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callikat's review
mysterious
tense
fast-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? No
4.0
greatexpectations77's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I really really enjoyed this book, and I was even more excited to learn that it was based on a historical event. (How do we not learn about someone that terrorized NYC for like decades??) I was just in love with Marion, and omg I hated her father so bad. Also! Omg that her sister died!! The trauma!!!! I'm excited to read more by this author; I feel like her research was really intentional. And I really appreciate that.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Toxic relationship, Grief, and Abandonment
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Stalking, Alcohol, and Classism
Minor: Fatphobia, Terminal illness, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Fire/Fire injury
mguy27's review
Just really was not into it. It had an interesting premise but I lost interest so quickly.
maevehk23's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.75
The beginning and middle of this novel really drew me in, but I got bored of the writing style and pace towards the middle and end. At some points, all the foreshadowing became exhausting and predictable. I also did not love the author’s voice in this one, though I really enjoyed other books by Davis. Almost ranked it three stars because I thoroughly enjoyed the first parts of this book, but the ending felt like a drag.
lynn_reads's review
5.0
Impeccably researched, compulsively readable, and thoroughly enjoyable. Everything I have come to expect from Fiona Davis. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
amandadelbrocco's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
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
4.25
I really like Fiona Davis as an author. Her books always pull me in quickly and keep me interested. I especially liked how even though she used the history as a backdrop, she was upfront about changing the facts when it better suited the story.
mikhovam's review
challenging
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
lmw33's review
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
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
4.75
keeyoh's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
viicttoriia's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- 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
4.5
Think City of Girls but with a mysterious twist! I love this era of NYC, especially around theatre and dance - that world is so foreign to me but I love reading it. Characters were interesting: men who are controlling = gross and make me tense; always a ditzy affair with a married man; and always an older woman who doesn't let on.