ju_51's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
castairs's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I don't know why it's so easy for me to find the words to explain in detail why a book annoyed me, but when it's so good that it takes over my mind for days, all I can come up with is incoherent rambling.
Everett was a surprise and a great protagonist. I loved all his comebacks to his rude coworkers. I loved his thought process when solving the case. I loved the way he connected with and opened up to Ira. I was expecting him to be much colder and ruder because that's the way it usually goes with traumatized, clever, closed-off, misunderstood characters, but he wasn't cruel or an asshole on purpose. He was kinda sweet and thoughtful in his own way.
Ira Doyle was so damn charming. He's funny, flirty but respectful, calm and cool, smart and so patient and understanding with Everett. I love that he pulled his own weight in the investigation with his unique skills instead of just tagging along uselessly because the book needed them to spend time together. I also appreciated that the two detectives come from departments that aren't homicide as usual.
They had great chemistry together, entertaining banter and good emotional connection. They complemented each other so well that it seemed believable to me how close they got in only a few days. And the best part is that the author is taking their time with the romance. There is potential for some delicious heat in the future, but for now they are so sweet and wholesome. I was swooning.
I was also deeply invested in the case and I loved every minute of the investigation. There are a couple things I could criticize, but I loved everything else so much that I don't even care. I am mainly motivated by great characters, and that’s what elevated this book from a compelling mystery to one of my favourite reads of the year.
Everett was a surprise and a great protagonist. I loved all his comebacks to his rude coworkers. I loved his thought process when solving the case. I loved the way he connected with and opened up to Ira. I was expecting him to be much colder and ruder because that's the way it usually goes with traumatized, clever, closed-off, misunderstood characters, but he wasn't cruel or an asshole on purpose. He was kinda sweet and thoughtful in his own way.
Ira Doyle was so damn charming. He's funny, flirty but respectful, calm and cool, smart and so patient and understanding with Everett. I love that he pulled his own weight in the investigation with his unique skills instead of just tagging along uselessly because the book needed them to spend time together. I also appreciated that the two detectives come from departments that aren't homicide as usual.
They had great chemistry together, entertaining banter and good emotional connection. They complemented each other so well that it seemed believable to me how close they got in only a few days. And the best part is that the author is taking their time with the romance. There is potential for some delicious heat in the future, but for now they are so sweet and wholesome. I was swooning.
I was also deeply invested in the case and I loved every minute of the investigation. There are a couple things I could criticize, but I loved everything else so much that I don't even care. I am mainly motivated by great characters, and that’s what elevated this book from a compelling mystery to one of my favourite reads of the year.
agnodike's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
mcd10's review
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
winglesswarrior's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Injury/Injury detail, Cursing, Murder, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Child death
blreese's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-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
4.5
octaviaatlas's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Violence, Homophobia, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Blood
oliviak_31's review
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
mallaidhsomo's review
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
I LOVED this. The murder mystery was intriguing, but the characters were on point. Ira and Everett's budding relationship was great. I loved their banter and connection.
The narrative was punchy and addictive. I was sucked in by the first few paragraphs, honestly. Larkin's POV is a fascinating place, and I loved how Poe weaved in how his injury changed who he was, but didn't focus on how that was wrong somehow.
I thought the subplot with Larkin's husband would bother me, but it didn't. Their marriage is dead by the time the story even begins; it just takes Larkin a bit to realize that.
I can't wait to read the second book.
The narrative was punchy and addictive. I was sucked in by the first few paragraphs, honestly. Larkin's POV is a fascinating place, and I loved how Poe weaved in how his injury changed who he was, but didn't focus on how that was wrong somehow.
I thought the subplot with Larkin's husband would bother me, but it didn't. Their marriage is dead by the time the story even begins; it just takes Larkin a bit to realize that.
I can't wait to read the second book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Violence
Moderate: Infidelity