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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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:
Complicated
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-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:
No
This new-to-me author surprised me with her taut police procedural. I wondered about coming into the series at #11, but I didn’t feel that I was missing too much. A friend filled me in after the fact about an important piece of information from #10 that helped. So, yes, this can be read as a standalone. I loved that I got to meet DC Rosie Bell at the same time as longtime readers of this series. I’m sure everyone else noticed that DC Bell was eager to please and it’ll be interesting to see how she fits in with this established team.
I felt the tension in the scramble to find the missing teen and unravel the motive and means alongside the web of secrets before it was too late. The setting made this the perfect backdrop to highlight witchcraft. The Northumberland countryside is atmospheric! I’ll admit Googling the three standing stones, Northumberland’s own Stonehenge and getting caught up in the folklore attached to the title.
I’m looking forward to meeting this author at the book festival this Fall.
I was gifted this copy by Minotaur Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
I felt the tension in the scramble to find the missing teen and unravel the motive and means alongside the web of secrets before it was too late. The setting made this the perfect backdrop to highlight witchcraft. The Northumberland countryside is atmospheric! I’ll admit Googling the three standing stones, Northumberland’s own Stonehenge and getting caught up in the folklore attached to the title.
I’m looking forward to meeting this author at the book festival this Fall.
I was gifted this copy by Minotaur Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Solid throughout with a touch of “I’ll be damned” towards the end.
I found The Dark Wives to be an intriguing mystery with Ann Cleeves' trademark atmospheric writing and sharp characterization. The story kept me engaged, though it wasn't as gripping as some of her other works. The pacing dragged in the middle, making it feel slower than expected, but it picked up nicely toward the climax. The small-town setting was vividly brought to life, immersing me in its secrets and relationships.
While the plot twists were clever, a few felt predictable, which slightly diminished the suspense. I appreciated the complex relationships between the characters, though some felt underdeveloped. The resolution was satisfying, tying up loose ends effectively, even if it lacked a bit of emotional punch. Overall, it's a solid read.
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No