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3.43 AVERAGE
3.43 AVERAGE
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
slow-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:
No
adventurous
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This is an ok or fine mystery book. Definitely not a great nor exceptional read/listen. It at times felt too boxed in, even with possible suspects added somewhat late considering it was a type of classic remote/isolated mystery. Also some fairly unbelievable skills and character interactions happen in the late stages. I can't say at the end of the book I was hoping there would be sequel. I will say it held my attention once into it and I never considered stopping. Good enough from a public library, borrow from a friend, or sale pile read. The narration was ok but not up to quality of many 'full cast' type productions. In the end I don't think it was on the narration vocals that was the issue. I think it was poor editing or consistency in recording studio/details gave it a patched together feel. So production of the audio let the authors down, not the voice acting.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I tried, twice, to read this but I was just bored. I flipped to the end, read the solution, and wasn't intrigued in the slightest how we got from the beginning to the ending, so I decided that this just wasn't a good fit for me as a reader.
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The mystery wasn't amazing but the characters and their stories were compelling.
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
For fans of the mystery genre who can laugh at a satire of common tropes, The Author's Guide to Murder is a lighthearted murder mystery with unexpected twists, but more importantly, unexpected bonding and friendships between our main three characters. Although I had trouble liking the protagonists in the beginning, this seems intentional. As you learn about their traumas, vulnerabilities, and motivations, they make you root for them as time goes on. There are some aspects to the story that feel a little contrived in order to make the ending come together, but honestly, I did not mind. This story brought me joy as the protagonists solve the mysteries and also learn about themselves and the meaning of friendship in the process.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Abandonment
Pretty insufferable schlock. Romance isn't my genre; nor is a cozy mystery anymore.