Reviews with content warning for Violence - The Sanatorium

This book is very easy to pick up and read, with short chapters and lots of cliffhangers and twists. The characters were likable but nothing too special, but all have potential for further growth in a sequel. I saw another review mention that there were too many twists, and I agree, as near the end there was a section where it felt like the suspect changed every 20 pages. The killer's monolog explaining their motivation also went on for multiple chapters which was far too long and complicated (although to be fair, most chapters in this book are between 2-5 pages, so it's more like the killer's monolog lasted for one medium-sized chapter, but the complaint still stands). I wish there was more time spent establishing characters other than the protagonist, but I did like the female lead. The biggest pros were the tension and the fact that it's dripping with atmosphere. This book is fun for a fun, popcorn read, but nothing too deep.

Content Warnings

notsoquietgrrl's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced

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

2.0

I suspected, going into this book, that the setting of a sanatorium and the related subject matter might be poorly handled, and sadly that suspicion turned out to be correct.

It’s definitely an intriguing setting, and as we learn more about the gruesome past of the sanatorium, and the egomaniacal hotelier’s determination to obscure it, I really hoped the conclusion, and the string of murders, would lead to something a bit more complex and interesting.

Instead, the explanation relies on one of the worst tropes in thrillers,

the rape victim/mentally ill person turned murderer. In this case, we have both. The most ridiculous part? Despite the fact that both murderers claim that they are acting in the name of women victims, all but one of the murder victims in this book is a woman. Make it make sense! The author seems to want to examine the theme of control over women’s bodies, but decides to also have three women be graphically and brutally murdered (by other women!). The Scooby Doo style confession at the end topped it all off. Also, nail polish?!

Some positive points to end on. The writing style felt tight until the last 15%, and I actually didn’t guess exactly what was going on until the end, so it kept me entertained at least.

Content Warnings