3.7 AVERAGE


So, I am a bit of a hater with this book. It put me to sleep. Please remember that I got an uncorrected proof, so some of these issues may have been resolved, but here is why:

-Gen Z slang cringe. Like teenagers don't sound like that.
-Takes forever to get to the plot
-Ghost confusion? What are the rules? How does the world work? Why can people see her?
-No unique voices for the characters.

This is just my opinion though, and I look like I am in the minority, so just ignore me and give it a shot.
hsheehan85's profile picture

hsheehan85's review

3.5
dark mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

It took me a little longer than usual to figure out who the killer was, so I really liked that. I think I figured it out about halfway through the book, just because something didn't sit right with me about the character. I overall enjoyed the story, it's just she didn't come across as all that vengeful. She came more across as someone who just wanted to know what happened to her. 

This was so much more than I expected.
I was thinking this would be a fun sassy ghost story. And it was. But it was also a great story. It def kept me interested to learn what happened.

This book is to die for - yes I went there.
It's gripping, it's funny, it's dark. It's a fast paced journey of discovering the truth, empowerment, gaining justice and revenge.

Annie knows something is wrong, she feels it in her now cold bones, but she's not quite ready to accept that truth. She has some quirky new friends to help her on this journey, and piece together what happening that night. Her memories are blurred, she's haunted by flashes of chaos, but she needs to retrace her steps and the long list of suspects.
But she's undead, she's kicking and she's prepared to do anything to find the truth, even use her new abilities, and confront the people she loved.

This is a gripping thriller and murder mystery that keeps you hooked. The paranormal elements add to the suspense and eerie dark charm, Annie's attitude is humurous, and her determination is addictive.
I loved this story, and hope there is more to come from this dark world of secrets and spirits.


2.5⭐️
dark mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

⭐️ 3.75

 "And the unexpected thing I find is that it hurts. It hurts, watching life go on without me. People laughing, shouting, celebrating, unaware that the water running beneath the bridge at the center of town is tainted with my blood." 

I LOVE the author's aesthetic, it bleeds into her world building, plot and characters in a beautiful way.  Very quotable, nice plot turns, and, honestly, Maura and Annie's relationship was just so well done and lovable! Overall, I'm glad I finished this book. And, with transparency I'll say it did take me a few months to pick this back up and finish it. Why? I just think I did not vibe well with some of the paranormal leaps taken and also Sam's dialogue style. Example: "If there's one thing I've learned about a square, baby, it's that they sure can grudge you your lack of right angles." (it's clever, just not for me)

I'd still read a sequel about Chapel House (please, I need answers)!
v_nerdbooks's profile picture

v_nerdbooks's review

3.0
challenging dark lighthearted mysterious slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
dark emotional tense medium-paced
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
dark mysterious sad medium-paced