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bookishraccoon's reviews
49 reviews
The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
The Christmas Guest by Peter Swanson
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
The Christmas Murder Game by Alexandra Benedict
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
Hmm, so there’s a lot to say about this one!
I was really hoping to love this story, and had high expectations… But this book honestly didn’t deliver.
I thought the format choice of the book was an interesting choice- cool idea but took away from the story itself. The author includes a game for the reader, where you need to identify the ‘twelve days of anagrams’. But due to this, the wording or formatting at times is unusual & throws the reader off when trying to just read the story itself. I didn’t partake in the challenge, and while it was a nice touch- I thought it could’ve done without. Maybe that’s just me?
Back to having high expectations- maybe that’s my fault once again? I always get too hopeful for a good story, and get incredibly disappointed (far too often).. Regardless, I’m a huge fan of murder mysteries! So when I saw this on Amazon, a Christmas Murder Mystery.. I thought initially, Sign me up!
The premise itself is intriguing, relatives getting together for an annual Christmas competition game- but this year ALOTS changed! This year they’re competing for the manor that their dear Liliana had owned. And what thickens the plot? Our main character Lily receives a letter from her Aunt Liliana before she’s passed away.. insisting that she attends the games, and promising information about her long deceased mother. But can she face her estranged cousins, and her past that she’s tried to lock away?
So, the premise/location definitely hooked me in- but I found the characters even completely lacking.. As the reader, I feel like we barely even know anything about our main character Lily.. I understand she’s quiet, & tends to not show her emotions.. But after reading all of that, I still feel like I barely know anything about her! Lol Her love interest (I won’t spoil) seems forced in my opinion, and the back story there seemed rushed. Sara (ironic as I have the same name) is just a mean girl, which just makes the story annoying. Some characters they barely touched base on.. With that said, the only characters I liked were Gray & Mrs. Castle - people that I actually would’ve loved to learn more about! Lol
Next part is a total spoiler if you plan on reading the book(heads up)!
Maybe I watch too much horror.. lol But I knew the Killer situation early on in the book as well! Tom gives total Matthew Liliard Scream vibes. And I remember pausing for a moment (way before the idea was introduced about there being more than 1 killer). I was disappointed to hear about the dynamic triage they had going.. There was so much more that could’ve been done with that in my opinion. So that was a major disappointment (hate to gripe here).. lol
And the whole reasoning they did it??? The whole story could’ve been reworked.. ugh, disappointing but this book wasn’t ‘terrible’, it was just okay in my opinion.
As somebody that finally got over being sick, & looked forward to finishing this book.. it was just disappointing.. but CHEERS to the next Christmas book on our TBR!!
2.75 Rating ⭐️⭐️+
I was really hoping to love this story, and had high expectations… But this book honestly didn’t deliver.
I thought the format choice of the book was an interesting choice- cool idea but took away from the story itself. The author includes a game for the reader, where you need to identify the ‘twelve days of anagrams’. But due to this, the wording or formatting at times is unusual & throws the reader off when trying to just read the story itself. I didn’t partake in the challenge, and while it was a nice touch- I thought it could’ve done without. Maybe that’s just me?
Back to having high expectations- maybe that’s my fault once again? I always get too hopeful for a good story, and get incredibly disappointed (far too often).. Regardless, I’m a huge fan of murder mysteries! So when I saw this on Amazon, a Christmas Murder Mystery.. I thought initially, Sign me up!
The premise itself is intriguing, relatives getting together for an annual Christmas competition game- but this year ALOTS changed! This year they’re competing for the manor that their dear Liliana had owned. And what thickens the plot? Our main character Lily receives a letter from her Aunt Liliana before she’s passed away.. insisting that she attends the games, and promising information about her long deceased mother. But can she face her estranged cousins, and her past that she’s tried to lock away?
So, the premise/location definitely hooked me in- but I found the characters even completely lacking.. As the reader, I feel like we barely even know anything about our main character Lily.. I understand she’s quiet, & tends to not show her emotions.. But after reading all of that, I still feel like I barely know anything about her! Lol Her love interest (I won’t spoil) seems forced in my opinion, and the back story there seemed rushed. Sara (ironic as I have the same name) is just a mean girl, which just makes the story annoying. Some characters they barely touched base on.. With that said, the only characters I liked were Gray & Mrs. Castle - people that I actually would’ve loved to learn more about! Lol
Next part is a total spoiler if you plan on reading the book(heads up)!
