Reviews

Death By Curiosity by Lisa Matthews

whatwinniereads's review against another edition

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4.0

Thanks to the author for exchanging this book for an honest review. This book is unlike anything else I have read before.

Armitage Black is too nosey for her own good, when something piques her interest she just HAS to know everything about it. So when murders start happening in the quiet town of Habeley with an apparent 'witch' behind them, she finds herself more involved and in danger than anyone saw coming. Who is committing the murders? Why are they happening? Why do people think there is a witch in town? Are witches real, and if not, how has she convinced evedyone that she is one?

This book is delightfully funny whilst also being serious. There's murders, fights, injuries, mysteries and a whole lot of sherry. What else could you ask for in a book?

There are some mistakes in the book which the author is aware of and is working towards rectifying (they could already be rectified by now as I have an early copy). Even still, they didn't stop me enjoying the story!

mymidnightbooks's review

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funny lighthearted mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Witty, humourous, and mysterious, this book had the potential to get all the stars. The witchy theme is engaging and fascinating, the murders gruesome and the setting in the woods unsettling. The characters are funny and clever, although a bit annoying... the slow burn love story keeps you on your toes, and I really liked the friendship between Armitage and Angie. 

But there were some things that I couldn't get over... first, there was a lot of repetition that could have been avoided. A lot of conversations and fights trying to keep Armitage away from the case. I get that of course the police wouldn't be happy with her getting involved but it was just too much of the same. Second, Armitage gets hurt A LOT, several times in a few days span. And yet somehow she manages to forget about it quite quickly and nothing she does is impacted by her injuries. Lastly, the 'motive' behind the murder left me wanting more. I just didn't feel it did justice to the storyline, which I thought was very clever. 

Thank you so much to the author for gifting me the ebook in exchange for an honest review

thearieslibrary's review against another edition

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3.0

 When a series of murder happen in Armitage’s town, rumoured to be committed by a witch who gets people to do her dirty work, it naturally piques Armitage’s interest until she decides to become involved and get to the bottom of these murders. 

It felt like this book was a bit longer than it needed to be in places where it felt long winded and I just kept wanting the book to get to the point a bit faster. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the ending as I did want it to end differently with the culprit. Also, I wasn’t a fan of the Harry Potter reference and the use of a derogatory slur against the disabled community, which I hope does get taken out. It really disgusted me to see it used. There were also scenarios in this book which really didn’t make any sense to me, which made the book feel very unrealistic at times. 

Although, apart from the above points, I did enjoy the story, the romance (although at times it was annoying and very slow) and the friendships, especially Angie and Armitage’s. I think the ending worked well for the set up of the next book, Damned Curious, which I am intrigued to read. 

⚠️ CWs: Murder, child neglect, absent parent, profanity, alcohol use, derogatory language and slur, suicide, blood, kidnapping, physical assault, vomiting, death; mentions guns cannibalism, drug use and torture ⚠️

* Thank you to Lisa for sending me an ARC of this book! For full transparency, I did originally rate this book 4 stars but in reflection, I decided to change the rating to 3⭐️ because of the aforementioned points *

bookstalker_1505's review

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4.0

I want to thank the author Lisa Matthews for giving me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this story a lot! It took me a while to pick it up but I'm glad I did. I love the main Character Armitage. She's strong and determined, if she believes in something, doesn't give up until she gets her answers. It had a few surprising parts that I wasn't even guessing. All the characters were well developed and it really is a very pleasant read. I recommend it!

