Reviews tagging 'Murder'

The Dollhouse Murders by Betty Ren Wright

3 reviews

scarwilde's review

Go to review page

emotional mysterious fast-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

3.0

This was a favorite when I was a small child and I was reminded of it when watching a video on Frances Glessner Lee's miniature forensic dioramas.

I'd completely forgotten the MacGuffin that is Louanne, the disabled sister. I feel like Betty Ren Wright must've either had someone in the family or known someone closely with profound cognitive disabilities, because she nailed a certain toxic family dynamic extremely well.

The plot itself moves along at an incredible pace. The murders of the title are solved very easily and unrealistically.
While being hunted by a gun-toting murderer, this severely arthritic old woman had time to run downstairs, barricade a door, hide a small child, AND write and hide a letter lamenting that this guy has decided to do this, when they were so fair to him? I think not.


But for all that, it's a charming little book, and third-grade me loved it very much.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings

emilye's review

Go to review page

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

3.5

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

paolina's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark mysterious 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? Yes

4.0

Outdated language (not surprising considering the publication date) but pretty cool spooky story for a middle grade. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
More...