Scan barcode
sunnys_shelf's review against another edition
4.0
Stars: 3.5
Here's what worked for me: I really enjoyed the present-day storyline. I thought Penelope's character was really interesting and well written. I could sympathize with a mother spreading herself really thin and feeling like she can't keep up with all of the moving pieces in her life. I also liked the psychological aspect--Is Willa up to something, or is Penelope overreacting? Once I hit about the halfway point of the book, the story really picked up for me, and I couldn't wait to see how everything would unfold.
Here's what didn't work for me: Although I typically really enjoy stories that take place in two different timelines, I wasn't very invested in the past timeline in this book. I felt like Moretti tried to give the reader enough background story on the five Spires, but I didn't feel like I got to the point where I cared about any of them. The book also started out pretty slow for me, and I found myself wondering if/when the story would pick up and get more exciting.
Overall, I did enjoy the book. Although the twists weren't super surprising to me, that wasn't a deal breaker, and I still found myself wanting to finish the book to find out what happens. This is my first Moretti book, and I'd be interested in reading some others to see how this compares.
Here's what worked for me: I really enjoyed the present-day storyline. I thought Penelope's character was really interesting and well written. I could sympathize with a mother spreading herself really thin and feeling like she can't keep up with all of the moving pieces in her life. I also liked the psychological aspect--Is Willa up to something, or is Penelope overreacting? Once I hit about the halfway point of the book, the story really picked up for me, and I couldn't wait to see how everything would unfold.
Here's what didn't work for me: Although I typically really enjoy stories that take place in two different timelines, I wasn't very invested in the past timeline in this book. I felt like Moretti tried to give the reader enough background story on the five Spires, but I didn't feel like I got to the point where I cared about any of them. The book also started out pretty slow for me, and I found myself wondering if/when the story would pick up and get more exciting.
Overall, I did enjoy the book. Although the twists weren't super surprising to me, that wasn't a deal breaker, and I still found myself wanting to finish the book to find out what happens. This is my first Moretti book, and I'd be interested in reading some others to see how this compares.
catreader18's review
5.0
A group of friends live in and old church after graduation. Years later one resident cannot forget what happened that summer.
The story is set mostly in the present with flashbacks to fill in background. You know early on there was a fire at the church but don’t know why. I loved everything about this book from the beautiful cover, the title, and how the writing kept me engaged in the book. It’s a must read!
The story is set mostly in the present with flashbacks to fill in background. You know early on there was a fire at the church but don’t know why. I loved everything about this book from the beautiful cover, the title, and how the writing kept me engaged in the book. It’s a must read!
the_sassy_bookworm's review
4.0
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I enjoyed this one a lot! A quick, easy read that was fast-paced. An engaging and well-developed plot that kept me turning the pages. A cast of intriguing characters, all wrapped up in a satisfying ending. What more can you as for?
**ARC Via NetGalley**
I enjoyed this one a lot! A quick, easy read that was fast-paced. An engaging and well-developed plot that kept me turning the pages. A cast of intriguing characters, all wrapped up in a satisfying ending. What more can you as for?
**ARC Via NetGalley**
renwar96's review against another edition
4.0
The Spires, what a group of college friends call each other, decide to live together in a converted church for a year after graduation. The to tight quarters and constantly being together brings forward all of the little things that they've been able to disregard about each other in the past. Flash forward 20 years and Penelope (Pip) has a happy, boring life until Willa, one of her college friends from the past shows up asking for somewhere to stay. Willa brings back all of the old memories, "the fire", and her presence makes Pip rethink things that are happening in her (not so great) current life. Is Pip starting to lose her mind? Is Willa making things happen in her house? I liked this book and it kept me wondering out how this would end.
amandadelbrocco's review against another edition
4.0
Not groundbreaking, but an enjoyable thriller. I liked the writing.
hauntedyam's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
smorrison4's review
medium-paced
4.0
This was a messed up and twisty mystery and it was a great read! This one kept you guessing through the entire story as you try and figure out what is actually happening. Looking forward to reading more of Kate Moretti's books in the future.
bookwormfaerie327's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
ahawkin11's review
3.0
**Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
The Spires follows a woman named Penelope, 20 years after a tragic house fire that upended a friend group forever. Penelope has done everything in her power to distance herself from the events of that tragedy, abandoning all contact with the 4 friends that were almost like family.
When one of those old friends, Willa, shows up at Penelope’s doorstep in need of help - she welcomes her with open arms. Things start to spiral quickly as Willa inserts herself into every facet of Pen’s live, getting involved with her husband and her kids.
The story toggles back and forth between past and present, leading to a dramatic ending. I found the story to be a fun, quick read, but slightly predictable and redundant. I recommend this story to anyone that likes thrillers, mysteries, and stories that cross timelines
The Spires follows a woman named Penelope, 20 years after a tragic house fire that upended a friend group forever. Penelope has done everything in her power to distance herself from the events of that tragedy, abandoning all contact with the 4 friends that were almost like family.
When one of those old friends, Willa, shows up at Penelope’s doorstep in need of help - she welcomes her with open arms. Things start to spiral quickly as Willa inserts herself into every facet of Pen’s live, getting involved with her husband and her kids.
The story toggles back and forth between past and present, leading to a dramatic ending. I found the story to be a fun, quick read, but slightly predictable and redundant. I recommend this story to anyone that likes thrillers, mysteries, and stories that cross timelines