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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Makkai remains a compelling storyteller as she explores a true crime landscape. There's a mystery and some twists, but the novel's strengths rely on Makkai's mastery of depicting human nature with honesty and kindness. Although I was invested in the plot, I cared more about our narrator's character development as she confronts her difficult past.
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
True Crime podcaster Bodie Kane returns to her boarding school (high school) as an adult to help teach a class on podcasting, while really being there to look into the death of her high school roommate Thalia. The story was super chill and a little too slow for me for being designated a thriller. While I was interested in the story the entire time, I found the entire book being told through Bodie's ruminations to "you" (her high school opera teacher) slow and tedious. Stars bumped up .5 for Julia Whelan's audio and the great chapter told from the accused's point of view.
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Wow. I think this is the first time I've truly enjoyed a book written in second person. Am I becoming someone who enjoys thrillers? This book was twisty, dark, and gripping. I was on the edge of my seat the whole team and she never really took her foot off the gas. Makkai is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Violence, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Eating disorder, Sexual assault
Minor: Suicide attempt
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
‘Terugkijkend is het moeilijk ons voor te stellen zoals we toen waren, in plaats van zoals we zouden worden; is het moeilijk om geen tekstballonnen boven ons hoofd te zien zweven met: ‘Vermoord Meisje’ en ‘Operaster!’ en ‘Zielige Dronkenlap’.’
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
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:
Yes
challenging
funny
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
I read this book a few months ago. I had mixed feelings at the time; the writing was okay but often too long-winded. Looking back now, I find that I remember hardly anything about the story. That's why the book gets only two stars (instead of the three stars I would probably have given if I'd written this review right after I finished reading).