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jselliot's review
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Another solid, and arguably better than the first book after the ground-laying introductions of reoccurring characters were out of the way. The process leading up to the killer and the reveal was riveting.
Matthew and Charlotte, however, I feel they'd be perfect for one another. I did feel bad for Nina in this book, though. She has every right to feel a woman scorned, and ideally Strike doesn't repeat that behavior on someone else. As it is, I suspect he'll have damaged his friendship with her brother.
And as an aside, I found the meta-commentary on the publishing world to be rather entertaining. I've known plenty of male writers like the ones displayed within the pages of the book, and the comparison is not particularly flattering. Woe is me and the neglected genius tropes are fraught and frequent among self-perceived artistes who worry more about their glory than telling a good story.
Matthew and Charlotte, however, I feel they'd be perfect for one another. I did feel bad for Nina in this book, though. She has every right to feel a woman scorned, and ideally Strike doesn't repeat that behavior on someone else. As it is, I suspect he'll have damaged his friendship with her brother.
And as an aside, I found the meta-commentary on the publishing world to be rather entertaining. I've known plenty of male writers like the ones displayed within the pages of the book, and the comparison is not particularly flattering. Woe is me and the neglected genius tropes are fraught and frequent among self-perceived artistes who worry more about their glory than telling a good story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore and Murder
Minor: War and Pedophilia
naomi_k's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Sexual violence, Torture, Cannibalism, Death, Suicide, Violence, Drug use, Dysphoria, Murder, Blood, Body horror, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Gore, Grief, Infidelity, Physical abuse, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Sexual violence, Alcoholism, Mental illness, and Medical trauma
Minor: Outing, Stalking, Transphobia, and Pedophilia
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