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3.61 AVERAGE
3.61 AVERAGE
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
*** ARC review *** This was very entertaining!! I loved the witty banter between Fran and Gareth and watching the whole case play out. This definitely reminds me of Dexter in the sense that I’m rooting for the killer 😆 would absolutely recommend to anyone who loves thrillers and books with twists
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I enjoyed this book as a nice easy read. The mystery element was fun but not a huge tension point. It was a fun story development and the little twists and turns from the viewpoint of the husband. I also loved the banter between Gareth and Fran.
I will admit to being in the US and googling a few of the references cause it’s very UK
I will admit to being in the US and googling a few of the references cause it’s very UK
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Minor: Infertility
When his neighbour suddenly disappears, detective Gareth Donoghue has a bad feeling about it, and he dives headfirst into the case, not knowing that his wife, Fran, is the one who murdered him.
The premise for this book is so enthralling, and it reads so quickly; it's such a perfect story to binge on a cosy day. The writing also is very engaging, so funny and sharp, which makes it even easier to fly through the pages. I really enjoyed the double narration, and I think being able to see what was going on with both Fran and Gareth really made this all that much more interesting.
I will say I did not feel particularly connected to any of the characters, and sometimes it made it a little harder to care, but the plot was enough to make up for it. I found the ending to be a little... weird? Especially when it comes to Gareth, and I mean that in the sense that it felt like it was coming out of left field, and, to me, it read as such a quick and sudden switch up that I really didn't see coming; but then again, I couldn't really figure him out through the entirety of the story.
Overall, while it might not be anything revolutionary, it definitely still is such a fun, entertaining read, and I would definitely recommend it. Also, so curious to see what the author does next!
Many thanks to Storm Publishing & NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
The premise for this book is so enthralling, and it reads so quickly; it's such a perfect story to binge on a cosy day. The writing also is very engaging, so funny and sharp, which makes it even easier to fly through the pages. I really enjoyed the double narration, and I think being able to see what was going on with both Fran and Gareth really made this all that much more interesting.
I will say I did not feel particularly connected to any of the characters, and sometimes it made it a little harder to care, but the plot was enough to make up for it. I found the ending to be a little... weird? Especially when it comes to Gareth, and I mean that in the sense that it felt like it was coming out of left field, and, to me, it read as such a quick and sudden switch up that I really didn't see coming; but then again, I couldn't really figure him out through the entirety of the story.
Overall, while it might not be anything revolutionary, it definitely still is such a fun, entertaining read, and I would definitely recommend it. Also, so curious to see what the author does next!
Many thanks to Storm Publishing & NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
tense
This was an enjoyable read, though it ultimately left me feeling a bit underwhelmed. I particularly appreciated the writing style and found Fran, the main character, quite intriguing. However, Gareth didn't always resonate with me, despite genuinely liking the relationship between him and Fran.
I was annoyed by Fran's haste with the murders and her tendency to make rookie mistakes. It often felt like she needed to strategise far more in advance, and her lack of planning led to some significant missteps that impacted the overall narrative.
Thank you NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
I was annoyed by Fran's haste with the murders and her tendency to make rookie mistakes. It often felt like she needed to strategise far more in advance, and her lack of planning led to some significant missteps that impacted the overall narrative.
Thank you NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
dark
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
⭐️ 4.5/5
First person POV | Dual narrative
Linear timeline
FMC: Fran | MMC: Gareth
Meta-Mystery
The description of being a mix of “Schitt’s Creek” and “Dexter” is pretty spot on. There is a great combination of mystery, crime, gore, comedy, and a sprinkle of love (not spicy & not mushy romance—just love). It was cheeky and witty, while obviously having strong elements of crime and mystery.
The two main characters, Fran and Gareth, are both put in predicaments that challenge their morals and beliefs. Written in first person from both of their POVs, their commentary, self-awareness, and decision-making while sometimes breaking the fourth wall adds a smart, meta layer to the story.
I enjoyed the heartwarming and self-discovery moments, as well as the various, strong relationships Fran and Gareth have and the growth they experience with them. Intertwined with a suspenseful, sometimes gory, crime and mystery makes this an entertaining page turner!
Thank you Storm Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.
First person POV | Dual narrative
Linear timeline
FMC: Fran | MMC: Gareth
Meta-Mystery
The description of being a mix of “Schitt’s Creek” and “Dexter” is pretty spot on. There is a great combination of mystery, crime, gore, comedy, and a sprinkle of love (not spicy & not mushy romance—just love). It was cheeky and witty, while obviously having strong elements of crime and mystery.
The two main characters, Fran and Gareth, are both put in predicaments that challenge their morals and beliefs. Written in first person from both of their POVs, their commentary, self-awareness, and decision-making while sometimes breaking the fourth wall adds a smart, meta layer to the story.
I enjoyed the heartwarming and self-discovery moments, as well as the various, strong relationships Fran and Gareth have and the growth they experience with them. Intertwined with a suspenseful, sometimes gory, crime and mystery makes this an entertaining page turner!
Thank you Storm Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.
tense
dark
emotional
funny
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:
Yes
ARC read.
I really enjoyed this book, it was very mysterious, dark and funny - perfect for fans of Bella Mackie (which I am). Serial killer wife and police detective husband duo with incredible banter. The dual POV worked really well and had me screaming at the characters because I knew things they didn't. I did see where the plot was going. I preferred the parts where the main plot line was developing and didn't love the chapters that were mostly about their normal home life. It's a nice easy read. I loved the FMC and was really rooting for her the entire time. I honestly didn't care for the MMC at the beginning but his character development towards the end really got me and I really warmed up to him!