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philosopher_kj's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Confinement, Death, Gun violence, Violence, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, and Alcohol
Minor: Torture
drjoannehill's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
medium-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
Re-reading for Bridges Book Club.
Second read (for Bridges Book Club Sept 2024).
I am terrible for remembering plots and names from books I read a while ago, so this was almost like a brand new book, I only remembered parts. It kept me awake as my brain was trying to process what was going on in what I'd read that day - the time of day, what was going to happen in what order. We're at a crumbling country house on a stormy day, in the lead up to a dinner and ball to which the Lord and Lady have invited a range of guests. The lead character loops through the same day eight times trying to solve a murder that happens late in the evening, and he does so from eight different perspectives (body-hopping) who each have their own strengths and weaknesses. Some of his characters meet and the ones in the future (later on in the loop) wonder whether they should re-do the same actions or conversations that they remember from earlier on, from the other perspective. That's not to mention the twisty conspiracies and betrayals going on amongst the family and guests on the scene, that affect how the murder is solved. We do not always know the lead character's motives for specific actions and conversations - he acts on instinct sometimes, and is not always in a hurry to try to solve the mystery. Plenty to think about regarding how physical and mental strengths and weaknesses, different perspectives and circumstances, can affect how we interact with others, build friendship, and learn the information we need. I was surprised which "bodies" the lead character is in when he learns crucial information and turns things to his advantage (given his earlier prejudice about certain people).
I am very interested to know what the Book Club thinks of it (not the usual fare). I'm exhausted! But I still think it is a clever and exciting book.
First review (2020).
Clever 'time travel body-hopping murder mystery' as the author terms it. You have to pay attention. I wasn't sure if some things were plot holes or meant to be there. Would probably be very different on second reading.
Second read (for Bridges Book Club Sept 2024).
I am terrible for remembering plots and names from books I read a while ago, so this was almost like a brand new book, I only remembered parts. It kept me awake as my brain was trying to process what was going on in what I'd read that day - the time of day, what was going to happen in what order. We're at a crumbling country house on a stormy day, in the lead up to a dinner and ball to which the Lord and Lady have invited a range of guests. The lead character loops through the same day eight times trying to solve a murder that happens late in the evening, and he does so from eight different perspectives (body-hopping) who each have their own strengths and weaknesses. Some of his characters meet and the ones in the future (later on in the loop) wonder whether they should re-do the same actions or conversations that they remember from earlier on, from the other perspective. That's not to mention the twisty conspiracies and betrayals going on amongst the family and guests on the scene, that affect how the murder is solved. We do not always know the lead character's motives for specific actions and conversations - he acts on instinct sometimes, and is not always in a hurry to try to solve the mystery. Plenty to think about regarding how physical and mental strengths and weaknesses, different perspectives and circumstances, can affect how we interact with others, build friendship, and learn the information we need. I was surprised which "bodies" the lead character is in when he learns crucial information and turns things to his advantage (given his earlier prejudice about certain people).
I am very interested to know what the Book Club thinks of it (not the usual fare). I'm exhausted! But I still think it is a clever and exciting book.
First review (2020).
Clever 'time travel body-hopping murder mystery' as the author terms it. You have to pay attention. I wasn't sure if some things were plot holes or meant to be there. Would probably be very different on second reading.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Fatphobia, Violence, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Sexual violence
tiny_artificer's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-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? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia and Violence
Minor: Sexual assault
tidareads's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
shadowmuse's review against another edition
dark
slow-paced
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
2.0
The book is well written which is why I'm giving it 2 stars. It's just not one I'll ever read again and through the middle it was a slog that I debated stopping reading multiple times.
It may just be even in the end I didn't find the main characters likeable.
It may just be even in the end I didn't find the main characters likeable.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Death, Drug abuse, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Blood, Murder, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
julalbert56's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
4.25
Wow. This book was such an experience. It kept me on my toes the entire time, and I did not guess a single one of the twists. Minus some points for the fat phobia. I also had a hard time believing Aiden would want to help Ana out so much after he remembered that she murdered/tortured his sister. Just seems like a bit of a stretch, but I guess, you know, “rehabilitation”. Overall, a really enjoyable read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Suicide, and Violence
ging090803's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-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? It's complicated
4.0
Great read. I would recommend it absolutely but be prepared to read it. It's pretty confusing. With the time loop that I still dont really get it even after reading it and the supernatural (?) background, it is easy to get all mixed up. Otherwise, the story is very addictive and I just wanted to continue to read to know what would happened.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Violence, Murder, and Alcohol
classical_learner's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I’ve never so passionately put “It’s Complicated” for the book review questions.
I was feeling a 4.25 star rating for this book until I hit chapter 53…and things got WILD.
I was not smart enough for this book, but I’ll be thinking about it for a long time. Fascinating hints at the outside world at the end (#AlwaysReadAuthor’sNotes).
As Kuzco says, “Oh yeah, it’s all coming together.”
I was feeling a 4.25 star rating for this book until I hit chapter 53…and things got WILD.
I was not smart enough for this book, but I’ll be thinking about it for a long time. Fascinating hints at the outside world at the end (#AlwaysReadAuthor’sNotes).
As Kuzco says, “Oh yeah, it’s all coming together.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Violence
Moderate: Cursing
Minor: Sexual content
iamaprettyflower's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Child death, Death, Drug use, Fatphobia, Gun violence, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
crimsonsparrow's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Time travel meets murder mystery meets Face Off... This has got to be one of the most complicated, convoluted detective stories I've ever experienced - in the most interesting and unique possible way. I didn't care how it ended; it was a fascinating ride.
I was especially intrigue by the author's ingenious use of a unique, first-person narrative and meta-narrative. It had both both a science fiction feel and a psychological thrill without compromising the best character qualities of the MC.
The only reason it's not a perfect 5: I would have liked some of the details to be more meticulous. Some things that seemed important up-front ended up a tad slap-dash in the end. It got a little rushed at the end. And the final explanation was not terribly well-supported or as well-developed as so many other aspects of the story. I absolutely recommend it, though, if for nothing else than novelty's sake
I was especially intrigue by the author's ingenious use of a unique, first-person narrative and meta-narrative. It had both both a science fiction feel and a psychological thrill without compromising the best character qualities of the MC.
The only reason it's not a perfect 5: I would have liked some of the details to be more meticulous. Some things that seemed important up-front ended up a tad slap-dash in the end. It got a little rushed at the end. And the final explanation was not terribly well-supported or as well-developed as so many other aspects of the story. I absolutely recommend it, though, if for nothing else than novelty's sake
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Blood
Moderate: Violence, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Addiction, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child death, Confinement, Drug abuse, Gun violence, and Alcohol