A review by theelliemo
The Beautiful Dead by Belinda Bauer

2.0

Ooh, this is an irritating novel! At times, it is brilliant - taut writing that keeps you wanting to read on, nice moments of humour - but at others the writing just drags. There’s too many chapters where we are moved away from the plot for the backstory of every character, however minor. I found myself rolling my eyes at yet another superfluous tangent far too often. Bauer can write well but is too self-indulgent, and her editors too lenient, resulting in far too much unnecessary padding. Plus, I never felt engaged with main character Eve. Her potential love interest and the police superintendent were both more engaging than her.

I acquired this book at a Proof Party 4 years ago, and must have seen Bauer talking about this then just-about-to-be-released novel, though I don’t remember the occasion, to be honest. I made a note in the book that I found the author a little arrogant. Sadly, I found this book to be evidence that she is not as good as she thinks she is.