Reviews

Bonfire: The debut thriller from the star of Jessica Jones by Krysten Ritter

bookishbubs's review against another edition

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3.0

I listened to this one on audio and really enjoyed the narrator. I enjoyed probably the first half, maybe two-thirds, but then it started to go downhill. The main character really started to get on my nerves and turn into kind of an idiot, the plot became super predictable, and I really just didn't get Abby's fixation with her past. Why did she care so much? I actually forgot at one point that the main character was no longer in high school. So many things that she said and did were the words and actions of a teenager, and I was so confused about how she felt towards people. First she hates her dad so much that she doesn't stay with him when she's in town. Then she's so loving and caring toward him, then she hates him. And it's like that with so many characters. Finally, I was really annoyed that I was able to determine the pivotal event the second it was hinted at. That's not what I want in a mystery/thriller.

All in all, this was a good debut, and I really think Krysten Ritter could go somewhere as a writer. I think most of my problems with the book were from a personal standpoint, rather than a reader's. I still think I would recommend this to lighter mystery readers.

michaudr34's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

3.5

laurazdavidson's review against another edition

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4.0

Gritty, compulsive read. I was impressed with Krysten Ritter's debut novel. Very cinematic... it could easily be turned into a screenplay.

pimmlet's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5 stars. Enjoyable thriller, loved some of the writing but found the ending suddenly appeared a bit too quickly

isabellastocka's review against another edition

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4.0

Krysten Ritter meets Jessica Jones meets Suits.
A nice debut from Ritter. The plot is interesting and keeps you reading. Howevee, at some point too many different plot lines were build which was important at the end.
I do hope Krysten will continue writing.

anomaly575's review against another edition

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4.0

4 stars for the strength of the main character.

takarakanashi's review against another edition

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4.0

Amazing book!

beynotce's review against another edition

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4.0

I mean, Krysten Ritter wrote a novel about adolescent girlhood, memory and the narratives we construct for ourselves, childhood as a religious weirdo, abusive fathers, and the dark underbelly of a small midwestern town, so this was basically a gift from the universe just for me. It's not a flawless gift but I devoured it within 24 hours so, yes, recommend.

sweeneysays's review against another edition

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3.0

I feel like 2.5 is more accurate, but idk. We just recorded a Snark Squad Pod episode on this so I'll link that here when it happens.

missgrangerr's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0