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francescareadsbooks's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
adisiki's review against another edition
3.5
This was super interesting! Such a unique way to tell a story, especially for a debut. I thought it was so funny and witty and some of the characters jumped off the page as insufferable (Issy) or hilarious and fed-up (Sarah-Jane). Even though itβs only told from a few characterβs POVs, I felt invested in the story and wanted to know what was going on. Not sure how I feel about the ending and the explanation, I think I would enjoy more on a re-read to pick up on little hints throughout.
abilily2707's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.75
lila_kate's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
nataliereadz's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
To its credit, this is a 5 star read as to the format (epistolary). Kept things interesting and you felt like one of the law students investigating the case. However, I pegged the twists and the killer less than halfway through, and much felt repetitive and drawn out. Also Issy was absolutely insufferable and she made this painful to finish (which was somewhat the point of her character).
*** POTENTIAL SPOILER AHEAD ***
This was basically "Scamanda" in novel format, rather than podcast. If you know, you know!
*** POTENTIAL SPOILER AHEAD ***
jfr_1985's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
roxxyreads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
π The Appeal
π Janice Hallett
π 416 pages
π 4 stars
π Summary π
One murder. Fifteen suspects. Can you uncover the truth?
The Fairway Players, an amateur theater group, are in the middle of rehearsels for their production of Arthur Miller's All My Sons when tragedy strikes the family of director Martin Hayward and his wife, Helen. Their young granddaughter is diagnosed with a rare form of cancer that costs a tremendous sum, so their fellow castmates rally to raise the money to give her a chance at survival.
But not everybody is convinced of the experimental treatment's efficacy-nor of the good intentions of those involved. As tension grows within the community, things come to a shocking head at the explosive dress rehearsel. The next day, a dead body is found, and soon an arrest is made. In the run-up to the trial, two young lawyers sift through the evidence-emails, messages, letters-with a growing suspicion that the killer may be hiding in plain sight. The proof is all there, between the lines, waiting to be uncovered.
π My Thoughts π
Never read a book quite like this, but I was hooked from the start. Told in mixed media, you are reading emails, texts, letters, police reports, news paper articles and voicemails that have been transcribed into writing. Fast paced, I finished in 2 sittings. Quite enjoyed the mystery of it all, and as a true crime junkie, it had me taking notes and trying to figure everything out along with the lawyers.
π Janice Hallett
π 416 pages
π 4 stars
π Summary π
One murder. Fifteen suspects. Can you uncover the truth?
The Fairway Players, an amateur theater group, are in the middle of rehearsels for their production of Arthur Miller's All My Sons when tragedy strikes the family of director Martin Hayward and his wife, Helen. Their young granddaughter is diagnosed with a rare form of cancer that costs a tremendous sum, so their fellow castmates rally to raise the money to give her a chance at survival.
But not everybody is convinced of the experimental treatment's efficacy-nor of the good intentions of those involved. As tension grows within the community, things come to a shocking head at the explosive dress rehearsel. The next day, a dead body is found, and soon an arrest is made. In the run-up to the trial, two young lawyers sift through the evidence-emails, messages, letters-with a growing suspicion that the killer may be hiding in plain sight. The proof is all there, between the lines, waiting to be uncovered.
π My Thoughts π
Never read a book quite like this, but I was hooked from the start. Told in mixed media, you are reading emails, texts, letters, police reports, news paper articles and voicemails that have been transcribed into writing. Fast paced, I finished in 2 sittings. Quite enjoyed the mystery of it all, and as a true crime junkie, it had me taking notes and trying to figure everything out along with the lawyers.
danireyne's review against another edition
5.0
Everybody in this book is an asshole - itβs simultaneously entertaining and uncomfortable as hell. God I loved this book so much. Janice Hallett is such a phenomenal writer.
_hollypocket's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0