Reviews tagging 'Animal cruelty'

Anna O by Matthew Blake

3 reviews

nike13's review against another edition

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SHE KILLED THE FAMILY DOG!?!  I wasn’t really enjoying it to start but then her mom gave up that tidbit of her past and OMG just no.

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drybay's review against another edition

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

3.5

I was hooked! By the end, the book was going towards a dissapointing ending but then it had me pleasantly surprised.

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coffeekitaab's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark mysterious reflective sad tense slow-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? It's complicated

3.5

After reading multiple books at the same time, I dedicated yesterday to finishing the second half of this book in one sitting and on reflection, still not sure how I feel about this. Some aspects are brilliantly written, the premise grips you from the blurb/first page and a gradual build up of the case/story has you on edge, the writing in certain parts is brilliant - I love how Blake references true crime in the UK (infamous cases which add to the mystery) Shakespeare within the story, even comparing the Greek God's of Death and Sleep (who are brothers) such a fine line and honestly pure genius.  Special mention to that moment where Emily meets Anna after she finally opens her eyes and the nostalgia that ensues with Emily remembering how Anna was as a baby, the eyes being the part of the body that do not change, so even if 4 years have lapsed, that remains the same and all the moments shared over the years *chef's kiss*. 

The cons: The punchline hit and missed me, to be honest. That moment where everything unravels and the reader is brought in on the twist... I was so ready for that moment but I guess I was waiting a while so when it eventually happened, the writing left me confused. I was expecting more from the second half in terms of exploration and investigation of the crime, as a reader alot of points where you expect follow through were missed eg the file Ben picks up from Bloom's office was not even looked at until I think 80% of the way through. There was more repetition in the second half which was unnecessary and the words could have been used to boost the storyline which didn't happen. I have told all my friends about the story (because it is brilliant) and yet as the book went on, as a thriller, it failed to deliver for me. I will look out for more from Matthew Blake because I did enjoy this in parts and he is a welcome voice to this genre, I can imagine the next one will be brilliant and there is massive potential based on the idea alone. Thank you @netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest unedited review. 

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