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sophcart_'s review against another edition
dark
emotional
fast-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Kidnapping, Violence, Gun violence, and Murder
Moderate: Suicide and Miscarriage
Minor: Infertility, Grief, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Vomit, Mental illness, Stalking, and Injury/Injury detail
axelledemonie's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
alaskaisback's review against another edition
I just did not care about any of the characters or what happened to them. The short chapters and quick changes in POV felt very much like a whiplash.
hera90's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.0
kirkw1972's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoy the Helen Grace series so I was looking forward to reading this new story. It's a complete change of pace and this book is set in Chicago. I was really intrigued by the vagueness of a bit of a supernatural angle. Kassie can see when you die. Or so she believes. Psychologist Adam Brandt is hoping to show her she has a form of psychosis that can be helped. However this isn't actually ever settled and I liked that. It's not actually a supernatural book but it can be if your learning is more towards what Kassie believes.
The story itself is a good thriller. It's a stand alone but you could easily move the focus to the few police that are also trying to track down the serial killer as there's enough character development of these guys to do so. And as with Grace, the head of the crime unit is female and I liked her for (at least here) not having any depressing back story. Simply a good strong woman with a good relationship and seemingly no hang ups. Bit rare sometimes in crime stories so I would happily read more of this unit.
A good enjoyable read
The story itself is a good thriller. It's a stand alone but you could easily move the focus to the few police that are also trying to track down the serial killer as there's enough character development of these guys to do so. And as with Grace, the head of the crime unit is female and I liked her for (at least here) not having any depressing back story. Simply a good strong woman with a good relationship and seemingly no hang ups. Bit rare sometimes in crime stories so I would happily read more of this unit.
A good enjoyable read
bethelizabethuk's review against another edition
3.0
I absolutely adore M.J Arlidge’s Helen Grace series. It is one of my favourite crime series. I think that’s why I felt a bit let down by this stand alone.
It started with a gruesome murder and ended with a lot of devastation, heartbreak and drama. The middle was just a bit flat and slow going. I thought all the characters were well written though and I loved Kassie. I just wanted to give her a big hug.
I’m not normally a fan of all things supernatural and psychic but once I got used to that element it wasn’t too bad. I found Adams actions all just seemed highly unprofessional and a bit far fetched and the way his character changes was a bit much.
That being said, Arlidge is a fantastic writer and if you enjoy supernatural elements and grizzly murders then maybe check this one out. Don’t expect it to be like the Helen Grace series though because you will be left disappointed.
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
It started with a gruesome murder and ended with a lot of devastation, heartbreak and drama. The middle was just a bit flat and slow going. I thought all the characters were well written though and I loved Kassie. I just wanted to give her a big hug.
I’m not normally a fan of all things supernatural and psychic but once I got used to that element it wasn’t too bad. I found Adams actions all just seemed highly unprofessional and a bit far fetched and the way his character changes was a bit much.
That being said, Arlidge is a fantastic writer and if you enjoy supernatural elements and grizzly murders then maybe check this one out. Don’t expect it to be like the Helen Grace series though because you will be left disappointed.
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
hollystrev's review against another edition
5.0
Not his best
After reading the Helen grace series I was a Little disappointed with this stand alone one. It was thrilling in some parts but wasn't his best. I'd still recommend and it's worth reading but don't expect it too be as good as his series.
After reading the Helen grace series I was a Little disappointed with this stand alone one. It was thrilling in some parts but wasn't his best. I'd still recommend and it's worth reading but don't expect it too be as good as his series.
always_need_more_books's review against another edition
4.0
Adam Brandt is a forensic psychologist based in Chicago, working closely with the police to assess criminals with mental health issues. Kassie Wojcek is a troubled teenager - she skips school, is into petty theft, is a loner and takes recreational drugs. She also says she has premonitions - by looking into someone's eyes, she can see and often feel how they are going to die.
When she bumps into Jacob Jones, a district state attorney on the street and accidentally makes eye contact, she gets a terrifying vision of how he will die and freaks out, trying to warn Jacob. He assumes she is trying to attack him and she is taken to the police station. Adam is drafted in to access the state of her mental health. He knows she must be insane but before long it is clear a serial killer is targeting the city, and Kassie is the only one who knows how and when the next victim will die.
It is quite a long book but the pace was fast and exciting and the short snappy chapters meant I read it really quickly. I loved the fact that this was a police procedural style novel - we hear from Detective Gabrielle Grey as well as Adam and Kassie, but the novel also hints at the supernatural. Should we believe Kassie has this ability, or is she somehow involved in the murders? Or is she just in fact insane?
Gripping and suspenseful, A Gift for Dying is a must read for anyone who loves a good thriller - you won't be disappointed!
When she bumps into Jacob Jones, a district state attorney on the street and accidentally makes eye contact, she gets a terrifying vision of how he will die and freaks out, trying to warn Jacob. He assumes she is trying to attack him and she is taken to the police station. Adam is drafted in to access the state of her mental health. He knows she must be insane but before long it is clear a serial killer is targeting the city, and Kassie is the only one who knows how and when the next victim will die.
It is quite a long book but the pace was fast and exciting and the short snappy chapters meant I read it really quickly. I loved the fact that this was a police procedural style novel - we hear from Detective Gabrielle Grey as well as Adam and Kassie, but the novel also hints at the supernatural. Should we believe Kassie has this ability, or is she somehow involved in the murders? Or is she just in fact insane?
Gripping and suspenseful, A Gift for Dying is a must read for anyone who loves a good thriller - you won't be disappointed!
orb's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5