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A review by readandsip
The Butcher by Jennifer Hillier
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
After seeing some high @goodreads ratings I thought this would be a perfect thriller to listen to on a long car ride with my husband.
Well, it was entertaining to listen to, but if it weren’t at least that it’d be 1-⭐️ for me.
We both had so many reasons that made this one a dud. Mainly, the characters were so terrible and dense. There were so many instances where The Butcher’s identity could have been solved, but even the so-called true crime author, Sam had zero ability to put it together. There was even one point at the end when he was basically admitting it right in front of her! Not to mention in earlier instances of having clues handed to her she chose to be a selfish brat to a Butcher victim rather than curious and helpful.
Worse than Sam, Matt was a totally irredeemable character. I feel like the author tried to make him sympathetic but based on how terribly he treated everyone around him I felt zero sympathy for him. He totally brushes horrible things under the rug and is a loose cannon. The audiobook made him sound like a whiny b which I did find hilariously fitting 🤣.
This is mostly told in one timeline but there are a few flashbacks of The Butcher’s kills which felt sporadic and you don’t get a lot of depth. Though his character is at least the most consistent.
The plot itself is cool and would have been more interesting if it were more a story of The Butcher grooming his son based on the one triggering event that happens early on.
Can’t say I’d recommend this one.
TW: rape - there’s one scene later in the book which feels totally unnecessary and out of place.
Well, it was entertaining to listen to, but if it weren’t at least that it’d be 1-⭐️ for me.
We both had so many reasons that made this one a dud. Mainly, the characters were so terrible and dense. There were so many instances where The Butcher’s identity could have been solved, but even the so-called true crime author, Sam had zero ability to put it together. There was even one point at the end when he was basically admitting it right in front of her! Not to mention in earlier instances of having clues handed to her she chose to be a selfish brat to a Butcher victim rather than curious and helpful.
Worse than Sam, Matt was a totally irredeemable character. I feel like the author tried to make him sympathetic but based on how terribly he treated everyone around him I felt zero sympathy for him. He totally brushes horrible things under the rug and is a loose cannon. The audiobook made him sound like a whiny b which I did find hilariously fitting 🤣.
This is mostly told in one timeline but there are a few flashbacks of The Butcher’s kills which felt sporadic and you don’t get a lot of depth. Though his character is at least the most consistent.
The plot itself is cool and would have been more interesting if it were more a story of The Butcher grooming his son based on the one triggering event that happens early on.
Can’t say I’d recommend this one.
TW: rape - there’s one scene later in the book which feels totally unnecessary and out of place.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape