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mehsi's review
4.0
I received this book from the publisher for the Blog Tour in exchange of an honest review.
I was so hyped for this book which is about an older woman taking matters in her own hands when she finds a gun. In my pre-review (for my blog tour, as I just couldn’t read this book in one day I had before my tour (which was a surprise)) I said I was enjoying the book, and I can tell you now, I enjoyed the rest of the 80% of the book as well! OK, the ending was a bit wobbly, but in overall I really really enjoyed this book and Gloria was kick-ass.
I loved how much this felt like Death Note. A series (anime/manga, not the horrendous terrible emo adaptation for live action) I just love to bits. In that one a person, named Light, gets a notebook that allows him to murder people. At first he goes for the bad guys (by watching newsreports etc.), later he turns to much darker things. Along with that we see the police/L trying to find Light and get justice. Though I always thought that L had more reasons than to catch Light. In this book our awesome girl Gloria finds a gun, uses it accidentally at first, but then decides to clean up people who are bad/doing bad things. Along the way we see how she turns more and more into a killer and even starts to plan things. Thankfully, she doesn’t really turn to the bad side or go powermad just like Light did (though at one point I did think she would given what happened). She stays mostly human which made me happy. I still don’t fully agree with what she did, I would never say OK to murder, but I can understand why she went the route she took. Just like we see many times in the book, a lot of people are supporting the vigilante, a lot of them may not be OK with the methods used, but they are happy that they can live more safely at least.
Along with Gloria’s POV we also see the police’s POV and see how they are struggling, trying to find out who it is. While I was more interested in Gloria’s POV, I do appreciate that the police POV is added as it gave some more insight in things.
We also get a short POV of one of the big criminals who owned the gun.
I have to say I was a bit hesitant about Jules and how she acted. I kept thinking she would double cross Gloria. I was hoping she was a real friend, someone to trust, but I also know that she would benefit greatly if she told anyone all that she knows.
I liked how Gloria changed through the story but still remained pretty human in it all. I did have a laugh at how she said the first 4 people she shot were accidental/not on purpose. Um, I would believe the first two people yes, but the next? I am sorry, Gloria, no no, I don’t believe that given what you did.
The first 4 murders were pretty much unplanned, but the next ones got increasingly organised and it was pretty interesting to see how Gloria planned so much. She got changes of clothes, did something to her hair, and other things. She knew how to check her gun and how it worked. She made sure to not leave any traces. She planned excuses and alibis, she checked the CCTV stuff, and so on. The one with her family and drugsdealers was the biggest planning of them all. I was amazed though that throughout the entire book she was a great shooter despite never seemingly having shot anything. I know this may sound odd, but in other books and movies when people shoot for the first time it is generally not that easy, and even later it takes practice (and looking at things like the Olympics were people have to ski/shoot they don’t always shoot dead centre).
But then around 75% we find out about the letter sender.. and sorry I wasn’t a too big fan of that part. I would have rather seen a whole different turn to the events. The story is already over the top, and now it just went too far over the top in my opinion. And it turned the book into another direction.. so while the last 25% had some good stuff, it wasn’t the best part of the book for me. Also holy freak at Gloria’s solution to the problem. OK. steps away from Gloria I did have a giggle at the reactions of Sean and Jules. The ending felt a bit weird to me, I am happy though, so a bit mixed feelings. On the one hand, Yes, on the other hand, wait what?
But in overall this was a great book and I definitely enjoyed reading it. Thank you to the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this one. I would recommend it to all. Gloria is a great character, but be sure to not mess with her. This woman can shoot! The story was interesting and exciting. It may get a bit gory at times, so be warned.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I was so hyped for this book which is about an older woman taking matters in her own hands when she finds a gun. In my pre-review (for my blog tour, as I just couldn’t read this book in one day I had before my tour (which was a surprise)) I said I was enjoying the book, and I can tell you now, I enjoyed the rest of the 80% of the book as well! OK, the ending was a bit wobbly, but in overall I really really enjoyed this book and Gloria was kick-ass.