the_bookish_raven's review

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4.0

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Mystery is definitely not one of the genres I read often—or at all, for the most part. I’m not quite sure why I don’t read them; after all, I’m the daughter of a police officer and I enjoy watching true crime shows in my free time. But I was very surprised when I was offered an ARC in the mystery genre. Out of curiosity, I accepted it and I am very glad that I did.
I’m not sure what I was expecting, but a light-hearted, mystery comedy was definitely not it. Comedy is also a genre I do not read often. I don’t think this book is actually considered a comedy but it was definitely funny enough to be one!
Armitage Black is a nosy human being, so when a series of bizarre murders happens in her relatively peaceful small town, she all too quickly gets wrapped up in figuring out what exactly is going on. When a man is caught dumping one of the bodies, he claims he was made to do it by a witch. Obviously Armitage knows witches can’t exist—so she can’t help but wonder how this supposed witch is pulling all of this off. With her adorable black lab, Squidge, and her best friend, Angie, Armitage begins her personal investigations on the “witch”, making a certain grumpy police officer very upset.
Needless to say, Armitage gets herself into some very dangerous situations. And yet she just can’t stop wanting to know how this “witch” is pulling all of this off. The result is extremely comical. Between her crazy ideas and the way she drove everyone else around her nuts with her constant meddling, I was laughing out loud on numerous occasions during this book! I’m pretty sure the title of this book is going to be written on Armitage’s tombstone one day!
The actual mystery behind the whole thing was also interesting to follow. The characters had the difficult job of finding out how Elodia, the witch, was making what she did seem magical. Watching them piece it together, and more specifically, watching Armitage do some crazy things to figure it out, was really fun and also really clever on the author’s part!
If you’re looking for something entertaining and funny to read, I’d suggest taking the time to read this book! It’s a light-hearted and hysterical story about a nosy girl getting way too involved in a beyond bizarre murder case—what’s not to love? Personally, I might have to start looking into this genre a bit more, considering that I really liked this book! (Luckily, this book appears to be a series so I’m excited to see what stupid crazy things Armitage gets herself into in the next one!)

rao_onceuponaread's review

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4.0

I thank the author for the review copy of this wonderful book!

Armitage is an ordinary lass with an extraordinary amount of curiosity in her. Well, that's how she gets involved in an extremely or rather the most interestingly dangerous case that ever happened where she lived.

The plot is heavy with a lot going on, but at the same time it is light too. (It's best to read the book if the previous sentence didn't make much sense). The number of characters is just perfect and the villain is super villainous. My favourite character is Squidge (the black Labrador) to be precise, it's the way the author has written the adorable dog with such love that makes Squidge the best!
The only sad thing about this book is how often Armitage gets physically hurt, yet always, always refuses to go to the hospital.

Final verdict - It's a fantastic book that is worth reading if you're a mystery - action - curious - detective story - loving person!

goodreadswithamila's review

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3.0

I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review-

It took me a while to get through this book- and its not the fault of the author, its just a different type of book than I am used to reading. This was a mystery/fiction book.. and to me appeals more to the younger audiences than adults. I could see young teens be interested in this book as the language and dialogue and the overall plot of the book reminds me of the books I read when I was 14 years old. I had a hard time connecting with the character- I just didn't like how nosy she was in the situation that was police matter. So sometimes I found myself get frustrated with the character- which is why I say it could appeal to the younger audiences. Aside from the book itself- I do wish the cover was different, something that could capture the eyes. Maybe have it be Habley Woods.. just something to spark that visual interest. I gave it 3 stars because despite not being my favorite read, I do think this is something that could interest others- again more so a younger targeted audience.

inveterate_reader's review

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3.0

Death By Curiosity written by Lisa Mathews is a "lighthearted crime mystery" which galvanized my attention because it was about a 'witch'.I was curious to know how the author would make the existence of a witch in the real world possible and I'm telling you, I was not disappointed.

leighs_little_library's review

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adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

girlfieri1's review

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funny lighthearted mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Thank you to the author for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 
 
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Not only was there a mystery to solve, but it was filled with comedy and even a little bit of romance, so it’s really a mix of everything! 
 
It was extremely well written, and I loved the way that the story was narrated. Armitage is such a fun character, and I loved seeing her thoughts as events play out. This made it super interesting to read! 
 
I did find it dragged a little bit during some scenes. However, the last half of this book really made up for this, as I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next! 
 
If you’re looking for an entertaining mystery to read, I would definitely recommend this book.