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3.62 AVERAGE
3.62 AVERAGE
it was interesting enough to keep me reading but the story and characters left so much to be desired.
it did a lot for a quick read which is why i still rate it 2.5, but a lot of things could have been said in less words. i was most interested in the neighbour's life which could be the point, but it made the first person narrative fail - it was uninteresting. it's a fun concept and could have done with a lot more visual description
i can't say i will look at a skylight without thinking of this book, so it deserves some credit despite my dislike
it did a lot for a quick read which is why i still rate it 2.5, but a lot of things could have been said in less words. i was most interested in the neighbour's life which could be the point, but it made the first person narrative fail - it was uninteresting. it's a fun concept and could have done with a lot more visual description
i can't say i will look at a skylight without thinking of this book, so it deserves some credit despite my dislike
challenging
dark
medium-paced
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Dark and menacing domestic noir in a succinct and exciting package!
I thoroughly enjoyed Louise Candlish’s 2021 Quick Read thriller The Skylight. It bears all of the hallmarks of her full length thrillers and I am left in awe at how she is able to build such a level of tension and anticipation in such a short space. However, The Skylight does just that. It’s punchy and easy to digest, but I was drawn into the lives of the characters and literally on the edge of my seat, devouring the suspense between them and the dark situation that brews.
I loved the subtle homage to Hitchcock’s Rear Window, but Candlish puts her own unique spin on this, making it refreshing take rather than a contemporary retelling. The theme of voyeurism is well explored though and Simone sits firmly in the same space as Scotty (from Rear Window), where there is something distinctly sinister in their unobserved watching. I absolutely loved the premise of The Skylight and Candlish has written a novella that proceeds at pace, builds up shocks and concludes in a way that you aren’t expecting. I really thought I knew the plot was going with this one, but Candlish still managed to surprise me! I was hooked from page one and didn’t put this down until the final page was turned.
For anyone who hasn’t read one of Candlish’s full length thrillers - or indeed any domestic noir - this is the perfect stepping stone into her work and the subgenre. I highly recommend this entertaining and accessible read!
I thoroughly enjoyed Louise Candlish’s 2021 Quick Read thriller The Skylight. It bears all of the hallmarks of her full length thrillers and I am left in awe at how she is able to build such a level of tension and anticipation in such a short space. However, The Skylight does just that. It’s punchy and easy to digest, but I was drawn into the lives of the characters and literally on the edge of my seat, devouring the suspense between them and the dark situation that brews.
I loved the subtle homage to Hitchcock’s Rear Window, but Candlish puts her own unique spin on this, making it refreshing take rather than a contemporary retelling. The theme of voyeurism is well explored though and Simone sits firmly in the same space as Scotty (from Rear Window), where there is something distinctly sinister in their unobserved watching. I absolutely loved the premise of The Skylight and Candlish has written a novella that proceeds at pace, builds up shocks and concludes in a way that you aren’t expecting. I really thought I knew the plot was going with this one, but Candlish still managed to surprise me! I was hooked from page one and didn’t put this down until the final page was turned.
For anyone who hasn’t read one of Candlish’s full length thrillers - or indeed any domestic noir - this is the perfect stepping stone into her work and the subgenre. I highly recommend this entertaining and accessible read!
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Started and finished this short story in a day on audio. Really enjoyable and easy to listen/follow. Good ending too.
My thoughts: Another excellent quick read book; I think everyone is aware I love a little quick novella to break up reading between bigger novels or if I have a particularly busy day but also want to achieve my reading goal.
The premise of this novella, is that Simone enjoys spying on her neighbours through their newly built skylight; watching them eat meals, spend time with friends and other general day to day activity - that is until she gets more than she bargained for when her neighbour is midst an affair with someone very close to home.
Candlish packs a lot of action, tension and suspense in just over 100 pages; and I feel it’s a brilliant way of expressing the potential consequences when we take the law into our own hands, if you play with fire you’re bound to get burnt.
I didn’t overly love any of the characters, although fully appreciate it is hard to build a rapport in such a limited writing space, but they were detailed enough for me to care about the storyline and the effects actions had on each character.
If you are in a slump or feel like a shorter read, this would be a fab choice
The premise of this novella, is that Simone enjoys spying on her neighbours through their newly built skylight; watching them eat meals, spend time with friends and other general day to day activity - that is until she gets more than she bargained for when her neighbour is midst an affair with someone very close to home.
Candlish packs a lot of action, tension and suspense in just over 100 pages; and I feel it’s a brilliant way of expressing the potential consequences when we take the law into our own hands, if you play with fire you’re bound to get burnt.
I didn’t overly love any of the characters, although fully appreciate it is hard to build a rapport in such a limited writing space, but they were detailed enough for me to care about the storyline and the effects actions had on each character.
If you are in a slump or feel like a shorter read, this would be a fab choice
A fun little novella (one of The Reading Agency's Quick Reads). I guessed what was going to happen but it's very well-written.