I loved how much this felt like Death Note. A series (anime/manga, not the horrendous terrible emo adaptation for live action) I just love to bits. In that one a person, named Light, gets a notebook that allows him to murder people. At first he goes for the bad guys (by watching newsreports etc.), later he turns to much darker things. Along with that we see the police/L trying to find Light and get justice. Though I always thought that L had more reasons than to catch Light. In this book our awesome girl Gloria finds a gun, uses it accidentally at first, but then decides to clean up people who are bad/doing bad things. Along the way we see how she turns more and more into a killer and even starts to plan things. Thankfully, she doesn’t really turn to the bad side or go powermad just like Light did (though at one point I did think she would given what happened). She stays mostly human which made me happy. I still don’t fully agree with what she did, I would never say OK to murder, but I can understand why she went the route she took. Just like we see many times in the book, a lot of people are supporting the vigilante, a lot of them may not be OK with the methods used, but they are happy that they can live more safely at least.
Along with Gloria’s POV we also see the police’s POV and see how they are struggling, trying to find out who it is. While I was more interested in Gloria’s POV, I do appreciate that the police POV is added as it gave some more insight in things.
We also get a short POV of one of the big criminals who owned the gun.
I have to say I was a bit hesitant about Jules and how she acted. I kept thinking she would double cross Gloria. I was hoping she was a real friend, someone to trust, but I also know that she would benefit greatly if she told anyone all that she knows.
I liked how Gloria changed through the story but still remained pretty human in it all. I did have a laugh at how she said the first 4 people she shot were accidental/not on purpose. Um, I would believe the first two people yes, but the next? I am sorry, Gloria, no no, I don’t believe that given what you did.
The first 4 murders were pretty much unplanned, but the next ones got increasingly organised and it was pretty interesting to see how Gloria planned so much. She got changes of clothes, did something to her hair, and other things. She knew how to check her gun and how it worked. She made sure to not leave any traces. She planned excuses and alibis, she checked the CCTV stuff, and so on. The one with her family and drugsdealers was the biggest planning of them all. I was amazed though that throughout the entire book she was a great shooter despite never seemingly having shot anything. I know this may sound odd, but in other books and movies when people shoot for the first time it is generally not that easy, and even later it takes practice (and looking at things like the Olympics were people have to ski/shoot they don’t always shoot dead centre).
But then around 75% we find out about the letter sender.. and sorry I wasn’t a too big fan of that part. I would have rather seen a whole different turn to the events. The story is already over the top, and now it just went too far over the top in my opinion. And it turned the book into another direction.. so while the last 25% had some good stuff, it wasn’t the best part of the book for me. Also holy freak at Gloria’s solution to the problem. OK. steps away from Gloria I did have a giggle at the reactions of Sean and Jules. The ending felt a bit weird to me, I am happy though, so a bit mixed feelings. On the one hand, Yes, on the other hand, wait what?
But in overall this was a great book and I definitely enjoyed reading it. Thank you to the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this one. I would recommend it to all. Gloria is a great character, but be sure to not mess with her. This woman can shoot! The story was interesting and exciting. It may get a bit gory at times, so be warned.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
boogy's review
dark
funny
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
4.0
seismatic's review against another edition
slow-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
1.0
booksbybindu's review
4.0
First off this is an awesome book! The premise is so unusual - who has a killer granny for gods sake in their books? It was just nutty. I love this book - it started with a bang and kept delivering the hits right until the final pages. I think I could see another book coming out with Gloria at the helm. Well I am hoping this is the case as I want to know more of her story. The best books always leave you wanting more. Please Evan do another with these characters.
I can’t imagine how people survive on estates all over the country where they have to live in fear from drugs and crime. It must be terrifying and it is very easy to believe how someone could snap and just not put up with it anymore. However, this is where the but comes in. As a committed pacifist I just can’t condone the actions - don’t know how this is weighed up with me being a crime buff but hey lets go with it. I have to believe in the justice system however flawed and underfunded that may be. But as a book and entertainment value this novel is the bee knees. It’s just so darn real and funny. Gloria is like all your aunts and grannies rolled into one. You just can’t help but like her even when she is killing people!
The narrative in this book is slightly different from the norm as you know who the killer is, you like the killer and you don’t really want the police to catch up with our Glo! The mystery in this book is who knows about Gloria and her actions as there are definitely people out there who do and make that clear to her. Well with their identities hidden, hence the mystery. I actually really liked this part of the story as I can imagine that this would happen and does happen to people. But what will happen if there are consequences for her actions? Can’t really say too much more or spoilers will occur and we can’t have that!
I really enjoyed this book and it should be on your radar! It’s a 4.5⭐️ review from me!
