Reviews

Incredible work of art, I didn't want to tear my eyes away from this mystery. Glad I finally got around to reading this one, and looking forward to reading more by this author.

macclown's review against another edition

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3.0

I need to start by saying the graphic descriptions and extremeness of this book aren't what lowered my rating, I'm sort of really into that kinda thing. I in no way have an issue with extreme queer horror (I guess this is horror??), but I can see why that might put a lot of people off. But that's not me, ok? I would read so much more like this honestly if it was out there. It's dark and gross and queer and that's just as important as all the soft lovey-dovey queer fiction out there.

Basically my one main issue with is the fact it's just UNBEARABLY confusing and there's not really a plot that can be followed. Like, there is a plot?? There's an overarching story that is told. But the constant flip-flopping and whodunnit (whoisit) honestly just annoyed me. Like massively. It really put me off.

I loved the format, I'm a huge fan of the mixed media format, it's very 'Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke' which I'm a huge fan of too. Like I said I'm a big fan of dark queer fiction so this had some great ideas and vibes. It honestly ended as well as it could have done really. But I felt like I needed to start making notes to remember who everyone was and what they did and that's not really what I was after.

I also just don't think I really vibe with the way Cooper writes, it's stilted almost, feels sort of flat. It's just not for me.

Anyway, definitely worth the read?? But I'm not sure I'd ever pick this up again.

aak1017's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

j_j_max's review against another edition

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3.0

Totally messed up book, and I definitely should not have read this at this current point in time. However, I think the book had good commentary on (quite literally) disaster porn, the extents of sexuality and fetish, as well as idolization. I just gave it three stars because the beginning felt a bit repetitive, and the fact that I have no idea how anyone can come up with such twisted things to write about, publish, and be content with that work.

xwritingstoriesx's review against another edition

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dark mysterious fast-paced

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

4.75

Content Warnings

sophiadorothyy's review against another edition

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dark sad tense fast-paced

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

4.0

minyardyke's review against another edition

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3.0

do you ever fantasize about getting murdered while having sex? me neither, bro, that just ain't my thing. anyways, gotta admit I've been lurking on the dennis cooper tag on tumblr for almost a year, without reading anything from him. why? I don't know. I just knew that it would have been a really "hard and weird" read. So I've put it off for awhile. Last night I decided I was in the mood for it and I decided to just, read it. The summary described it exactly as something that I wanted to read. So, I did. I guess it wasn't what I was looking for, I give it three stars cause it's more like 2.5 and I loved the cover, I guess it has the coolest cover I have ever seen so yeah, and the ending was cool as fuck, I guess it was an interesting twist and it left me wondering if there was anything real at all. however, I decide to believe the last email, just cause the tortures were too horrible. the thing is, the story is disgusting, that's true, but it's disgusting cause it's dehumanizing . the two guys, B and T are both victims. they are drug addicts, mentally ill, traumatized kids. they are exploited by perverts who get off torturing and abusing teens who should receive care and help.
I know, people might say that it's fictional, and I shouldn't feel as disgusted as I do, but I can't help it, cause despite what they tell you the sex industry is like that, and that's why no sex work can be ethical, especially when it comes to people who have unmedicated mental illnesses. I could go full rant on this but I won't. I gave it three stars also because it did what I was looking for, it disgusted me. so, goal reached. it's not a book for anyone, so read at your own risk. it's graphic, violent and gory. probably would have liked it more when I was a teen. teen me was surviving on TC and horror movies.

12546darcy7890's review against another edition

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5.0

very fucked up and made me feel very queasy and anxious, definitely not for everyone. but very entertaining and well written and kinda funny in a very dark way, reminded me a lot of the docuseries don't fuck with cats.

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