A review by saf_185
Small Favors by Erin A. Craig

emotional mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This book took me completely by surprise. I'd never heard of it until a friend recommended it to me, and based on her description of it and her thoughts on it, I didn't really expect much. But when I finally picked it up, I was almost immediately sucked in. I fell in love with the setting, the mystery, the characters and their relationships with one another. I don't care much for mystery and horror, but this book felt like it was made for me specifically. It was so cozy yet unsettling. I loved reading about the tensions within the main characters family and between the town folk.

However I do have a couple criticisms. For one, there are so many strange happenings in this story, that I felt some of them weren't properly explained. I don't know, I do have theories for most of them so perhaps the explanations for all these occurrences are meant to be obvious? Secondly, I felt the main romance was a little rushed. Thirdly,
the main character's parents have to leave the small town, and as a result the family is separated for a majority of the novel. It really bothered me how the book ends before the family reunites.


Though despite these issues, the book just gave that five star feeling and I get that so rarely. I'll definitely check out the author's other books and look forward to anything she may put out in the future. This is perfect if you're looking for a small town mystery horror book that isn't too scary with fantasy elements and spring/summer vibes. Though keep in mind that it is a bit slower paced.
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