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A review by jessyhayward
The Other People by C.J. Tudor
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
After reading one of C.J. Tudor’s other books, The Hiding Place, which was… questionable, I didn’t have high hopes for The Other People. I was wrong to assume I wouldn’t like it, however. I finished this in about 4 hours and without getting up from my seat once.
Before I continue, I must say that if you like thrillers because of their unpredictable twists and shocking events, this probably isn’t the book for you. I predicted all the major plot twists before I was even halfway through, which surprisingly did not stop me from enjoying them. If you want a mystery-thriller that leans more towards the mystery side, is fast-paced and engaging, and ends well, then I would try this.
The Other People feels like a slightly disturbing but well-wrapped gift. Its content is eerie by nature, but there is also no loose ends at the conclusion. Everything ties together neatly. Everything made sense. As I said above, the writing is engaging and emotionally moving with a fast-paced but logical plot. I was never bored, despite guessing the twists, and all my questions were answered by the end. I liked the characters well enough. They weren’t anything special, but I did sympathise with them — particularly Gabe, Fran and Alice. They also were all nuanced and realistic characters which is always a relief. I loved the way all the characters’ backstories were interwoven; it was such a pleasure to unravel.
And, of course, the ending. I probably sound like a broken record but it really did wrap up well. There’s no ambiguous ending, loose ends, plot holes, or lingering feelings of “what the actual fuck happened?” I think the ending was perfect, if not bittersweet. I can’t think of a better way it could have ended to be honest.
Yeah. So, all in all, I really can’t criticise it, except for maybe the predictable twists even though they still didn't ruin it. I really enjoyed it. Maybe now I’ll give their other more popular book (The Chalk Man) a try?
Before I continue, I must say that if you like thrillers because of their unpredictable twists and shocking events, this probably isn’t the book for you. I predicted all the major plot twists before I was even halfway through, which surprisingly did not stop me from enjoying them. If you want a mystery-thriller that leans more towards the mystery side, is fast-paced and engaging, and ends well, then I would try this.
The Other People feels like a slightly disturbing but well-wrapped gift. Its content is eerie by nature, but there is also no loose ends at the conclusion. Everything ties together neatly. Everything made sense. As I said above, the writing is engaging and emotionally moving with a fast-paced but logical plot. I was never bored, despite guessing the twists, and all my questions were answered by the end. I liked the characters well enough. They weren’t anything special, but I did sympathise with them — particularly Gabe, Fran and Alice. They also were all nuanced and realistic characters which is always a relief. I loved the way all the characters’ backstories were interwoven; it was such a pleasure to unravel.
And, of course, the ending. I probably sound like a broken record but it really did wrap up well. There’s no ambiguous ending, loose ends, plot holes, or lingering feelings of “what the actual fuck happened?” I think the ending was perfect, if not bittersweet. I can’t think of a better way it could have ended to be honest.
Yeah. So, all in all, I really can’t criticise it, except for maybe the predictable twists even though they still didn't ruin it. I really enjoyed it. Maybe now I’ll give their other more popular book (The Chalk Man) a try?