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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
I have no idea how this book is so highly rated. It had potential at the beginning, and the actual reveal of the killer was pretty good, it was just everything in the middle that was deeply problematic.
Examples:
-Only respected people are straight, white, cis, men
-Main character is literally homophobic and everyone knows it, and yet he faces no consequences
-Sole feminist character is portrayed through the sexist male-gaze; man-hater, rude, unattractive, delusional, self absorbed
-Main female character has a good career yes, but she is portrayed as useless and incapable at it
-A character in a wheelchair faces prejudice from the narrator
-There was an incorrect use of the word Tourettes- it is NOT 'just swearing a lot'
This whole book just felt like it was written by a straight, white, cis, man for other straight, white, cis men that only care about straight, white, cis, men. And that is not exactly my type of read.
Examples:
-Only respected people are straight, white, cis, men
-Main character is literally homophobic and everyone knows it, and yet he faces no consequences
-Sole feminist character is portrayed through the sexist male-gaze; man-hater, rude, unattractive, delusional, self absorbed
-Main female character has a good career yes, but she is portrayed as useless and incapable at it
-A character in a wheelchair faces prejudice from the narrator
-There was an incorrect use of the word Tourettes- it is NOT 'just swearing a lot'
This whole book just felt like it was written by a straight, white, cis, man for other straight, white, cis men that only care about straight, white, cis, men. And that is not exactly my type of read.
Anthony Horowitz writes a damn good mystery. Seriously, I can't think of many other modern authors who are able to nail the essentials of a mystery novel like he can. So that's why I continue on with this series, despite the fact that I don't find Hawthorne to be an interesting or compelling character.
I gave the first book in this series 3 stars because it didn't meet the expectations set by the delightful Magpie Murders. In comparing this one with The Word is Murder, the mystery presented in the first book was more intriguing. I can't bring myself to give this one a lower rating because, in the end, these are so readable. Goes down like a glass of wine.
Going to continue on with this series because I have my fingers crossed that something happens to make me feel any emotion whatsoever towards Hawthorne - while those fingers are already crossed, I'll go ahead and hope that the next two books don't end with the same shenanigan that the first two did.
I gave the first book in this series 3 stars because it didn't meet the expectations set by the delightful Magpie Murders. In comparing this one with The Word is Murder, the mystery presented in the first book was more intriguing. I can't bring myself to give this one a lower rating because, in the end, these are so readable. Goes down like a glass of wine.
Going to continue on with this series because I have my fingers crossed that something happens to make me feel any emotion whatsoever towards Hawthorne - while those fingers are already crossed, I'll go ahead and hope that the next two books don't end with the same shenanigan that the first two did.
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
I love, love, love detective Hawthorne! I love the way the book is narrated, from the perspective of the author who is involved in the whole plot. I love how we are all so blind and how everything makes perfect once Hawthorne puts in perspective.
I wonder if Hawthorne exists, if he is real. I really hope he is, because he is absolutely brilliant. Like a real life Monsieur Poirot.
I loved this book, extremely enjoyable, a great read! I can hardly wait for the next one.
I wonder if Hawthorne exists, if he is real. I really hope he is, because he is absolutely brilliant. Like a real life Monsieur Poirot.
I loved this book, extremely enjoyable, a great read! I can hardly wait for the next one.
A grumpy, secretive detective forces himself onto a local writer, both getting the help they need to solve the case and finish the book. With a bunch of new twists and discoveries in England, this book is full of humour and wit between these two characters. One of my favourite series that has you questioning “who dun it” all the way till the very end. Add it to your reading list!
mysterious
medium-paced
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No