A review by whynotreadwithalex
The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse

emotional mysterious sad tense slow-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

3.0

I was really excited about this read -- creepy isolated hotel in the mountains, estranged siblings with traumatized pasts, a detective juggling her current career and the past she can't seem to get away from -- it sounds like it's right up my alley. And I did enjoy it: the pacing was good, the mystery keeps you guessing with all its twists and turns, and the hotel was DEFINITELY CREEPY (which I loved). However, I did feel that the wrap-up was a tad underwhelming. Also, and this is just me, Elin's boyfriend rubbed me wrong (perhaps because some of his condescension was too familiar for comfort, and honestly I just think she'd probably be better off without him). 
That being said the epilogue did grip my interest and I am certainly excited to see what comes next for Detective Elin Warner!

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