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A review by chrisljm
Bath Haus by P.J. Vernon
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-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
3.25
Very enticing but also an irritating read because I hate the miscommunication trope, and I just wished Oliver communicated to Nathan at least ONCE. But that probably wouldn’t have made for a good thriller I guess.
I found all the characters to be unlikable but I have to say I specifically hated Oliver and Nathan together, which was very irritating to read about. Nathan is an insufferable piece-of-shit and Oliver is very passive. I do have some understanding for Oliver’s situation since it is due in part to his recovery from addiction as well as being in an unhealthy relationship, but goodness he made the most illogical decisions sometimes. I think it would have been interesting if the author went more in-depth, or gave some sort of resolution, about the power imbalance of their relationship, but I’m not sure if that would have made the book better or worse. However, I do think it would’ve shown growth in Oliver’s character if he came to that realization about his relationship with Nathan, which I don’t think he really did,and so Nathan’s death can come across as a convenient conclusion to their relationship. I’m not mad about him dying tho!
I found all the characters to be unlikable but I have to say I specifically hated Oliver and Nathan together, which was very irritating to read about. Nathan is an insufferable piece-of-shit and Oliver is very passive. I do have some understanding for Oliver’s situation since it is due in part to his recovery from addiction as well as being in an unhealthy relationship, but goodness he made the most illogical decisions sometimes. I think it would have been interesting if the author went more in-depth, or gave some sort of resolution, about the power imbalance of their relationship, but I’m not sure if that would have made the book better or worse. However, I do think it would’ve shown growth in Oliver’s character if he came to that realization about his relationship with Nathan, which I don’t think he really did,
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Gore, Emotional abuse, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Drug abuse, Alcohol, Stalking, Sexual content, Injury/Injury detail, Infidelity, Gaslighting, Violence, Blood, Sexual assault, Drug use, and Alcoholism
Moderate: Vomit, Excrement, Suicidal thoughts, Physical abuse, Grief, Classism, Domestic abuse, Cancer, Death of parent, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Cannibalism, Rape, Child abuse, Self harm, Gun violence, and Animal cruelty