Reviews

L'alienista by Caleb Carr

angelayn's review against another edition

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challenging dark informative mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

jaimarie's review against another edition

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3.0

This book was good from 40% to 90%. The beginning was tedious and hard to understand, vocabulary could've been simplified to make it easier to understand what the author wanted to say, too many characters with no real background or personality so it was really easy to get them all mixed up (especially because they kept alternating between first and last names), Sara was the only character that I actually cared about because she was a badass, and some things from the plot and the narration were completely unnecessary.

I would give it 3.5, it was not a bad read, and after a while it actually got very interesting and I started enjoying it. It gives a 'Criminal Minds' vibe which I loved, and it focuses a lot on profiling, but I felt like the ending was really unsatisfactory and confusing. Don't know anyone I would recommend it to, and definitely wouldn't have read it myself if it wasn't part of the Book Club I'm in.

oviedorose's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense

5.0

frauleinn8123's review against another edition

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5.0

Absolute phenomenal historical fiction, such vivid imagery and captivating writing.

ultimatekate's review against another edition

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5.0

What an interesting read! This book details the search for a serial killer who is mutilating young boys in New York in 1896, well before things like finger-printing and psychological profiling. I couldn't put it down. Carr's writing style reminds me of Dan Brown ("The Da Vinici Code")--both are fast-paced, and each chapter ends with a bit of a cliff-hanger. There are many twists and turns in the book. Overall, it was a very enjoyable read.

jbakarich's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

cutenanya's review against another edition

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5.0

It is amazing how I cannot stop reading this book despite its length and my short attention span. A truly fascinating book with not a single moment when you feel bored.

leftyphive's review against another edition

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4.0

This such a great read. It does a wonderful job of keeping the reader engaged from chapter to chapter. The main character is that of a Sherlock Holmes and Dr. House.

bart_gunn's review against another edition

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4.0

An enjoyable yarn, but the narrative is absolutely drowning in conveniences.

lurker_stalker's review against another edition

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4.0

Thoroughly enjoyed this book.