A review by hebifry
The Twisted Ones by T. Kingfisher

dark funny mysterious sad medium-paced

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

3.5

I really enjoyed this book but was let down towards the end. I understand what the author was going for but it just felt like a ton of build up to then go out with a whisper instead of the bang I wanted. Don’t get me wrong there was action. But the entire tone of the book felt like a horror mystery to suddenly have the mystery aspect not really matter in the end and for the characters to just move on. I liked the idea and enjoyed the writing but would have preferred an ending more in line with what the author presented us as the main driving force of the story aka finding out what the hell is going on with the twisted ones. To sum up my thoughts, I think the author should have chosen a stronger direction, either horror mystery where everything is revealed at the end, just pure horror where the ending could have been way more horrific and strange, or gone the emotional route and shown the character grow and move forward at the end. None of these really happened resulting in a 3.5 for me. Could have been great but was mediocre. 

*spoiler*

Also why build up a great ensemble cast to have the character just move away and not interact with them anymore at the end?? At least give us a scene of them together again! Or her dad. If the author didn’t want to push the horror or mystery at least have an emotional end scene. I would have loved seeing Mouse not drive to Pittsburgh but to her dad and just start crying and hug him then have him embrace her, confused but reassuring and say something like “It’s okay, Mouse. It’s over now.” A million possibilities for a more satisfying ending here🙄