Reviews

The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill

susiesusiesusie's review against another edition

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slow-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
Confusing, unlikeable characters, weak plot, pointless exhibition. Listened on a roadtrip with two other people and we all agree, we laughed the whole time (it’s not a comedy).

makeshiftstar's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense slow-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

3.0

brittthebull93's review

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

3.75

damefartfart's review against another edition

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This was a bit of a slow starter for me, mainly because the description had me expecting a lock down closed room situation where they're slowly realizing there was a murder and the murderer is amongst them- which would have been a very thrilling read! But I realized quickly this was not that kind of story and it kind of threw me off my groove a bit. The story is way more meta (which is not necessarily a bad or good thing, again it's just not what I was expecting) it's an author writing a story about an author writing a story about an author writing a story. Although there were definitely some chilling and sinister moments I honestly don't know if I'd really describe this as a murder mystery? There is a murder and it is a mystery, but as the story evolves that mystery seems to become less important to the plot. I think this is maybe meant to be more of a reflection on the nature of writing and the relationship between the author and the reader than a straightforward murder mystery?? Honestly, the more I think about it the more confused I get. 😆 Overall, it is a very interesting read and I enjoyed most of the characters (I especially liked the petty ways Hannah would respond to Leo's letters) but the last third of the story felt very rushed and the ending was incredibly abrupt. I'm assuming it's intended to be that way for the sake of ambiguity, but it's mostly just left me a bit disappointed. 

smdyer87's review against another edition

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

2.0

gk21's review against another edition

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2.0

2/5

jennrose62290's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced

4.0

shandraaa's review against another edition

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5.0

loved this take on the locked room mystery and always love a book within a book premise

thegrimmfairytales's review against another edition

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adventurous 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? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The inception of books! A story within a story within a story. It’s far from an easy read and it’s easy to get confused, but I found myself loving it. I’d recommend if you’re up for a bit of a challenge. Gentill is a fantastic writer. I read a lot of mysteries and their writing is so unique and refreshing. Had there been a lull in the story, it was still made entertaining by the amount of detail and vivid storytelling. I may have to look into some of her other novels!

nhogan527's review against another edition

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challenging dark tense slow-paced

2.0