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3.56 AVERAGE
3.56 AVERAGE
I typically stick to cozy mysteries and veer away from creepy, chilling murders so I thought I’d mix it up. But I was reminded that there’s a reason I read light things. I cannot handle overly heavy, depressing topics in my fiction.
This book, though only a short novella, was disturbing to me. It was well written and clearly I was emotionally invested— marks of a good writer with a well constructed story— however, I didn’t like the way it made me feel or how long it’s stuck in my brain.
Am I glad I read it? Yes.
Would I read it again? No.
Would I recommend it? Definitely.
Who would I recommend it for? Anyone who likes slightly more intense murder mysteries.
Who should avoid it? People like me, who get devastated easily by fictional people and things.
This book, though only a short novella, was disturbing to me. It was well written and clearly I was emotionally invested— marks of a good writer with a well constructed story— however, I didn’t like the way it made me feel or how long it’s stuck in my brain.
Am I glad I read it? Yes.
Would I read it again? No.
Would I recommend it? Definitely.
Who would I recommend it for? Anyone who likes slightly more intense murder mysteries.
Who should avoid it? People like me, who get devastated easily by fictional people and things.
Meh. It was okay. I feel like I needed more. I know it’s a novella. But, I guess I wish it was longer? I never connected with the characters or felt sucked into the story. I hit the halfway mark & only continued because it’s so short. The twist was did surprise me though.
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was good, but I felt like I had read it before. A sort of creepy Christmas novella
This murder mystery Christmas novella was just as adorable as a murder mystery could be!
Not quiet a 4 star but it is a high 3!
I enjoyed the ending more than the beginning. I wanted to read a christmas thriller instead of a christmas romance because it seems like romances are more popular and I don't like romance. I will definitely recommend this to people who want to read a christmas book that is not a boring and typical romance!
I'll give it 3.75!
I enjoyed the ending more than the beginning. I wanted to read a christmas thriller instead of a christmas romance because it seems like romances are more popular and I don't like romance. I will definitely recommend this to people who want to read a christmas book that is not a boring and typical romance!
I'll give it 3.75!
In the author’s own words, “a book for everyone who enjoys a little murder dropped into the festivities.”
Underwhelming
This was intended to be a murder mystery, but the plot twist was far too transparent—I predicted most of it early on.
While the book is short and easy to get through in one sitting, the excitement quickly gave way to confusion and disappointment.
I kept anticipating a grand finale, but what I got was a flat, underwhelming ending.
What made it even harder to enjoy was how utterly bland the characters were. They lacked any real depth or development, making it impossible to relate to or connect with any of them.
I still appreciate Swanson's writing style, but the storyline and characters in this one fell noticeably below expectations.
This was intended to be a murder mystery, but the plot twist was far too transparent—I predicted most of it early on.
While the book is short and easy to get through in one sitting, the excitement quickly gave way to confusion and disappointment.
I kept anticipating a grand finale, but what I got was a flat, underwhelming ending.
What made it even harder to enjoy was how utterly bland the characters were. They lacked any real depth or development, making it impossible to relate to or connect with any of them.
I still appreciate Swanson's writing style, but the storyline and characters in this one fell noticeably below expectations.
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated