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simplykatherina's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I was initially bamboozled because audible had the cover from the Frieda McFaden book on this one when I downloaded so I thought I was listening to a totally different story.
But all that aside, this was a dark and heavy book to listen to, so if you’re not in the head space for that I wouldn’t recommend reading it.
It had all the hallmarks of a twisty revenge story set between the lower class and high society. I did struggle with remembering that this book takes place in modern times not the 1800s, but other than a couple times it was okay. I also struggled with the main characters name, and maybe I missed some hints or something but the shift between part 1 and part 2 really threw me for a loop.
I appreciated that the tension and the mystery started right from the beginning and that you didn’t have to wait a long time for it to get interesting. And I found the ending to be very satisfying and surprising hopeful for what could’ve turned out to be a very dark tale. The audiobook narrator is also excellent!
So while I was surprised a 1/4 of the way through that I was listening to a totally different book, I’m glad that I accidentally picked up this one!
But all that aside, this was a dark and heavy book to listen to, so if you’re not in the head space for that I wouldn’t recommend reading it.
It had all the hallmarks of a twisty revenge story set between the lower class and high society. I did struggle with remembering that this book takes place in modern times not the 1800s, but other than a couple times it was okay. I also struggled with the main characters name, and maybe I missed some hints or something but the shift between part 1 and part 2 really threw me for a loop.
I appreciated that the tension and the mystery started right from the beginning and that you didn’t have to wait a long time for it to get interesting. And I found the ending to be very satisfying and surprising hopeful for what could’ve turned out to be a very dark tale. The audiobook narrator is also excellent!
So while I was surprised a 1/4 of the way through that I was listening to a totally different book, I’m glad that I accidentally picked up this one!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Death of parent, Violence, and Sexual assault
kendramekalle'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? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
A young housemaid is looking to start over and possibly uncover the truth of her mother's disappearance at Highwood Hall, a Downton Abbey-esque home owned by the Howard Family. But she soon realizes that things aren't as they seem. She starts to fall for Lord Howards son, Alex. Mrs. Huxley, the strict Housekeeper, seemingly turns up at inopportune times, and out of nowhere. the halls are rumored to be haunted. And on her first day, the housemaid receives a diorama depicting the the young woman lying at the bottom of a staircase in a pool of blood.
This could've been a few chapters shorter. I did enjoy the premise, but boy did this drag after a while. We love a good mystery around here, but once we got to the what I thought was the climax, I was stunned to realize that there were 10.... TEN whole chapters left.
High 2 - star rating.
This could've been a few chapters shorter. I did enjoy the premise, but boy did this drag after a while. We love a good mystery around here, but once we got to the what I thought was the climax, I was stunned to realize that there were 10.... TEN whole chapters left.
High 2 - star rating.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Torture, Confinement, Death, Gun violence, Blood, Drug abuse, Physical abuse, and Suicide
rebeccareads31's review against another edition
I was caught off guard when the characters mentioned Taylor Swift like what?? I don’t know what time period I assumed this book was taking place, but I didn’t think it was the present. After hearing that, I couldn’t go on.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Minor: Stalking
sweetjuly_src's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Murder, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Murder, Emotional abuse, Kidnapping, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Addiction, and Abandonment
Minor: Suicide, Misogyny, Confinement, Torture, Physical abuse, Grief, Toxic relationship, Medical content, and Death of parent
loandbeholdx's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
This book consumed me, I couldn't put it down, and when I wasn't reading it, I was constantly thinking about it. It is written so beautifully, which is what first captured my attention, then the first gift arrived and I was hooked.
The main character was really likeable, because she had flaws like a real person. The setting of this book was stunning, and the twist towards the end was outstanding. I loved every second of this book!
The main character was really likeable, because she had flaws like a real person. The setting of this book was stunning, and the twist towards the end was outstanding. I loved every second of this book!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Murder, Suicide, and Violence
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Addiction, Alcohol, and Cancer
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