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kerryw78's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
tense
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? No
4.25
rainbowbookworm's review
4.0
I can count on Griffiths to give me an interesting mystery. By this point I have been reading Ruth Galloway for a handful of years and I read the books not just for the mystery, but also to catch up with old, albeit fictional, friends. Griffiths did not disappoint.
For some reason I thought Nelson contracted Covid-19 in this one. He did not, but a beloved character does. A character who has been a linchpin throughout the series and I suffered along with the other characters as Covid wreaked havoc on this person's body. Regardless of the pain the book put me through, it was a phenomenal read and the missing star is due to the fact that it was evident who the culprit was.
For some reason I thought Nelson contracted Covid-19 in this one. He did not, but a beloved character does. A character who has been a linchpin throughout the series and I suffered along with the other characters as Covid wreaked havoc on this person's body. Regardless of the pain the book put me through, it was a phenomenal read and the missing star is due to the fact that it was evident who the culprit was.
sklepia's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
melwestemeier's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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? No
4.0
Best portrayal of COVID and lockdown I have read.
julialowebe's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
kathleenguthriewoods's review
5.0
Read it in two days. Well, two long nights. :-) Another great read from Elly Griffiths, one that leaves me wanting more!
Without giving anything away, I will add that one of the elements I appreciated was re-experiencing the early days of COVID with the characters. There were experiences/feelings I have forgotten (blocked out?): the uncertainty, the rumors, the fears, the courage. Stepping back into that time with Ruth and her friends reminded me of the small acts of kindness I experienced along the way. Despite the ugliness (this is, after all, a murder mystery), there is also so much goodness in people.
So, suspense, compassion, science, history, hope, and characters who feel like old friends -- this book has it all.
Without giving anything away, I will add that one of the elements I appreciated was re-experiencing the early days of COVID with the characters. There were experiences/feelings I have forgotten (blocked out?): the uncertainty, the rumors, the fears, the courage. Stepping back into that time with Ruth and her friends reminded me of the small acts of kindness I experienced along the way. Despite the ugliness (this is, after all, a murder mystery), there is also so much goodness in people.
So, suspense, compassion, science, history, hope, and characters who feel like old friends -- this book has it all.
susanhenry's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
teresaalice's review
5.0
My only issue is that it was too short. More Ruth! More Nelson! More Cathbad!
camrobbins's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0