A review by merilyn_ohtla
The Murders of Molly Southbourne by Tade Thompson

dark mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Tade Thompson's "The Murders of Molly Southbourne" is a mesmerizing and chilling exploration of identity, isolation, and the darkest corners of the human psyche. In this novella, Thompson weaves a narrative that is both thought-provoking and deeply unsettling, leaving readers questioning the nature of reality long after the final page has been turned.

The story follows Molly Southbourne, a young woman plagued by a bizarre and terrifying affliction: every time she bleeds, a murderous doppelgänger is born from her blood. Thompson delves into Molly's internal struggles and existential dread with both poignancy and harrowing detail, drawing readers into her increasingly desperate attempts to understand and control her own identity.

The novella's brevity is one of its greatest strengths, as Thompson expertly crafts a tightly-paced narrative that never wastes a single word. Every scene, every revelation, serves to deepen the mystery and ratchet up the tension, culminating in a climax that is as shocking as it is inevitable.

"The Murders of Molly Southbourne" is a story that lingers in the mind long after it has been read, leaving readers haunted by its implications and craving for more. 

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