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bnielsen214's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture and Violence
asourceoffiction's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I enjoyed the murder mystery element of this and the characters were really well developed. But for me it was just too long. I thought the backdrop of Henry VIII's attempt to woo Catherine Parr was clever and it was refreshing to have a book set in the 16th century where the king isn't a major character, but there was so much material to cover (relating to the story and covering the history of that era) and it felt like it was really dragging in a few places.
One of the things I enjoyed most was the investigation of the concept of serial killers, at a time when the idea was so unfamiliar. It gave the mystery a chilling air. The narrative ties up nicely and there are interesting connections between story strands; I just wish it had been a bit more concise in places, it's a very long book!
One of the things I enjoyed most was the investigation of the concept of serial killers, at a time when the idea was so unfamiliar. It gave the mystery a chilling air. The narrative ties up nicely and there are interesting connections between story strands; I just wish it had been a bit more concise in places, it's a very long book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Religious bigotry, Mental illness, and Torture
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