A review by wildroseoftexas
These Toxic Things by Rachel Howzell Hall

dark tense 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? It's complicated

3.0

I struggle with writing a review for this book. I originally selected it for a reading challenge of reading a book by a new-to-me black author in February. The storyline was very intriguing and the author has several books out with generally positive reviews, but…

This book was S.L.O.W. 

I felt the book finally picked up around 80% and then wrapped up very quickly with an epilogue-feeling conclusion. 

I generally dislike monologue conclusions to thrillers and mysteries. Where the reader is left nearly completely in the dark until the villain makes a grand stand and explains all the things in 10 pages. It’s annoying. I want to guess and theorize and feel caught off guard if there’s a twist. This book didn’t do that for me. 

On top of that, the main character was super annoying. Yes, she’s only 24 so she’s I don’t expect wise and mature, but she was really really… Ditzy? Shallow? Dependent? Immature? Just generally unlikable. 

It wasn’t a terrible read, but it’s not one I’ll readily recommend to my fellow thriller readers, either. 
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