Reviews with content warning for Sexual assault - Blood Sugar

This was a riveting read that was hard to put down! I had heard only a little about this when I picked it up off the library shelf and ended up really enjoying it. The main character is surprisingly sympathetic for the subject matter and I can always appreciate books that are very reflective and spend a lot of time in the character's head or getting to know the character. As such, the first half where we spend time going through all the people who have died around Ruby and get to know about the most important events in her life leading up to the death of her husband was my favourite part.

However, the book lagged a bit in the back half as we follow Ruby dealing with the grief of losing her husband (and also

her dog prior

) and the investigation into his death. Ruby loses her irreverent charm and her spark, which might be understandable given the circumstances, but when you spend so much time simply getting to understand the character's personality and motivations and how they act... Well for it to be flipped on the reader like that is a bit jarring and a little unsatisfying. I wanted her to fight harder for what she wants, not just become passive like she did.

Anyway, rant over, I still loved this book. I think anyone who enjoys books that have the vibe of "I support women's wrongs" or "good for her" or "she did nothing wrong <3" I would highly recommend this book to. It's chaotic and fast-paced and felt a bit like really fucked up therapy.

Content Warnings

a_libraryghost's review against another edition

Go to review page

fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

I liked blood sugar, it was fine-but I don’t know if I’d call it a thriller. It barely even counts as a mystery. Ruby is surprisingly a really likeable character and I enjoyed being in her head and I love how the author didn’t fall into the stereotypes of sociopathy and psychopathy. I cared about her and the people she cares about, and all the side characters had distinct identities.

However the depth put into the characters did not seem to carry over to the plot. The story is fast paced and a genuine page turner but the pace is so even that there’s no climax or major low points. I never stopped reading cuz I did want to know what happened next, because nothing had happened. Jason’s death is a low point but we know that’s coming and it’s very heavily hinted how it’s going to happen. There is a bit of a plot twist at the end but it felt very underwhelming and the ending in general felt very rushed and unrealistic.

Content Warnings

krystims's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

really liked the way this was written

Content Warnings

abbiebonnyman's review

Go to review page

dark emotional funny mysterious tense 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? Yes

4.5

Loved this book. Really makes you think of the concept of morality. Really enjoyed how things mentioned briefly earlier in story have links to later parts.

Content Warnings

brimclala's review

Go to review page

challenging dark mysterious sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Content Warnings

grettypop's review

Go to review page

dark emotional funny informative reflective tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

5 stars! woww

Ruby is being accused of her late husband's murder. Which is outrageous, because she obviously didn't kill her own husband! But.... She did kill others....

The book runs on two story lines. One is right now, as she is sitting with the detective, being accused. And another, running us through her whole life starting childhood, and her other murders. To top it all, Ruby is a therapist - she prides herself on knowing people and judging them correctly.

I was taken by this incredibly fast-paced novel! It plays it Miami too, making it a great summer read. Ruby is so dang likeable, that the murders of her past feel basically justified. The people she has offed seem like they had it coming. I found myself loving her, and rooting for her, despite everything going on.

HIGHLY recommend!

Content Warnings

megbee95's review

Go to review page

dark sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Content Warnings

greatexpectations77's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

I was extremely into this, and I'm really interested in reading more by this author. I thought it unfolded really interestingly, and I absolutely did not expect to sympathize with this main character, but I liked her?? A really fun read.

Content Warnings

More...