Reviews

The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse

archangelesq's review against another edition

2.0

Intriguing story, but it fell apart for me around the end. Too many twists made it messy. The cliffhanger epilogue was unnecessary. Nothing about the main character made me want to read the next book in the series.

elizabeth_pearl's review against another edition

adventurous dark tense medium-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

3.5

kdulong's review against another edition

3.0

This is a solid 3 star book until the epilogue. The epilogue does a huge disservice to the story and 1/2 star needs to be deducted as a result.

The story is ok. Character development is lacking. Plot twists are average. Pacing is slow at times. It’s average. Nothing stands out and I have no idea why this is a Reese’s book club pick.

katko123's review against another edition

3.0

Although I like the idea and the setting, something doesn't feel right.

kyhajo's review against another edition

slow-paced

• Loveable characters? No

2.0

blimeburner's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

books_inthewild's review against another edition

3.0

This book had all the creepy, eerie vibes and the “who done it” feel… but it lost me in the end. I don’t think I really liked how the mystery all came together, and the “why” and the “who”…
Overall, I was turning pages furiously, and loved the mountain, snowed in setting. I just think the ending could have gone differently.

allyja's review against another edition

2.0

I never give 2 star reviews because if I don’t like a book that much I won’t finish it. So the only reason this has 2 stars vs 1 is because I finished it. It was suspenseful in the beginning, but I really had to force myself to finish. The main character is so amateur and unbelievable as a detective, and the motives/twists/backstories all end up feeling forced and unsatisfying. My advice if you’re looking for a good thriller/mystery, is skip this one.

jennamae's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

3.5

It took me quite awhile to warm up to Elin. Shes such an odd character and you can’t get a full grasp on who she is, which makes it hard to fully immerse yourself. The plot was interesting and took a darker turn than i was expecting. 

heather_boo's review against another edition

3.0

Why did this creepy suspense thriller only get 3 stars? It’s replete with a spooky setting, avalanches pinning in the guests, blizzards, and murders. What it didn’t have was an inspiring police detective. If this will be the first in a series then I was disappointed with Elin. Her lack of judgment often allowed her to run off alone into dangerous situations without any thought about backup or consequences. This grated me because I didn’t want want her character to be a stupid one, especially if this is turning into a series. She has none of Sherlock’s genius, Miiss Marple’s astuteness, Poirot’s sophistication or even the slight madness of Morse. She’s just a suspended police officer with an ax to grind who stumbles to a messy conclusion.