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aseel_reads's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Whelp, did not see the final twist at the end, but I did see some of the earlier ones. It got a little confusing, trying to keep all the different bits of evidence together and make the story coherent. It was a pretty cool premise though
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity, Death, Murder, Blood, Medical content, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child abuse and Child death
asourceoffiction's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
A great premise that hooked me from the start, a lot of delicious tension and a really fun, twisty plot. There are several character POVs that keep things musterious (speculating about Lola was particularly juicy, though I didn't guess the end). And I loved how the timelines built up a picture that still had some pieces missing by the end.
As for the end, I'm not entirely sure how I felt. It definitely answered all my questions but there were some red herrings that I could tell were misdirecting me, and although I didn't guess the final twist I didn't feel surprised by it. There were a few false endings (where it was clear more was to come) that actually started to drag the story a little for me, and started to lead me towards the twist even if I didn't know what it would be.
A fun read for sure, but didn't feel as punchy in the ending.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Mental illness, and Murder
Moderate: Child death and Death of parent
drybay's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I was hooked! By the end, the book was going towards a dissapointing ending but then it had me pleasantly surprised.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Murder, Death, Forced institutionalization, Child death, Confinement, and Suicide
Moderate: Death of parent, Torture, Alcohol, Animal cruelty, Animal death, and Mental illness
Minor: Addiction, Drug use, Misogyny, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, and Bullying
carolinefran's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death of parent, Mental illness, Medical content, Injury/Injury detail, Toxic relationship, Suicide, Stalking, Panic attacks/disorders, Murder, Alcohol, Blood, Animal death, Child death, Death, Infidelity, Grief, and Forced institutionalization
Minor: Pregnancy and Drug use
coffeekitaab's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
After reading multiple books at the same time, I dedicated yesterday to finishing the second half of this book in one sitting and on reflection, still not sure how I feel about this. Some aspects are brilliantly written, the premise grips you from the blurb/first page and a gradual build up of the case/story has you on edge, the writing in certain parts is brilliant - I love how Blake references true crime in the UK (infamous cases which add to the mystery) Shakespeare within the story, even comparing the Greek God's of Death and Sleep (who are brothers) such a fine line and honestly pure genius. Special mention to that moment where Emily meets Anna after she finally opens her eyes and the nostalgia that ensues with Emily remembering how Anna was as a baby, the eyes being the part of the body that do not change, so even if 4 years have lapsed, that remains the same and all the moments shared over the years *chef's kiss*.
The cons: The punchline hit and missed me, to be honest. That moment where everything unravels and the reader is brought in on the twist... I was so ready for that moment but I guess I was waiting a while so when it eventually happened, the writing left me confused. I was expecting more from the second half in terms of exploration and investigation of the crime, as a reader alot of points where you expect follow through were missed eg the file Ben picks up from Bloom's office was not even looked at until I think 80% of the way through. There was more repetition in the second half which was unnecessary and the words could have been used to boost the storyline which didn't happen. I have told all my friends about the story (because it is brilliant) and yet as the book went on, as a thriller, it failed to deliver for me. I will look out for more from Matthew Blake because I did enjoy this in parts and he is a welcome voice to this genre, I can imagine the next one will be brilliant and there is massive potential based on the idea alone. Thank you @netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest unedited review.
The cons: The punchline hit and missed me, to be honest. That moment where everything unravels and the reader is brought in on the twist... I was so ready for that moment but I guess I was waiting a while so when it eventually happened, the writing left me confused. I was expecting more from the second half in terms of exploration and investigation of the crime, as a reader alot of points where you expect follow through were missed eg the file Ben picks up from Bloom's office was not even looked at until I think 80% of the way through. There was more repetition in the second half which was unnecessary and the words could have been used to boost the storyline which didn't happen. I have told all my friends about the story (because it is brilliant) and yet as the book went on, as a thriller, it failed to deliver for me. I will look out for more from Matthew Blake because I did enjoy this in parts and he is a welcome voice to this genre, I can imagine the next one will be brilliant and there is massive potential based on the idea alone. Thank you @netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest unedited review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Child death, Blood, Animal cruelty, Body horror, Death, Suicide, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
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