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theinstabookworm's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
medium-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
3.75
I was looking for an audiobook through the Libby app and came across this one. Though it's called a thriller when you Google it, it's actually domestic fiction. The drama and lives of the privileged and rich is entertaining to read about. It felt like I was watching a reality TV show. Although I've never watched Real Housewives, this book is what I imagine that franchise to be. So, I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys those types of shows and is looking for a summer book along those lines. There are tons of unlikeable characters. The unaliving is mentioned at the beginning, but it doesn't happen until the last few chapters of the book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Infidelity, Cancer, Death of parent, Racism, and Drug use
isabellamarg's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-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
3.0
Just like the title implies, this book is full of bad people making terrible choices in the summertime! This book heavily relied on the characters being very unlikeable. Everyone in this book is white (except for Theo), rich, and entitled and that is what makes you want to read more in my opinion. They gossip about each other, scheme against one another, lie, cheat, and more! Given that I mentioned that the title gives away the content of the novel I was not expecting anything less than cruel, horrible, ignorant characters. I enjoyed the setting of Salcombe on Fire Island and the close-knit community made the drama even more salacious in this novel. If you are looking for a gossipy, juicy, and incestuous (in terms of everyone knowing each other and being involved when they were younger) beach reach then this is definitely what you will find in this novel. If you are looking for anything deeper, or likable characters then I think you will be sorely disappointed. The book was well-paced, and I thought it was interesting how the murder that takes place within the book was mentioned only at the very start of the novel and then at the end. I understand that we are meant to simmer on the idea of what has happened so that you are questioning everyone's motives and character while you are reading. Who does not like who, and who would be willing to commit a crime? Overall, a solid three stars from me. Bad Summer People was a fairly easy, no-brainer read that would be perfect for a quick summer beach read.
Content Warnings
Minor: Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual harassment, and Racism
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