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sfoster2309's review against another edition
dark
funny
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
emp1234's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. This wasn't my favorite Belinda Bauer book, but I'm convinced *anything* she writes is better than 70% of what's out there. Her style and perspective is just slightly off center so it makes the characters and stories interesting and harder to predict.
puella_ignotum's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
haleyflight's review against another edition
5.0
At first I thought I was going to dislike this book, it seemed hokey within the first few chapters- everything unveiling too soon. However, as the chapters flew by I was engrossed in the story. It’s quick paced and kept my attention by switching back and forth from the point of view of almost every character in the book. I’ve never read anything written in such a way! I found it to have the perfect amount of grotesque, although some may think it was heavy handed with gore. The crowning feature was the side love story throughout, not sure if I could have made it through so quick without that wholesome content!
reckless_reader's review against another edition
2.0
I wanted to like this book. But I found I didn’t care much for the main character, Eve. I found the dual POV to be the most interesting element to the story. It has its ups and downs. Overall, it was a fine read, just not one I found revolutionary in the thriller genre. (Admittedly, I may have enjoyed it more had I read the physical copy, or liked it even less.) I found myself bored at several points, not something I want in a book involving a serial killer. 2.5 stars from me.
hooksandbooksuk's review against another edition
5.0
The story follows Eve, a 29 year old living back at home to care for her sick father whilst trying to balance her competitive career as television crime reporter in an age when sensationalism sells and everybody has a camera phone. Eve is covering a spate of gruesome murders when she catches the attention of the serial killer behind the crimes. The killer's obsession with death is rivalled only by his obsession with Eve herself. The killer, a privileged recluse who believes himself an artist, intends to use Eve to broadcast his "art" and make her his muse. With the pressures of caring for her deteriorating dad and pleasing her tosser of boss it's a role all too easy to fall into...
'The victims bought him time.
His art would bring him immortality'
This book was gripping and suspenseful with a likeable heroine. It's not a big twisty thriller but it more than makes up for it with thrilling drama. The portrayal of Eve's father's Alzheimer's was particularly poignant, at times heartbreaking and touching with a few humorous moments thrown in too. The Beautiful Dead has an ensemble of believable and interesting characters. Overall dark, immersive and morbid crime thriller with a touch of romance; executed brilliantly by Bauer.
frombethanysbookshelf's review against another edition
5.0
This book takes a while to get into, but once I was into the story and it really got going I ended up reading the rest of it in one sitting.
Without giving spoilers, this book gives a new perspective on how death affects people and how some people make a benefit from it - even if they don't realise.
One of the few books where you honestly aren't sure how it's going to end - really recommend this book!
Without giving spoilers, this book gives a new perspective on how death affects people and how some people make a benefit from it - even if they don't realise.
One of the few books where you honestly aren't sure how it's going to end - really recommend this book!
myrdyr's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this book. I liked the characters and the writing. I look forward to reading more books by Bauer.
lou_mac's review against another edition
3.0
The beautiful dead is a great page turner, but also infuriating in parts. The main character does things and you just think.. Why? But, I've never been targeted to publisize a serial killer so what do I know.
At its core, this is a book about the different ways you can be lonely - the successful crime reporter who is caring for a dad with dementia and tells noone, the neighbour who's wife and child are dead and can't bring himself to befriend his community, and let's not forget the guy who has none of his (seemingly abusive) family left so (naturally) becomes a murderer.
Like I said, the books a page turner, but I didn't feel like there were quite enough twists and turns to keep me on the edge of my seat until the very end - I think because we find out a fair amount about the killer quite early on so the suspense of his motives didn't hang in the air.
Anyway, I kept going but probably wouldn't re-read.
At its core, this is a book about the different ways you can be lonely - the successful crime reporter who is caring for a dad with dementia and tells noone, the neighbour who's wife and child are dead and can't bring himself to befriend his community, and let's not forget the guy who has none of his (seemingly abusive) family left so (naturally) becomes a murderer.
Like I said, the books a page turner, but I didn't feel like there were quite enough twists and turns to keep me on the edge of my seat until the very end - I think because we find out a fair amount about the killer quite early on so the suspense of his motives didn't hang in the air.
Anyway, I kept going but probably wouldn't re-read.