Reviews - If I Stopped Haunting You

802 reviews for:

If I Stopped Haunting You

Colby Wilkens

2.89 AVERAGE

calijo98's review

2.0

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

Mc is having identity issues but comes off as self-absorbed instead of having any significant self realizations. The entire book felt like a very big ego stroke

lilbrusselsprout's review

2.25

lighthearted medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

hikim's review

3.0

3 stars!

The book explores the rocky relationship between two Native writers, Penelope Skinner and Neil Storm, who hate each other. Their animosity peaks during a heated exchange at a writers' panel. In an attempt to overcome their writer's block following their heated exchange, they both attend a writing retreat at a haunted Scottish castle.There, they are forced to collaborate to solve the mystery of the ghost haunting the castle.

What I appreciated most about the book was its focus on Native representation in publishing. Despite being rivals in the horror genre, Pen and Neil strive to carve out space for themselves as BIPOC authors in the industry. The supporting characters added a touch of comedy, though at times, they seemed overshadowed by the main plot.

However, there were aspects I didn’t like. The ghostly elements were not as frightening as I had anticipated, and the ghost mystery they set out to solve was disappointingly underwhelming, especially after the significant buildup in the second half of the book. The relationship dynamics felt more like infatuation and lust than true love, making it hard to connect with the characters. Penelope, in particular, was unlikable; her unreasonable anger towards Neil and her manipulative behavior, making him feel responsible for her failed career, detracted from her character development. Although these traits were intentional for the plot, she showed little growth or empathy throughout the story.

Overall, it was still an entertaining read.

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for providing me with a digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

honey_bean22's review

1.0

funny mysterious fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: N/A

Strong character development: N/A

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

I’m only giving it a full star because some of it made me laugh. I felt like the writing was so scattered and everywhere. I had trouble keeping up with everything going on, between the rivalry and then the lovers situation, and then with the ghost mystery with the castle and the racial issues brought up only like 3-4 times throughout the entire book. Not my cup of tea.