helena_g_reads 's review for:

The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse

3.75

dark mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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⭐️: 3.75 / 5 

 

“It’s strange, she thinks, how for her, claustrophobia doesn’t only exist in spaces outside herself, but within her too. That horrible sense of being trapped inside your own body.” 

 

➡️ linear timeline 

👥 POV: multiple POV 

🐎 Pace: medium 

 

What I enjoyed was the setting and atmosphere in the mountains of Switzerland during winter. Only for the mystery to turn into a ‘locked-room’ mystery once a blizzard snows in staff and guests at the resort with a killer on the loose. The first and last chapters, are very well done and had me hooked onto the rest of the book.  

 

What I wasn’t a fan of was the main character, Elin for the first half of the book. I found her self-doubt to be above and beyond especially considering the level of competency she shows once the investigation kicks into gear. Finally, the ending with the long winded monologue by the killer only felt necessary because of the fact there was nothing in the rest of the book to have pointed to the killer, not to mention up until we did get to the reveal, everyone was a red herring. 

 

Overall, this book had highs and lows. The prologue has such an air of intrigue that despite the fact that the beginning was noticeably slowed down from there. Despite the final chapter, having a similar air of intrigue to continue with the rest of the series, I don’t think I’ll be continuing with the rest of the series for now. 

 

⚠️ violence, gore, murder