheath House, a mansion crumbling to the ground. A party with the exact same guests as those 19 years prior - when the hosts’ son was murdered during the party. We never quite know when or where in the world this party all takes place, leaving it all up to the imagination. Totally original and unique!
By the end, admittedly, it can feel difficult to keep all the details straight; however, the author is kind enough to add extra reminders throughout about who someone is or a detail I’d forgotten. With the last few perspectives, it is almost impossible to completely keep up with every detail, but you realize it does not matter - it’ll all come together, and the author is intentionally keeping you, the reader, in the dark for the big finale.
I was definitely cheering for our main character to solve it all by the end. One thing remains clear - he is a good person. But was he always a good person?
SPOILERS AHEAD - My favorite part about the ending is not learning exactly what happened to Evelyn Hardcastle as it is learning why Aiden and Anna are there. What a concept for a PRISON! And for Aiden, it really is a prison, and you feel it with him throughout the book. Learning that Anna, who Aiden comes to love and trust is truly his enemy, is a true thinking moment for the reader. Can people change? Are some people worth saving even after committing horrible crimes? What really is our true nature? One thing that stuck with me is that Aiden finally succeeded in solving the mystery when he truly was a kind and good person throughout - maybe the good guys do win in the end.
Graphic: Child death, Classism, Death, Murder, and Confinement
Moderate: Blood, Violence, Alcohol, Stalking, and Animal death
samisreading's review against another edition
4.5
Graphic: Murder, Fatphobia, Animal death, Blood, and Gun violence
mpbookreviews's review
- 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? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Death of parent, Child death, Death, Fatphobia, Grief, Blood, Gun violence, and Violence