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A review by lizayalaw
The New House by Tess Stimson
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I read the book in two days. The story keeps you guessing till almost the very end with many twists along the way.
The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I felt the end left a few loose ends. Why did some of the characters not continue to pursue and share the truth like they had throughout the book? I won't go into details to not give away spoilers.
I found it intriguing that the main character considers herself a psychopath and that two other characters also turn out to be psychopaths. It created a different perspective from other books I've read.
There are also two themes that are a significant part of the story: domestic violence and social media (there are chapters that are transcripts of "SET Talks" (fictional TED talks) and one of the characters and her husband are influencers with over 2 million followers).
One thing I didn't think was necessary and which I skipped through were the detailed (thankfully short for the most part) descriptions of the heart surgeries. The main character is a heart surgeon, but those details did not add to the story to me.
Overall, I enjoyed the fast-pace and plot twists.
The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I felt the end left a few loose ends. Why did some of the characters not continue to pursue and share the truth like they had throughout the book? I won't go into details to not give away spoilers.
I found it intriguing that the main character considers herself a psychopath and that two other characters also turn out to be psychopaths. It created a different perspective from other books I've read.
There are also two themes that are a significant part of the story: domestic violence and social media (there are chapters that are transcripts of "SET Talks" (fictional TED talks) and one of the characters and her husband are influencers with over 2 million followers).
One thing I didn't think was necessary and which I skipped through were the detailed (thankfully short for the most part) descriptions of the heart surgeries. The main character is a heart surgeon, but those details did not add to the story to me.
Overall, I enjoyed the fast-pace and plot twists.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Blood, Murder, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Medical content, Car accident, Toxic friendship
Minor: Infidelity, Suicidal thoughts