I can’t imagine how people survive on estates all over the country where they have to live in fear from drugs and crime. It must be terrifying and it is very easy to believe how someone could snap and just not put up with it anymore. However, this is where the but comes in. As a committed pacifist I just can’t condone the actions - don’t know how this is weighed up with me being a crime buff but hey lets go with it. I have to believe in the justice system however flawed and underfunded that may be. But as a book and entertainment value this novel is the bee knees. It’s just so darn real and funny. Gloria is like all your aunts and grannies rolled into one. You just can’t help but like her even when she is killing people!
The narrative in this book is slightly different from the norm as you know who the killer is, you like the killer and you don’t really want the police to catch up with our Glo! The mystery in this book is who knows about Gloria and her actions as there are definitely people out there who do and make that clear to her. Well with their identities hidden, hence the mystery. I actually really liked this part of the story as I can imagine that this would happen and does happen to people. But what will happen if there are consequences for her actions? Can’t really say too much more or spoilers will occur and we can’t have that!
I really enjoyed this book and it should be on your radar! It’s a 4.5⭐️ review from me!
just_a_bibliophile's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
adam_tries_books's review against another edition
5.0
So I ended up reading this book in a day which isn’t something I normally do! But I just didn’t want to put it down!
This is the story of a granny turned vigilante and if that doesn’t get you interested then nothing will!
This book contains an interesting array of characters, of course Gloria our main character is the most interesting but there are plenty of other characters which I enjoyed. A personal favourite is Lily, Gloria’s close friend, she provides some great comic relief.
I enjoyed the fact that we also got to see the police’s perspective of the investigation into this new vigilante. It was interesting getting a glimpse into how a case like this might operate for the police and the pressures they can be put under.
One really fascinating question brought up by this book was the view the public may take towards a vigilante who is seen to be targeting less desirable members of the community. Would you support a vigilante if they seemed to be improving the community through murder?
Overall a thoroughly enjoyable read that I would highly recommend! A bit more lighthearted than many crime novels but just as good!
This is the story of a granny turned vigilante and if that doesn’t get you interested then nothing will!
This book contains an interesting array of characters, of course Gloria our main character is the most interesting but there are plenty of other characters which I enjoyed. A personal favourite is Lily, Gloria’s close friend, she provides some great comic relief.
I enjoyed the fact that we also got to see the police’s perspective of the investigation into this new vigilante. It was interesting getting a glimpse into how a case like this might operate for the police and the pressures they can be put under.
One really fascinating question brought up by this book was the view the public may take towards a vigilante who is seen to be targeting less desirable members of the community. Would you support a vigilante if they seemed to be improving the community through murder?
Overall a thoroughly enjoyable read that I would highly recommend! A bit more lighthearted than many crime novels but just as good!
j_lbrbsblogs's review against another edition
4.0
Gloria is 65 years old and approaching her retirement, she is a widow whose son died after becoming an addict. Life is pretty good Gloria works for the DSS (it’s set in the 90’s), has some good friends, a daughter and her family up in Newcastle and she’s a volunteer in her local community.
She lives in Central London it’s a lovely, amazingly quiet area given how close to the hustle and bustle she is – or at least it was! For sometime now the area has become a place where drugs are traded and with that has seen crimes, such as muggings, increase. Increasingly it is feeling less safe, Gloria sees the area becoming more run down, sees crimes being committed and is even attacked herself. It shakes her up, she’s angry and fed up. Then later from her flat window she sees a man, being chased by police, throw something away in close by gardens.
Wondering what it was Gloria goes to check it out and finds a gun! She’s on her way to the police station to hand it in when she is confronted by the two addicts who tried to mug her earlier, she feels threatened and reaching into her bag she brings out the gun. She hopes to frighten them off but to no avail and Gloria snaps! She shoots them both!
And so begins Gloria’s vigilante days.
Gloria is troubled how could she have done it? She expects the Police to come for her. She is mortified. Then she realises that the Police investigation is getting nowhere.
Over the coming weeks Gloria takes the law into her owns hands when she hears of those criminals threatening and committing violence in similar circumstances. All over the country. Whilst the Police seem to be barking up the wrong tree Gloria realises someone knows what she has done.
What a great idea! Even though murder is nothing to laugh at or support whoever the victims are there’s a little part of you that thinks otherwise, that sympathises with those communities being affected and can see why Gloria has taken this path.
There may be times when you’re baffled by the ineptitude of the Police. There may even be the odd suspension of belief because Gloria does seem to be more than lucky in keeping suspicion at bay.
