Reviews with content warning for Sexual assault - The Sanatorium

I was definitely expecting something different from this book. The description, and even the cover, had me thinking that I was going to be in for a non-stop thrill ride full of mystery and suspense. The opening chapter delivered that but then there was, and were repeated stretches, where it felt as though nothing was really happening. Elin could have been such a compelling character if only one of the two tragedies that were constantly plaguing her was the issue. And she might grow and become who I was envisioning her to be by the end of this book over the course of the next book so I will hold out judgment on her until I see how things play out.

Pearse constructed a tight narrative, she brought the setting to life, her ideas about the plot were great and her use of red herrings was great. That being said, I felt like there was too much happening. For me, when that happens, I tend to not feel that the stakes are high, I feel like some things *have* to be resolved before the final act or the big reveal so I know that there will be yet another lull and those lulls, for me, made me find the book likable but not lovable.

The "mysterious ending," did perk me up a little bit and I'm hopeful that the next book in the series will make me love Elin and be a little smoother in terms of story and plot.

Content Warnings

toriirons's review

Go to review page

dark tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot

4.0

Content Warnings

whynotreadwithalex's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional mysterious sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I was really excited about this read -- creepy isolated hotel in the mountains, estranged siblings with traumatized pasts, a detective juggling her current career and the past she can't seem to get away from -- it sounds like it's right up my alley. And I did enjoy it: the pacing was good, the mystery keeps you guessing with all its twists and turns, and the hotel was DEFINITELY CREEPY (which I loved). However, I did feel that the wrap-up was a tad underwhelming. Also, and this is just me, Elin's boyfriend rubbed me wrong (perhaps because some of his condescension was too familiar for comfort, and honestly I just think she'd probably be better off without him).
That being said the epilogue did grip my interest and I am certainly excited to see what comes next for Detective Elin Warner!

Content Warnings

iamkatebwhite's review

Go to review page

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Content Warnings

stephtoriz's review

Go to review page

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

I was so confused by the ending or the epilogue </ spoiler > I thought they saw that Laure was the one who pushed her into the plunge pool which still doesn’t make sense if she was in hiding .. so this man that’s stalking her ? He did it ? Idk

Content Warnings

kk_gotit_goinon's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This is a true thriller, through and through. I was on the edge of my seat the whole book, and just when I thought I had it figured out it threw me through another loop! Super exciting, not too gory or bloody. It's a crime show crossed with Stella Gets Her Groove back, I loved it.

Content Warnings

More...