A review by fra_ci90
Gilded Needles by Michael McDowell

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

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

3.0

McDowell writing is smooth and he is good at setting an immersive atmosphere. The plot is quite intriguing until halfway through the book, afterwards it becomes a bit dull.

it’s a bit disappointing that the ending is what it is, I think  a twist/something unexpected would have been beneficial to the book  or even just a more nuanced “victory “ of the Shanks. Also poor Ellen, that felt unnecessary.

 
All in all an entertaining book, where the historical background and the setting is more interesting than the plot itself.