Reviews

Once Upon a Crime by P.J. Brackston

mandolinatina's review against another edition

This book was so fat-phobic

morepagesplease's review

3.0

This was interesting. I realized after I finished it that this book is the second in a series. I might have liked it better if I had read them in order. When I started the book I had the feeling I was jumping in midstream. Some interesting characters, including a grown up and coming-dependent Hansel and Gretel.

dmsleeve's review

3.0

Cute and fun.

tani_entre_paginas's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.5

So fun and lighthearted. Gretel and Hans are a duo to die for. 

rachel_reads_it_all's review

3.0

I was intrigued by the premise of Once Upon A Crime; Hansel and Gretel all grown up after surviving the harrowing nightmare of almost being eaten by a terrible witch. What would they be like, how did they live now, what do they do, were they off gingerbread for life? It started out slowly for me, alluding to their history but not going into detail as to what happened that fateful night they were off into the forest.

It was not until I was about 100 pages in that the story really picked up for me and I was pulled into the narrative. Brackston’s premise around Grimm’s fairy tales is interesting and her story construct and conclusion were enough that I want to pick up the second boo in the series.

runoutofpages's review

4.0

I’m always down for a fun twist on a classic fairytale and Once Upon a Crime didn’t let me down. After surviving the witch in the woods and growing up Gretel runs a successful private detective business, while her brother Hansel does the cooking (and drinking)! I really enjoyed how Gretel was portrayed. She doesn’t have the standard fairytale heroine personality, this Gretel is feisty, witty, has a killer fashion sense, and loves good food and napping. I thought her quick thinking and humor throughout the book was refreshing and her interactions with the other characters kept me laughing (especially the scenes with the troll).

I loved that the characters in this novel didn’t always turn out to be who you thought they would at first glance. The most beautiful character wasn’t necessary the hero of the story and a monster might turn out to be a gentle giant. I’m excited to see what crazy adventures are next for Gretel and Hansel!