You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Scan barcode
dominic_t's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I enjoyed the book, but I guessed the big twist 58% into the book. I feel like it was pretty obvious, so the big reveal didn't have a big impact on me. There was one aspect of the ending that I didn't guess, so that was interesting.
I did like how the mystery helped Erica explore her relationship with her mother and helped her understand her mother better.
There's one recurring character that bugs me--Mellberg, the chief of police. He's usually treated as a walking punchline because he's fat, balding, lazy, and has some regressive views. However, most of the digs are based on his weight and appearance. He did show some character development in this story, which was nice. It was cool to see him develop caring relationships and become a better person. I still feel like there's a lot of fatphobia in his depiction, and his point of view sections are usually obnoxious.
I did like how the mystery helped Erica explore her relationship with her mother and helped her understand her mother better.
There's one recurring character that bugs me--Mellberg, the chief of police. He's usually treated as a walking punchline because he's fat, balding, lazy, and has some regressive views. However, most of the digs are based on his weight and appearance. He did show some character development in this story, which was nice. It was cool to see him develop caring relationships and become a better person. I still feel like there's a lot of fatphobia in his depiction, and his point of view sections are usually obnoxious.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Murder, and War
Moderate: Fatphobia
Nazis, adoption trauma