Reviews

Always the First to Die by R.J. Jacobs

julia11's review against another edition

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4.0

This book was a TWISTER. I usually have a general idea as to who the bad guys is but every time I had a shred of confidence in my guess, it was ripped away and torn to pieces and I was left going 'what the F is going on?!'. I loved the horror movie references, it was a super fun read!

Thank you to @netgalley and @sourcebooks for the ARC! Books out September 13th!

natebragg's review against another edition

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dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix

3.25

A fun little thriller full of enjoyable horror movie references. It had a slightly disappointing ending but all in all, a solid thriller.

nicoletv_13's review against another edition

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slow-paced

1.0

gataylor92's review against another edition

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5.0

I haven’t blown through this book so quickly in a long time. Keeps you intrigued the whole way.

hart887's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

jennixann's review against another edition

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slow-paced

1.5

bookishblondegirl's review against another edition

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3.5

Overall, this was a fast-paced, fun read, but it wasn’t quite what I wanted it to be. 

This featured plenty of interesting characters and a fair amount of action. We also switch between the present day and the late 90s; I think the dual timeline worked for this novel. 

While this was an homage of sorts to horror movies, it never quite achieved the eeriness and tension you might expect it to. I never quite connected with feeling the suspense, but I still had fun reading! 

Also, I kind of wish more people had died throughout the book, that way it evoked a more slasher movie feel. But that may be something to talk to my therapist about rather than a valid criticism of this book

syingg19's review against another edition

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4.0

3.5 stars, rounded up. Want more suspense and thrill.

annacfunke's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious fast-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

4.5

kzim_23's review against another edition

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3.0

This was just kind of a meh read for me. I think the plot description made me think it was going to be more of an ode to 90s slashers and be a bit more intense, but it was more of a slow and mysterious vibe with minimal character growth and some twists that I saw coming. I enjoyed hearing about how Lexi came to get the part in the movie and about her experiences on set more than the present timeline.