Maybe I watch too much horror.. lol But I knew the Killer situation early on in the book as well! Tom gives total Matthew Liliard Scream vibes. And I remember pausing for a moment (way before the idea was introduced about there being more than 1 killer). I was disappointed to hear about the dynamic triage they had going.. There was so much more that could’ve been done with that in my opinion. So that was a major disappointment (hate to gripe here).. lol
And the whole reasoning they did it??? The whole story could’ve been reworked.. ugh, disappointing but this book wasn’t ‘terrible’, it was just okay in my opinion.
As somebody that finally got over being sick, & looked forward to finishing this book.. it was just disappointing.. but CHEERS to the next Christmas book on our TBR!!
2.75 Rating ⭐️⭐️+
The Santa Suit by Mary Kay Andrews
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
Usually this isn’t what I reach for, but honestly I’ve heard so much about this author. I was curious how this book would hold up, considering it’s one of her ‘bestsellers’. With that said, I can see the appeal- wasn’t anything super remarkable, & I probably won’t remember it years from now.. But it was still a cute, short, pick me up Christmas tale! Honestly gave Hallmark vibes, with a somewhat interesting plot! I liked majority of the characters, & thought it was decent for what it was.
I personally wouldn’t read this again, but I enjoyed it nonetheless! Fitting for this time of the year, and puts you in the Christmas spirit!
3.75 Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️+
I personally wouldn’t read this again, but I enjoyed it nonetheless! Fitting for this time of the year, and puts you in the Christmas spirit!
3.75 Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️+
They All Died Screaming by Kristopher Triana
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Gore, Pandemic/Epidemic, Pregnancy, Kidnapping, Cannibalism, Child death, and Death
The Shell Collector by Anthony Doerr
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
3.5
I had a love- hate relationship with this book! Since it’s a book of short stories- I was already expecting it to have some duds, but when more than half of them are duds… now that’s a different story! The book started off extremely strong, with the highlighting story (The Shell Collector) being the 1st one. Then the next strongest story (The Hunter’s Wife) was followed after. I thought it was an odd choice to have the strongest tales back to back right at the beginning of the book. As the book progresses I found the tales lacking more & more.. UNTIL you reach the very last one (Mkondo).
I absolutely loved these 3 tales, & would recommend them to anyone! I’ve heard a lot of good things about Anthony Doerr, so this was a neat little introduction to his work. I was absolutely blown away by his writing style, and how otherworldly it was! These tales transported you to another universe, and left you mesmerized.
Despite the lacking feeling left from many of the short stories, the good ones honestly made up for the bad! I would check out more of Doerr’s works after this experience.
I absolutely loved these 3 tales, & would recommend them to anyone! I’ve heard a lot of good things about Anthony Doerr, so this was a neat little introduction to his work. I was absolutely blown away by his writing style, and how otherworldly it was! These tales transported you to another universe, and left you mesmerized.
Despite the lacking feeling left from many of the short stories, the good ones honestly made up for the bad! I would check out more of Doerr’s works after this experience.
Cheap Plastic Skeletons from Hell by Dusty Trice
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I discovered this book just randomly the one day while on Amazon shopping for books! I’ll never forget seeing that cover, & busting into laughter! I knew instantly that I needed this book in my life, & that it’d be a riot. Let’s just say I wasn’t disappointed, and it honestly was even better than I was expecting!
The whole book is about a sweatshop in China that overworks their employees (aka young children).
The workers decide to seek revenge on the cruel man that’s responsible for torturing them, and making their lives miserable. What they come to discover is that they’ve brought back a whole other world of Evil!
A simple premise that honestly goes a long way, & I absolutely loved the creativity! This book had me laughing nonstop, & the artwork was just the Cherry on top!
Looking for a good pick me up read for Halloween, or just ingeneral? Then look no further, and checkout Cheap Plastic Skeletons from Hell!
The whole book is about a sweatshop in China that overworks their employees (aka young children).
The workers decide to seek revenge on the cruel man that’s responsible for torturing them, and making their lives miserable. What they come to discover is that they’ve brought back a whole other world of Evil!
A simple premise that honestly goes a long way, & I absolutely loved the creativity! This book had me laughing nonstop, & the artwork was just the Cherry on top!
