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erincataldi's review against another edition
3.0
Cool concept, slightly creepy, and amazing setting, but this wasn't a slam dunk for me. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it and read it mostly in one sitting, but the ending was too intricate and over-involved for my taste. Rowan's Glen is an odd little community, almost cultish in their old beliefs and attitudes, but really, more old world and secluded. Ivy and her best friend Heather, have never had any secrets between them, but overnight that practically changes. Heather starts seeing someone and sneaking off with townies and Ivy gets concerned. Especially when mutilated animal corpses are becoming a common occurrence and the legend of Birch Markle re-surges. Many years ago the May Day queen was viciously murdered by the unstable madman Birch, and for years Glen folks have thought he had retreated into the woods for good. But when the mutilated animal carcasses appear, bad omens come, and Heather disappears, many believe he has come back for good. Ivy is determined to figure out what's going on, save her friend, and stay alive. Dark and creepy, this was a fun book to read at night. I wish I loved it more.
justlily's review against another edition
3.0
I really enjoyed this and if you are looking for a good, atmospheric read to get you going with your fall reading, this could do it. The story moves quickly, pulls you in from the very start. The background superstitions and stories of the Ozark's add so much feeling to it.
Also can we talk about this cover? Holy underrated. I like it more every time I look at it.
The biggest disappointment for me was going to Sarah Jude's page afterwards and seeing that she hasn't published any more books. She's definitely an author I'll keep my eye out for after this.
Also can we talk about this cover? Holy underrated. I like it more every time I look at it.
The biggest disappointment for me was going to Sarah Jude's page afterwards and seeing that she hasn't published any more books. She's definitely an author I'll keep my eye out for after this.
cstoeger's review against another edition
4.0
Read my review here: http://cbabblings.blogspot.com/2016/10/the-may-queen-murders-by-sarah-jude.html
bookworm151719's review against another edition
3.0
This was a weird one. The twists at the end completely threw me for a loop though. Lots of typos that made me have to reread sentences too many times to be able to fully immerse myself in the story. If this had been put together better, I would've enjoyed it a lot more.
applegould's review against another edition
if you’re gonna write horror make it original
cannonlaurac's review against another edition
3.0
Though I enjoyed this book it was a slow read despite it only being 286 pages. The author is very successful at creating the atmosphere and the world that draws you into the story. The book cover is fantastic. Overall I would recommend this book to People who enjoy YA mysteries.
trisha_thomas's review against another edition
3.0
"In nature, ivy and heather never grew together. They couldn't because ivy liked shade, whereas heather required sun. They did better apart because, side by side, one withered."
This was an interesting mystery, full of lore and magic of a world away. Ivy lives in a glen. One full of old customs and wive's tales - where a cut is helped with a salve and cup of homemade tea. Where stings of heather can protect and red strings dipped in wax can scare away the bad. It's an odd world, and one that was interesting to slide into and experience with Ivy.
But I thought the mysteries were a little easy and the toughest part was wanting to shake Rook and Ivy for not seeing it. I loved Rook - what a strong character he was, even if most of the time he was silent. Heather was also a force of her own and one I found interesting as well. all in all, I enjoyed it.
This was an interesting mystery, full of lore and magic of a world away. Ivy lives in a glen. One full of old customs and wive's tales - where a cut is helped with a salve and cup of homemade tea. Where stings of heather can protect and red strings dipped in wax can scare away the bad. It's an odd world, and one that was interesting to slide into and experience with Ivy.
But I thought the mysteries were a little easy and the toughest part was wanting to shake Rook and Ivy for not seeing it. I loved Rook - what a strong character he was, even if most of the time he was silent. Heather was also a force of her own and one I found interesting as well. all in all, I enjoyed it.
megmei's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Animal death, Toxic friendship, Stalking, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Blood, Animal cruelty, and Violence
Moderate: Grief, Car accident, Gun violence, Violence, Toxic friendship, Mental illness, and Medical content