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dreamingofbookpages's review
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
faysie34's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
monicawest3's review against another edition
5.0
De’Shawn Charles Winslow’s second novel brings us back to West Mills and some of the memorable characters we fell in love with in his first novel. Winslow crafts a complex mystery that will keep you turning pages until the very end. I couldn’t put t down!
giraffeapet's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
lexirtaylor2's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- 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
3.5
hannaburch's review against another edition
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
burnourhistory's review
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Addiction, Racism, Grief, and Homophobia
Moderate: Bullying
jennysligh's review against another edition
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Decent People has all the makings of a great book. There’s a small town murder, a driven woman bent on uncovering the truth, characters grappling with racism in the Deep South, homophobia, classism, all the earmarks of a compelling story.
It is a compelling story, but more so it’s a thought exercise, and somehow that takes away from it, as the thought exercise lacks depth. While the novel is well written, it feels somehow manufactured and filled tropes that kinda miss the mark. I spent my time reading the book, curious about what happened, but never invested in the plot or the characters. The whole novel felt like it was written of a checklist, and I was completing the list by reading it.
It is a compelling story, but more so it’s a thought exercise, and somehow that takes away from it, as the thought exercise lacks depth. While the novel is well written, it feels somehow manufactured and filled tropes that kinda miss the mark. I spent my time reading the book, curious about what happened, but never invested in the plot or the characters. The whole novel felt like it was written of a checklist, and I was completing the list by reading it.
dovedovington's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0