A review by danaburger
Here Lies a Vengeful Bitch by Codie Crowley

medium-paced

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

2.0

I didn’t read or hear anything about this book prior to picking it up; it was an impulse borrow from the library based on the title and cover art strictly, but I wasn’t nearly as impressed with the contents of the book as I was the aesthetic of it.

The story itself is teen character driven, which I would not have even entertained had I known this in advance, as I haven’t been a teen in… we’ll say a long time. The author is skilled at descriptive writing; easily capturing character snapshots and painting vivid scenes. But, comparatively to all the time spent describing a character’s outfit (and there is no short supply of characters and outfits), there is no real depth or development for any of them. 

The plot itself is extraordinarily clumsy; it bounces from the murder and resurrection of the main character, to the title specific vengeance ultimately reached in the final two chapters, with little cohesion in between. 

You have a story that focuses on two worlds, the living and the dead, but neither world is ever elaborated on in any interesting or compelling manner. Again, as a book specifically for teens to young adults, who are looking for a quick paranormal revenge story, it’s adequate; but for an adult desiring a rich, character driven plot that builds mystery and keeps you invested, this ain’t it.