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erenrinren's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I have never read anything by Lauren Beukes, but I have heard of her other novel The Shining Girls. I listened to this book on audio from Overdrive and I'm really pleased I managed to finish it.
Broken Monsters follows the case of the Detroit Monster serial killer, with different points of view. We have the detective, Gabriella Versato, the detective's daughter, Kayla Sterling-Versato, Clayton Brun, Johno Haim, and T.K.. At the beginning there seemed to be a sense that there was no point to these many perspectives, it was tricky to follow and it was very slow-going. However, as the story went forward we learned more and more about these characters personalities and motives.
Gabby, the detective, is a powerful voice and intelligence shines through her character. Although she is flawed, we understand her motive and motherly affection for Layla.
Layla is flawed, she's not perfect and makes mistakes. In the beginning she's almost annoying with her confidence, but she has weak spots and is smarter than she seems. She loves her Mom and her friend, Cass, very dearly.
Clayton Brun is very hard to describe as a character, but his narration is distinct and colourful, which makes you question what is real and what is a dream.
Johno Haim is probably the most annoying in this novel, a guy trying to rebuild his *tragic* life by shooting for fame in the online news game. It seemed he learned nothing throughout this novel, but he was important to have all the same.
T.K. was more of a plot device character as well, although he had importance near the end.
The plot was well developed; there were moments I couldn't predict happening. The writing was beautiful at times, the descriptions very simple yet beautiful.
Listening to the audio was like giving voice to the imaginings in my head and if you ever get a chance to listen to this audio, I would highly recommend it.
Otherwise the story was good and it opened up doors (pun intended) on conversation about reincarnation, rebirth, religion and the otherworld.
Broken Monsters follows the case of the Detroit Monster serial killer, with different points of view. We have the detective, Gabriella Versato, the detective's daughter, Kayla Sterling-Versato, Clayton Brun, Johno Haim, and T.K.. At the beginning there seemed to be a sense that there was no point to these many perspectives, it was tricky to follow and it was very slow-going. However, as the story went forward we learned more and more about these characters personalities and motives.
Gabby, the detective, is a powerful voice and intelligence shines through her character. Although she is flawed, we understand her motive and motherly affection for Layla.
Layla is flawed, she's not perfect and makes mistakes. In the beginning she's almost annoying with her confidence, but she has weak spots and is smarter than she seems. She loves her Mom and her friend, Cass, very dearly.
Clayton Brun is very hard to describe as a character, but his narration is distinct and colourful, which makes you question what is real and what is a dream.
Johno Haim is probably the most annoying in this novel, a guy trying to rebuild his *tragic* life by shooting for fame in the online news game. It seemed he learned nothing throughout this novel, but he was important to have all the same.
T.K. was more of a plot device character as well, although he had importance near the end.
The plot was well developed; there were moments I couldn't predict happening. The writing was beautiful at times, the descriptions very simple yet beautiful.
Listening to the audio was like giving voice to the imaginings in my head and if you ever get a chance to listen to this audio, I would highly recommend it.
Otherwise the story was good and it opened up doors (pun intended) on conversation about reincarnation, rebirth, religion and the otherworld.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Bullying, Cursing, Death, and Sexual harassment
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