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mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
There are some moments that make this book very "of its time" (blatant homophobia, answering services, etc) but I still enjoyed reading it for the first time in 2024. The mystery and the main character are both charming and engaging. There's no romance with the main love interest yet, but the spark is there.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Violence, Murder
Homophobic slurs are used both in a reclaimed sense by gay characters, and in a derogatory sense that is acknowledged as rude but par for the course.
My historical fiction obsession has briefly been put aside for a quick dive into the crime fiction genre: my newest obsession could last a bit though, given that I hopelessly devoured "Fatal Shadows" in less than 24 hours.
I absolutely adored it. The writing was fast-paced and witty and kind of raw at times, but it didn't bother me. I loved Adrien very much, he's hilarious and outspoken and I desperately wanted him to be happy and safe. I did get annoyed with him when he was acting impulsive (especially by the end *facepalm*) but I should have expected that: he really is the quitessential amateur slueth and being irrisponsible about one's health and safety is part of that. Detective Jake Riordan didn't appear much in this one: you get a few hints and a fair amout of chemestry with Adrien though and an instance of "Baby" that definitely stopped my heart for a bit. I'm looking forward to seeing more of him.
You can guess who the bad guy is before you reach the ending but again, it didn't bother me since it added to the mounting tension of the last chapters. And those last chapters ugh, they destroyed my heart a little and now I really really want Adrien to be happy and safe.
Jumping right into the next one.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Death, Homophobia, Rape, Sexual assault, Violence, Suicide attempt, Murder