Scan barcode
paige1947_'s review against another edition
5.0
This book is a real page turner- what a WOW of an ending
elliejabuelly's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
jaesting's review against another edition
5.0
The Poison Tree is one of the best debut novels I have read in the past couple of years. Author Erin Kelly has really set the bar high for herself. In this novel we explore the world of laid back, free spirited college kids whose lives get turned upside down.
The book actually begins near the end of the story, then switches back to this carefree and exciting life, time and time again. Normally, I do not like books that switch each chapter back and forth between present and past because it can be confusing if you are not expecting it. But Kelly did a fine job of telling us the back story with this format. What I really enjoyed about this story is the dropping of foreshadowing subtly. This made me want to read on at every hint.
The story begins with Rex and Karen and their daughter driving in England. We soon find out Rex has just been released from prison so there is awkwardness between Karen and Rex straight away. Then we skip ahead to chapter 2 after much foreshadowing to when Karen was a language student in college and she meets the mysteriously glamorous bohemian Biba, a drama student, and her older brother Rex who live in a large house in North London that has seen better days. Over the summer of her final year at university, Karen moves in with Biba and Rex, and into a world of parties, mystery, alcohol, drugs and a variety of eccentric and shady characters, including drug dealing Guy.
It is hard to give a review of this book without revealing spoilers. The end was shocking and I (who is almost always disappointed with the ending of stories, as some of you know!) was extremely satisfied with the way this story unraveled to the end. This is one of those books to start reading on a Friday night and keep eagerly turning the pages until Sunday.
The book actually begins near the end of the story, then switches back to this carefree and exciting life, time and time again. Normally, I do not like books that switch each chapter back and forth between present and past because it can be confusing if you are not expecting it. But Kelly did a fine job of telling us the back story with this format. What I really enjoyed about this story is the dropping of foreshadowing subtly. This made me want to read on at every hint.
The story begins with Rex and Karen and their daughter driving in England. We soon find out Rex has just been released from prison so there is awkwardness between Karen and Rex straight away. Then we skip ahead to chapter 2 after much foreshadowing to when Karen was a language student in college and she meets the mysteriously glamorous bohemian Biba, a drama student, and her older brother Rex who live in a large house in North London that has seen better days. Over the summer of her final year at university, Karen moves in with Biba and Rex, and into a world of parties, mystery, alcohol, drugs and a variety of eccentric and shady characters, including drug dealing Guy.
It is hard to give a review of this book without revealing spoilers. The end was shocking and I (who is almost always disappointed with the ending of stories, as some of you know!) was extremely satisfied with the way this story unraveled to the end. This is one of those books to start reading on a Friday night and keep eagerly turning the pages until Sunday.
iris_cadaver's review against another edition
4.0
Fast-paced thriller that has excellent character development, which so many plot-driven thrillers lack. Enjoyable if you're a fan of Gillian Flynn, Kate Atkinson and Tana French.
The one thing that annoyed me about this book was the constant teasing about what was to come. The narrator has a secret, and she wants you to know she has one, so she keeps reminding you of it, even though you know you won't find out what the secret is until the very end. It's kind of like watching a movie when someone has told you to expect "a twist," and then you're distracted, looking for the twist, trying to figure out what it might be. In this book, the foreshadowing felt heavy handed and unnecessary. I would've kept reading anyway just for the characters.
The one thing that annoyed me about this book was the constant teasing about what was to come. The narrator has a secret, and she wants you to know she has one, so she keeps reminding you of it, even though you know you won't find out what the secret is until the very end. It's kind of like watching a movie when someone has told you to expect "a twist," and then you're distracted, looking for the twist, trying to figure out what it might be. In this book, the foreshadowing felt heavy handed and unnecessary. I would've kept reading anyway just for the characters.
tarambt's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
elibug's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
This book was unbelievably dull, and every character was insufferable.
Apparently for a normal person to find another interesting the person just needs to be an inconsiderate bitch that parties and does a lot of drugs. That is literally the only personality trait of the girl that the main character can't shut up about being fascinating.
The mystery element was not interesting either, when everything was revealed it was just...Still not interesting to read.
Apparently for a normal person to find another interesting the person just needs to be an inconsiderate bitch that parties and does a lot of drugs. That is literally the only personality trait of the girl that the main character can't shut up about being fascinating.
The mystery element was not interesting either, when everything was revealed it was just...Still not interesting to read.
heremireadz's review against another edition
4.0
WOW. This indescribably fascinating book kept me hooked from the first page to the last. Kelly's style of going back and forth between past and present is very effective... You know from the beginning that something bad is going to happen and that the protagonist's boyfriend has gone to jail for it, but you have to wait to see exactly what has happened, how, and why. I was proud of myself for figuring out one twist, but the last twist at the end blew the story out of the water. This would be a great book for a book club discussion as the characters are deep; it lends itself to a deep discussion on the topics of morality, ethics, devotion, love, faithfulness, pride, and duty. Read this book!
erinmully's review against another edition
5.0
I received this book through a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway, and was cautiously excited to dive into it. I was drawn to the book because it was touted as "Tana French meets Donna Tart," which, for a debut novel, is quite a lot to live up to. The Poison Tree far exceeded all my expectations.
The Poison Tree is one of those books where I kept finding myself in the space between wanting to devour it in one sitting, and wanting to draw it out so it would never end. Kelly immediately draws you into the seemingly simple, but more complicated worlds of Biba, Rex and Karen with her rich descriptions, many of which have a definite tactile quality. I felt transported to that sultry London summer, immersed in the grittiness, all the while longing for good friends to drink endless bottles of red wine with. Kelly's juxtaposition of the past and present really serve the novel well, and make for great pacing during reading. The ending is not something I was prepared for, but really reinforced the desperation that the characters face at different points throughout the novel. I will definitely be on the lookout for Kelly's next novel.
The Poison Tree is one of those books where I kept finding myself in the space between wanting to devour it in one sitting, and wanting to draw it out so it would never end. Kelly immediately draws you into the seemingly simple, but more complicated worlds of Biba, Rex and Karen with her rich descriptions, many of which have a definite tactile quality. I felt transported to that sultry London summer, immersed in the grittiness, all the while longing for good friends to drink endless bottles of red wine with. Kelly's juxtaposition of the past and present really serve the novel well, and make for great pacing during reading. The ending is not something I was prepared for, but really reinforced the desperation that the characters face at different points throughout the novel. I will definitely be on the lookout for Kelly's next novel.
ohthereskalya's review against another edition
2.0
Very slow with a lot of filler, BUT a very good twist at the end!
chillawesome's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75