Reviews with content warning for Murder - 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

reneebraceysherman's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense medium-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

4.0

Content Warnings

hungardo's review

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dark emotional mysterious sad tense slow-paced

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

2.25

bit slow - plot wise and character building. there are times that i don't like the MC's actions and decisions.

Content Warnings

imiinbook's review against another edition

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dark mysterious sad slow-paced

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

2.75

Content Warnings

ossington's review against another edition

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dark mysterious medium-paced

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

3.5

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erinkins's review against another edition

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dark tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0

Content Warnings

heidibrunney's review

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adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.5

I was thoroughly entertained by this book. It was everything I love about horror movie tropes in a murder-thriller book. The chapters are short, and the plot twists are interesting, which kept me turning the pages. I am also thrilled about the ending, as it's exactly what I was hoping to see.

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