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joyematt's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The cult aspect of the book was well done, though I did skim a bit of the more jargon-heavy parts, just having a feeling they wouldn't really matter in the end. Reading Robin's chapters really got to me and I did dread reading some of them just from the descriptions of the abuse and all the disturbing stuff. I did find myself feeling a lot of anxiety for her.
One of the main things I like about this series is the Strike and Robin relationship which was missing a bit from this one for obvious reasons. We did get them back together, which was nice, but a little too late for me.
Overall, the world building of the cult was extremely well done. The book was very readable, despite being too long. The mystery was good and unpredictable, in my opinion. Main characters were good; I'm glad we got more Pat in this one.
I used to love this series. I still do, I guess, but JK makes it really hard to separate her from her writing. I have only gotten books of hers in recent years from the library or second-hand. Really trying not to give her any more money.
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Suicide, Child death, Adult/minor relationship, Physical abuse, Murder, Stalking, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Suicide, Child abuse, Trafficking, Self harm, and Sexual assault
keegan85's review against another edition
3.75
Graphic: Trafficking, Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Sexual assault, Suicide, Emotional abuse, Murder, Pedophilia, Alcohol, Rape, Child abuse, Child death, Mental illness, and Misogyny
novelshire's review against another edition
3.75
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Miscarriage, and Child abuse
Moderate: Pedophilia, Rape, Torture, Trafficking, Child death, and Mental illness
booksandcats's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Suicide, Child death, Dementia, Pregnancy, Torture, Violence, Suicide attempt, Physical abuse, Gun violence, Miscarriage, Pedophilia, Rape, Self harm, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Murder and Trafficking
isabellaoliveira's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
Moderate: Lesbophobia, Confinement, Torture, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Sexual violence, Miscarriage, Adult/minor relationship, Grief, Child abuse, Dementia, Abortion, Murder, Homophobia, and Child death
Minor: Self harm, Rape, and Pedophilia
kchessrice's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Robin and Strike are back and better than ever! Another tough case for the detective pair which this time involves rescuing a vulnerable young man from a highly dangerous religious cult. To get the evidence they need to take to the police to get the cult shut down and rescue their client's son, Robin must go undercover in her most perilous mission yet.
This is a long book at 945 pages, however the storyline keeps up a good pace and the cliffhangers kept me turning the pages, eager for more! The manipulation of people through fear and lack of food alongside the darker undertones of sexual abuse are hard to read. I think that Galbraith has handled it sensitively and [spoiler] the baddies get what's coming to them!
The cult is based in the countryside of North Norfolk and I was thrilled that Cormoran Strike spends some time in Cromer as part of his investigation! Although he wasn't overly impressed with the charms of the Hotel de Paris it was great to see Cromer brought to life on the page. I recently discovered that Arthur Conan Doyle was so impressed with Cromer Hall (on a visit to the town to play golf in 1901) that he used the exterior as the basis for Baskerville Hall! So, whilst small and unassuming, Cromer has had a big part in some very famous literature!
The most compelling element is, of course, the will they-won't they partnership of Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott. Galbraith has teased us over the last couple of books with some fiery scenes between the two - but going by the ending there might be no going back...
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Child death, and Gun violence
lizzyf's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Suicide, Pregnancy, Violence, Miscarriage, Murder, Physical abuse, Adult/minor relationship, Child death, Confinement, Death, Trafficking, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Forced institutionalization, Rape, Suicide attempt, Self harm, and Sexual assault
kymzii's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Child abuse, Murder, and Child death
hugsowls's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Pregnancy, Mental illness, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Pedophilia, Trafficking, Torture, Suicide, Rape, Physical abuse, Murder, Miscarriage, Kidnapping, Gun violence, Slavery, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Forced institutionalization, Emotional abuse, Death, Violence, Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, Stalking, Sexual harassment, Lesbophobia, Homophobia, Grief, Confinement, Child death, Child abuse, Bullying, and Blood
kitpotter's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Gaslighting, Incest, Suicide attempt, Torture, Violence, Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Animal death, Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Drug abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Mental illness, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Self harm, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide
Minor: Dementia