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jennfux's review
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
nataliereadz's review against another edition
Not rating this out of fairness for having DNFd it at 22%.
To say it was a slog and total eyebrow furrow, is an understatement. As a huge Tarot enthusiast, I was excited at the inclusion of the Tarot as a key plot point in the mystery, but was far too annoyed by the choppy timelines and boring protagonist to prioritize continuing.
There are far too many books on my TBR and Tarot decks of my own to shuffle, to care about this any longer!
To say it was a slog and total eyebrow furrow, is an understatement. As a huge Tarot enthusiast, I was excited at the inclusion of the Tarot as a key plot point in the mystery, but was far too annoyed by the choppy timelines and boring protagonist to prioritize continuing.
There are far too many books on my TBR and Tarot decks of my own to shuffle, to care about this any longer!
casuallyreadingx's review
3.0
3.5 stars!
Thank you Netgalley for early access to this book in return for an honest review!!
First off, what an amazing cover! That was the thing that first caught my eye. This was a fun “murder mystery” and I enjoyed the tarot aspect of it as well! Such a neat detail. Some character development, funny moments, quick paced, and cozy mystery elements. My main issue was that I never really knew if this was a full mystery, a romance, YA, or ??? It was a bit confusing.
Thank you Netgalley for early access to this book in return for an honest review!!
First off, what an amazing cover! That was the thing that first caught my eye. This was a fun “murder mystery” and I enjoyed the tarot aspect of it as well! Such a neat detail. Some character development, funny moments, quick paced, and cozy mystery elements. My main issue was that I never really knew if this was a full mystery, a romance, YA, or ??? It was a bit confusing.
reflectiverambling_nalana's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
It is rare to find a mystery that has both lighthearted moments, sympathetic characters, that doesn't fall entirely into the cozy category and delivers an intense inquiry. "Play the Fool" does an excellent job of balancing a the solving process with the self actualization of several characters. There is an element of coming to terms with family and finding friends in places even when you're determined to isolate or run.
Our main character is a college drop out, working a dead end job, completely lost in her late 20s. The story itself has that same sort of wandering spirit that isn't completely divorced from the wistfulness of youth that seems to get squashed by your thirties. in short, while it was serious, it was just a whole heck of a lot of fun. The case wasn't unreasonably outlandish to set up this vibe, and it actually did something I'm normally screaming at books that have armature sleuths-- the issue of accountability and fallout is actually brought up.
Very curious to see this author has in store for us next.
Our main character is a college drop out, working a dead end job, completely lost in her late 20s. The story itself has that same sort of wandering spirit that isn't completely divorced from the wistfulness of youth that seems to get squashed by your thirties. in short, while it was serious, it was just a whole heck of a lot of fun. The case wasn't unreasonably outlandish to set up this vibe, and it actually did something I'm normally screaming at books that have armature sleuths-- the issue of accountability and fallout is actually brought up.
Very curious to see this author has in store for us next.
marieintheraw's review against another edition
2.0
A whudunit with a tarot card reader solving the murder? Sadly, the cover made it too good to be true for me and it felt wildly unbelievable after a certain point in the story and not the fun kind.
I received an ecopy of this book through Netgalley; however, my opinions are my own.
I received an ecopy of this book through Netgalley; however, my opinions are my own.
ohemgeebooks's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-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? Yes
5.0
uranaishi's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Police brutality, Murder, Violence, Death, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Cursing, Excrement, Sexual harassment, Confinement, Alcohol, Bullying, Medical content, Classism, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Car accident, Grief, Kidnapping, Abandonment, Drug use, Gun violence, Toxic friendship, and Vomit
readingundertheradar's review against another edition
4.0
Really great mystery novel with a main character who was flawed, a bit self-centered, and trying to find meaning in her life, which I greatly appreciated. She had privilege and recognized it at times while forgetting it others, making her a very realistic protagonist. Excited to read more of her adventures. (Bonus: a detective character that didn't romanticize police officers and had many characters skeptical of organized security.)
Content Warnings
CWs: death of child by car accident (off page, minor story told once); description of dead body in detail; endangerment of young autistic person (19-20 year old, put in dangerous situation and used as collateral by antagonist)