A review by dalmavatai
Nine Lives by Peter Swanson

mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

First off, let me just say that this is a retelling of And Then There Were None. It's not just inspired by it as most of the marketing suggests - it's a straight-up retelling so go into it knowing that. 

I actually really enjoyed this book and is probably my favorite Peter Swanson as I found both The Kind Worth Killing and Every Vow You Break mediocre. It was fast-paced, exciting, and had a reveal that I didn't expect and really enjoyed. As usual, Peter Swanson doesn't have super memorable characters or relationships, and the reason behind the murders did not surprise me as it was very similar to the one in And Then There Were None. I also thought some of the connections could have been revealed in a more interesting and suspenseful way, so by no means is this a perfect book. But I did really enjoy my time reading it and if you're looking for a fast-paced, plot-based thriller with a satisfying (albeit not completely unpredictable) twist, then this one's for you! Just be aware that this is a retelling and therefore if you've read the original and loved it, this might not be your thing. 
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