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thebookishmel 's review for:

Four Dead Queens by Astrid Scholte
5.0

First of all, a standalone fantasy for once tysm, but also its a murder mystery so it makes sense? 😂

I realllyyy enjoyed this book!! I’ve always been a fan of murder mysteries, but I found myself getting tired of it. However, Astrid does a PHENOMENAL job of capturing the Agatha Christie essence and I’m really pleased with how it all wrapped up. I do think that initially following the timeline was a bit confusing, but I was fine with it once I got the flow of the story going.

I like Keralee’s character and how shes built in her tact, but also in her emotions too. I like that she’s scarred and that you can see the battles and tribulations she does through as a character. I liked Verin’s character too, but like I didn’t feel particularly connected to him. I think he’s a great balance to Karalee but otherwise he’s just there to help drive the plot.

The last third of the book is some REAL interesting stuff. Right when you think the book is slowing down, Astrid said NOPE, new bit for ya and laughed and ran off maniacally. That being said, I know of the reviews that disagree with me, but I didn’t see it coming only because I was really focused on following the characters as they discovered things instead of theorizing. It was a really refreshing way to experience the book, but I definitely see how you could cancel out all other possibilities with the way the killer did it all.

Overall, the story has many layers that were well built, a fantastical element that I’d love to see another story on, and characters that can handle their own. I’d love to see the resolution played out in another book set in this world for sure!