There is one thing I think can be agreed on and that’s what a good job Evan Baldock has done in bringing us the ultimate antihero in Gloria. You can’t help liking her even if you don’t like what she does! She’s a terrific character.
There is suspense, fear and a grittiness to this story. It’s an unbelievable yet believable story, a story with a dark side to it and which, sadly, reflects what does often happen in today’s society with regards to drugs and drug related crime. It’s quite a debut novel. I very much enjoyed it.
BlogTour
Do check out the rest of the Bang Bang, You’re Dead BlogTour.
https://lovebooksreadbooks.com/
Thanks
Many thanks to Red Dog Press for the invite to this BlogTour and an eCopy of Bang Bang, You’re Dead by Evan Baldock. All thoughts are my own and I have not received any payment for this review.
She lives in Central London it’s a lovely, amazingly quiet area given how close to the hustle and bustle she is – or at least it was! For sometime now the area has become a place where drugs are traded and with that has seen crimes, such as muggings, increase. Increasingly it is feeling less safe, Gloria sees the area becoming more run down, sees crimes being committed and is even attacked herself. It shakes her up, she’s angry and fed up. Then later from her flat window she sees a man, being chased by police, throw something away in close by gardens.
Wondering what it was Gloria goes to check it out and finds a gun! She’s on her way to the police station to hand it in when she is confronted by the two addicts who tried to mug her earlier, she feels threatened and reaching into her bag she brings out the gun. She hopes to frighten them off but to no avail and Gloria snaps! She shoots them both!
And so begins Gloria’s vigilante days.
Gloria is troubled how could she have done it? She expects the Police to come for her. She is mortified. Then she realises that the Police investigation is getting nowhere.
Over the coming weeks Gloria takes the law into her owns hands when she hears of those criminals threatening and committing violence in similar circumstances. All over the country. Whilst the Police seem to be barking up the wrong tree Gloria realises someone knows what she has done.
What a great idea! Even though murder is nothing to laugh at or support whoever the victims are there’s a little part of you that thinks otherwise, that sympathises with those communities being affected and can see why Gloria has taken this path.
There may be times when you’re baffled by the ineptitude of the Police. There may even be the odd suspension of belief because Gloria does seem to be more than lucky in keeping suspicion at bay.
There is one thing I think can be agreed on and that’s what a good job Evan Baldock has done in bringing us the ultimate antihero in Gloria. You can’t help liking her even if you don’t like what she does! She’s a terrific character.
There is suspense, fear and a grittiness to this story. It’s an unbelievable yet believable story, a story with a dark side to it and which, sadly, reflects what does often happen in today’s society with regards to drugs and drug related crime. It’s quite a debut novel. I very much enjoyed it.
BlogTour
Do check out the rest of the Bang Bang, You’re Dead BlogTour.
https://lovebooksreadbooks.com/
Thanks
Many thanks to Red Dog Press for the invite to this BlogTour and an eCopy of Bang Bang, You’re Dead by Evan Baldock. All thoughts are my own and I have not received any payment for this review.
vikkiew87's review
5.0
This is a book which has completely exceeded my expectations and been so much better than I expected. It is absolutely fantastic to read and a book I can highly recommend.
I’ve loved Gloria, she is an absolutely wonderful main character. We see how she becomes a vigilante and gets into more and more danger.
This is definitely a book which I have been hoping for. It has been a great rainy afternoon distraction and one which I have devoured in one sitting. This book is well-written and I have found the author’s style engaging. I have literally been transported while reading this one.
I absolutely cannot believe that this is a debut novel. An author can really capture their audience with debut novels and this has definitely converted me as a fan.
This is a great read which I highly recommend.
I’ve loved Gloria, she is an absolutely wonderful main character. We see how she becomes a vigilante and gets into more and more danger.
This is definitely a book which I have been hoping for. It has been a great rainy afternoon distraction and one which I have devoured in one sitting. This book is well-written and I have found the author’s style engaging. I have literally been transported while reading this one.
I absolutely cannot believe that this is a debut novel. An author can really capture their audience with debut novels and this has definitely converted me as a fan.
This is a great read which I highly recommend.
confessionsofabookworm's review
5.0
This book was everything I was hoping it would be and more! I absolutely loved going into the world of Gloria and finding out more about her. I loved Gloria and her passion especially for her family. I recommend this book to everyone. It was a real page turner of a book and had so many twists and turns that I had to keep reading on to find out what happened.