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fanboyriot's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-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
4.0
This is the book where everything—for basically everyone—goes downhill. Relationships are broken and found—both friend wise and romantic, everything is upped in the dramatics taking simple this and making them a big deal. A lighthearted mystery in a way, then again it could be just because it’s a nostalgic read, however, it reminds me of a cozy mystery. Rosewood is a place where the kids act like adults and the adults act like teenagers. The world building is really good, it gives off the small town vibes really well.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Alcohol, Gaslighting, Adult/minor relationship, and Body shaming
Minor: Murder and Toxic relationship
karahildebrand's review
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
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? Yes
4.0
This series is an ideal lighthearted, immersive read. While the writing may be a little exposition heavy or sloppy at times, the conversational gossipy tone from the narrator gives the story so much personality that honestly is lacking in the show, even though i love the show too. The mystery and the characters and their struggles and flaws are incredibly compelling and finishing the book makes you immediately want to pick up the next one. This book certainly delivers on the juicy drama and the lies promised in the title, although the dramatic moments built up to in the plot of this first book are almost immediately revealed for consequences to ensue which is odd given the themes of burying secrets. The worst part was how much attention was given to Ezra and Aria’s relationship, which is just gross and creepy. Overall, the characters aren’t necessarily likeable but they’re not really supposed to be. They are interesting products of both Rosewood (which has far more dimension in the books that the show watered down significantly) and their individual home lives in ways that yield interesting and mostly plausible character flaws and bad habits. While the series may not be high art, it’s effective at what it does and is a really fun and fast read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder and Stalking
Moderate: Alcohol, Car accident, and Death
Minor: Self harm
christineazopf's review
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Alcohol, Body shaming, and Eating disorder
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