Reviews

I think the mystery could’ve been written better, as the first book was a little more shocking (though still predictable. I also wish we saw more of Iris and Spike (book 3 fingers crossed) and maybeeee Alice and Raf 🤭 Overall a nice read but I wouldn’t go out of my way to praise it

Content Warnings

kelliemeadows's review against another edition

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funny mysterious medium-paced

2.75

lise__'s review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

3.25/5
This was a pretty average book, I think I would've enjoyed it more if I was about 2 years younger (which would be 14). The mystery isn't bad, but it isn't groundbreaking either. I rated the first book 4.25/5 which is 1 point more than this book. I think that's because the mystery was less good and Alice really annoyed me at times. Would I recommend this? Yes, if you want an easy book and liked the first one. I liked the characters in the first book, so I don't regret reading this, because I got to see them again [I mainly liked Iris in this book (and the side characters)].

Spoilers!!

Problem nr.1: Alice's behaviour throughout 90% of the book. She was just so privileged and annoying for no reason at all. She was also extremely egotistical, prime example being her not going to bio class, even though she knew it impacted Ashley's grade and she needed good grades to get a scholarship. This is kinda forgotten because Ashley is a literal murderer, but as someone who cares about their grades I related to Ashley and that made me so annoyed at Alice. Her constant references to Agatha Christie were so cringe, especially when she said to someone to make an argument (ex. the police, like... are you not embarassed). That being said, I liked Iris' character, although I feel like we got to see her way less than Alice.
Problem nr.2: Some parts were just predictable, like with the necklace. Or once we knew that person X said it was for a bio project, it obviously was Ashley, because we knew nobody else from that class.
Problem nr.3: I feel like there was a lot of over-explaining. Like at the end of the book they re-explain EVERYTHING. I don't need it to be explained, I READ THE BOOK.
Problem? nr.4: Not really a problem just to mention that I'm a Cole girlie, but I understand that Spike is the better choice. Cole just sounds hotter.