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lauraborkpower's review against another edition
4.0
Rendell, as usual, draws up a story rich with anxious characters all tip-toeing around their own secrets, lies, and deep insecurities. Rendell gives each character a small piece of the puzzle, and it is in this way--and her terrific third person narration--that she is able to build such great tension. The reader sees all of the individual pieces and knows where they need to go, but it takes just about to the end of the story until they're fit together.
I usually don't like it when Rendell summarizes the endings of her books to give a sort of "where are they now" finale. But in this one it works because of the Portobello Road framework. It was, all in all, a very satisfying read.
I usually don't like it when Rendell summarizes the endings of her books to give a sort of "where are they now" finale. But in this one it works because of the Portobello Road framework. It was, all in all, a very satisfying read.
bluemaiden's review against another edition
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
felbooks1975's review against another edition
I struggled to engage and be interested in the story.
paige1947_'s review against another edition
3.0
No one can draw a "crazy" character than Ruth Rendell- she is great
amityvillehorror's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
reflective
slow-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
2.5
the_sassy_bookworm's review against another edition
3.0
This was my first Ruth Rendell book and it was OK, but didn't blow me away. I was expecting something a bit more dark and scary and mysterious..
songbird72's review against another edition
2.0
This was an OK read but a little contrived and scattered. Eugene's "addiction" was pretty ridiculous. There are certainly better books out there.
linneak's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Religious bigotry, Addiction, Murder, Mental illness, Alcohol, Violence, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Domestic abuse, Classism, and Blood
rani_el's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-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
3.75