Reviews tagging 'Suicide'

The Binding Room by Nadine Matheson

2 reviews

beanjoles's review

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

All in all, an incredible follow-up to The Jigsaw Man! Nadine Matheson is a supremely talented author who has a remarkable knack for writing clear, descriptive prose that’s gripping from start to finish. Greatly looking forward to more Henley novels. My only regret is that I found her book series so soon, because I don’t have a backlog I can work through now that I’m done her two current novels! :’)

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Mental illness, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Torture

Moderate: Racism and Sexual assault

Minor: Suicide

Schizophrenia, psychosis, borderline personality disorder, and bipolar disorder are all mentioned by name in this book. Symptoms of psychosis, mania, and depression are discussed in detail at various points. In my opinion as a person with bipolar who’s frequently frustrated by how we’re portrayed in media—the descriptions of mental illness are factual, not overplayed for drama, and are respectful to the folks who are ill. They are not demonized for their illnesses by any of the key protagonists. Mild plot spoilers:

The victims of the serial murders have the above-named mental illnesses, so if you’re sensitive to violence against people who are mentally unwell, be aware going in.

Heavy plot spoilers for ending:

One of the perpetrators is also revealed to have bipolar disorder. The book does not go out of its way to describe them as evil or wrong *because* of their illness.

librariangeorgia's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense fast-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

4.5

I bloody loved this book. I enjoyed it just as much as THE JIGSAW MAN. It’s a very dark gritty detective thriller series which I am loving - it’s been a while since I’ve read one like this. 

 

The plot for this book follows a series of ritualistic murders which I found to be very interesting. The writing style of this series fits that dark storyline. A big part of this book is mental health which I found was handled really well - not just the victims/suspects but the investigating team as well. 

 

I found it very gripping, I literally couldn’t stop reading it and kept wanting to know more. The writing is fantastic and I love the character development for the investigating team. We knew a bit about them from the previous book, but this one has expanded on that a lot more for each of the characters. I am loving Henley and Ramouter’s friendship in this book. They bounced off each other really well. 

 

The only negative thing I’d have to say about this book is that it’s an absolute CHONK of a book. I honestly think it could’ve been shortened by about 100 pages and still contain all the necessary details. 

 

Overall, I loved everything about this book and I honestly can say that Matheson is one of my favourite authors, and an auto-buy author. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Blood, Confinement, Death, Dementia, Gore, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Mental illness, Murder, Rape, Religious bigotry, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Sexual assault, Suicide, and Torture