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marsh_mall0w's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Body horror, Emotional abuse, Blood, Cannibalism, Toxic friendship, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Death, Domestic abuse, Fatphobia, and Racism
Minor: Cancer, Child abuse, and Stalking
ohhthehorrors's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Minor: Body shaming, Death, Fatphobia, Blood, Cannibalism, and Fire/Fire injury
lipstickitotheman's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Body horror, Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Blood, Cannibalism, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Minor: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Grief, and Death of parent
shinypurplepants's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Fatphobia
Minor: Racism
archaicrobin's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Sam is staying at home with her mother in their childhood home after her archaeology dig was postponed. Unfortunately, the house seems to have changed and the dead are not at rest.
This novel is fast paced, humorous, and filled with magical realism giving it a cozy feel. I don’t usually like humor
mixed with horror, but the way Kingfisher writes, I find myself greatly enjoying her stories. This novel is part haunted house, part ancient magic, and part comedy with the overarching theme of familial trauma underneath all the roses.
I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for something a little lighthearted but that still packs a punch with horror.
Graphic: Body horror, Body shaming, Child abuse, Death, Fatphobia, Gore, Racism, Blood, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
kaitieg97's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, and Blood
Moderate: Body shaming, Racism, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Child abuse, Dementia, Death of parent, and Fire/Fire injury
sarahmiller98's review
4.0
In other words, I've read and loved the author's other horror novels, and this book is no exception to the trend. The protagonist is typically smart, level-headed, funny and relatable. Her relationship with her mother, which is central to the story, is likewise funny and endearing. As with all T. Kingfisher books, I cared instantly about the characters, which made me deeply invested in their situation as the horror gradually unfolded. Although the plot is a slow burn compared to some of the author's books, it never feels like the pacing drags. Structurally, it's a very well-balanced, well-crafted story that comes to a satisfying conclusion without sacrificing any of the little details of character and setting that make the author's books such a pleasure to read. Highly recommend, as usual.
Graphic: Death and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Body horror, Body shaming, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, and Violence
bibliophilicjester's review
3.5
The storygraph synopsis is lovely, but the Goodreads one/on the dust jacket gives away something that doesn't happen until over halfway in. It also starts with her brother calling her to say mom seems off...which makes you think said brother will be in it a lot. He is not. Just some phone calls.
Honestly, most of this just reads like a story about Sam visiting her mom, and mom being increasingly worried/paranoid/careful about *something*. The very end is when it gets weird. Other than learning way too much about insects and seeing Sam talk to random vultures...it's pretty ordinary. She's likable. As is her mom (and their relationship), the neighbor Gail, and handyman Phil. They were fine. It was fine.
I thought the dinner (trying to be vague) would be the culmination of creepiness and maybe where explanations would happen but wow it took a turn. I'm not sure I was entirely on board. Maybe it just got too weird too fast, because I'm usually 100% on board for weird. In general. I even read the last 50 or so pages when it was dark out. Something about this story just didn't work for me, and I'm not sure I know what it was.
There were a lot of funny moments that made me laugh, but my favorite moment was toward the end when Sam proudly declared that she didn't want kids and wasn't sure if she even wanted to get married. *loud cheering* you fucking tell them, Sam!!
I don't feel confident about the rating, but I think I'll go 3.5. Though I give the full 5 stars to Hermes!! (I swear there used to be a vulture emoji)
Also...spoiler:
Also, did Phil *have* to be "ripped"? Cringe.
Also also, why is "helluva" a word I keep seeing?? Why am I just now noticing it? What's wrong with just saying "hell of a"? Why does it bother me so much?! Lol
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Fatphobia
dreamy_demon's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Child death, Fatphobia, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death of parent
bookwitchva's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Moderate: Fatphobia