Scan barcode
atisha27's review
dark
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Child death, Death, and Body horror
taliatalksbooks's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
56 Days by Catherine Ryan Howard was a bit convoluted, but oh so worth it. I usually hate non-linear, repetitive timelines, and I fully expected this to be one of the worst offenders after the first few chapters, but I very quickly learned I was going to be proven wrong. I really liked the characters in this book, and felt torn between loving them and hating them (but loving to hate them). I loved the way it switched perspective, and our author really delivered here because I almost never say that. The way details were revealed kept you guessing throughout, and while I would say this is more of a mystery than a thriller, I was intrigued and devoured this in 2 sittings (because silly me I started it at 9PM on a work night). I could have easily read this cover to cover if given enough time and I think if you’re a fan of mysterious but realistic stories, this would be a great fit. I truly liked this book far more than I thought I would, so I tip my hat to @bookofthemonth for bringing this one into my life.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Medical content, Terminal illness, Violence, Murder, Child death, Pandemic/Epidemic, Body horror, Death, Death of parent, Grief, Confinement, Injury/Injury detail, and Panic attacks/disorders
madisonrhoff's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Normally I would stray far far away from a book even mentioning COVID-19. But the plot of this book was too intriguing and I picked it up anyways, hopeful because it was a Barnes and Noble monthly pick. Gotta say, I wasn’t disappointed. Plot was a bit slow, especially in the middle, but I loved the progression of finding out more and more of the mystery and background of the characters. Very unexpected twist, I thought, and I liked the multiple points of view. Nice read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Body horror, Murder, and Violence
jenna36's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- 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? It's complicated
4.0
I am not usually a thriller fan. There are very few that I would even consider rating above 3 stars. This one was so interesting I could not put it down. I can generally guess twists pretty early on in a thriller, which is why I generally dislike them, but this one completely fooled me. My mind was blown, and I will definitely check out more of this author's work, because this was a very intricately plotted and well-written book. I was very pleasantly surprised, it was much better than I expected it to be.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicidal thoughts, Gore, and Body horror
Moderate: Child death
kaylamoran's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The first CRH book I read was The Nothing Man, and now this one. I officially want to read everything by her. While I rated both books 4 stars and not 5, they were the two most unique thrillers I've ever read, and that says a lot.
I thought I'd figured this one out twice. I was wrong, twice.
I thought I'd figured this one out twice. I was wrong, twice.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, and Child death
Moderate: Blood and Dementia
Minor: Domestic abuse, Vomit, Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, Stalking, Panic attacks/disorders, and Grief
theheirlooms's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror and Death
Moderate: Child death
fredasvoice's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
4.5
I saw a lot of the bloggers that I routinely read had raved about this book so I decided to grab a copy.
I'm so glad that I did too! It was a slice of creepiness that I needed. I enjoy a mystery that is a bit of a mind twist, and this was definitely that!
I have one gripe though.
At times, mostly in the beginning, the viewpoints changed so fast I lost track of what was happening for a hot minute. Then I'd be like okay I see what's happening here... it just bummed me out that the transition between viewpoints wasn't more clear.
Other than that I loved it. I want to read more from this author too!
Content Warnings
Minor: Body horror and Death
lou_o_donnell's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Child death, Death, Gore, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Stalking, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, and Violence
travelthrupages'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? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement
Moderate: Body horror, Child death, Death, Murder, Suicide, Violence, and Alcohol
Minor: Chronic illness, Cursing, Dementia, and Panic attacks/disorders
planreadrepeat'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? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Oliver meets Ciara in Dublin, both relatively new to the city. They date a few weeks and COVID 19 lockdown begins. They decide to try living together and seeing how their relationship can grow.
As a thriller-mystery, the book is full of twists and secrets. New characters and names are introduced and unraveling the threads is difficult. The ending was not what I expected and I found it slightly disappointing because I had higher hopes for the characters. I liked how the POV changed for different characters.
Spoiler:
It really made me feel sympathy for juvenile offenders. Yes, horrible actions were committed but how much do they understand? I do not like that Ciara walked free, nor do I find her actions justified. I wish the detective would have caught her.
As a thriller-mystery, the book is full of twists and secrets. New characters and names are introduced and unraveling the threads is difficult. The ending was not what I expected and I found it slightly disappointing because I had higher hopes for the characters. I liked how the POV changed for different characters.
Spoiler:
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Child death, and Murder
Moderate: Death of parent, Grief, Suicide, and Violence
Minor: Vomit