A review by frasersimons
Before Mars by Emma Newman

emotional mysterious sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

A bit less interesting than the other setups, but mostly because the mystery revolving around a woman either experiencing psychosis or a conspiracy feels like it is well and truly drawn out, as are her musings on motherhood, atypical as they are. The character work and themes all feel thread upon and the cliffhanger from the previous book isn’t answered, nor is the macro plot line much at all. 

Aside from pacing and what feels like filler, it was still compelling enough to get through because the mystery was done well.