Looking for a good pick me up read for Halloween, or just ingeneral? Then look no further, and checkout Cheap Plastic Skeletons from Hell!
Logistics: A Christmas Story by Chris Coppel
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
Thanks to the author for providing me with a free ebook! When I was asked to review this Christmas tale, I didn’t quite know what I was getting myself into. I honestly was expecting more of a horror/suspense after looking into some of his previous works. With that said, it’s not something I’d normally reach for- but I still found myself enjoying this one!
Definitely a heartfelt, homey Christmas tale with a twist!
You follow the story of an orphaned girl named Holly, that was abandoned at a young age. When she’s required to get a DNA test due to a job contract, she discovers way more than what she’s bargained for!
I actually really adored the character of Holly- a stone cold business woman that’s fought her way to the top of a major corporation. But with the success she’s cut off all personal relations, and dedicates her whole life to work. As the book progresses and you peel away the layers, you find a compassionate, and intelligent woman that’s lost herself along the way. She discovers the importance of family, friendship, love, & true happiness.
A short read that actually left you feeling satisfied, & not at a cliffhanger! I liked alot of the characters, which I was pleasantly surprised! It was also neat seeing Holly’s journey to self discovery!
Overall, I was pretty pleased with this book & enjoyed myself! Would definitely recommend for somebody wanting a cozy Christmas read this season!
Definitely a heartfelt, homey Christmas tale with a twist!
You follow the story of an orphaned girl named Holly, that was abandoned at a young age. When she’s required to get a DNA test due to a job contract, she discovers way more than what she’s bargained for!
I actually really adored the character of Holly- a stone cold business woman that’s fought her way to the top of a major corporation. But with the success she’s cut off all personal relations, and dedicates her whole life to work. As the book progresses and you peel away the layers, you find a compassionate, and intelligent woman that’s lost herself along the way. She discovers the importance of family, friendship, love, & true happiness.
A short read that actually left you feeling satisfied, & not at a cliffhanger! I liked alot of the characters, which I was pleasantly surprised! It was also neat seeing Holly’s journey to self discovery!
Overall, I was pretty pleased with this book & enjoyed myself! Would definitely recommend for somebody wanting a cozy Christmas read this season!
Ghost Eaters by Clay McLeod Chapman
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Was pleasantly surprised with this book! Read this one for a book club, not knowing what I was getting myself into. Lol BUT FIRST I gotta get all of this off my chest …
Due to the 1st 1/3 of the book being extremely slow, I had to knock off a star unfortunately. It took a long time just to really get into the plot, and the author really drew out the teenage love drama (which I could’ve done without personally). There was a lot of ‘filler’ content that the story really didn’t need in that section. I’ll be honest too- I wasn’t a huge fan of the characters presented in the story either .
Most of them weren’t very likeable people (not sure if that was intentional to the story). The whole friend group just seemed extremely toxic for eachother, & I had to keep asking myself why are these people friends?
With that said, there was also a lot of great takeaways from this book! It confronts the struggles with grief, and addiction - with a neat supernatural twist. I loved this author’s energy, & storytelling abilities. Their writing style wraps you in, & you find yourself losing track of time.. 20 + pages later!
I absolutely loved the supernatural segments, every one of them being extremely graphic & unique. The imagery was actually chilling at times. There was some great twists that I wasn’t expecting, took me completely off guard! Lol
This book definitely exceeded my expectations, & I still thoroughly enjoyed this one despite what was wrong with it! :) Will be keeping this one afterall for my Horror library! Honestly relieved that this book got itself turned around!
Due to the 1st 1/3 of the book being extremely slow, I had to knock off a star unfortunately. It took a long time just to really get into the plot, and the author really drew out the teenage love drama (which I could’ve done without personally). There was a lot of ‘filler’ content that the story really didn’t need in that section. I’ll be honest too- I wasn’t a huge fan of the characters presented in the story either .
Most of them weren’t very likeable people (not sure if that was intentional to the story). The whole friend group just seemed extremely toxic for eachother, & I had to keep asking myself why are these people friends?
With that said, there was also a lot of great takeaways from this book! It confronts the struggles with grief, and addiction - with a neat supernatural twist. I loved this author’s energy, & storytelling abilities. Their writing style wraps you in, & you find yourself losing track of time.. 20 + pages later!
I absolutely loved the supernatural segments, every one of them being extremely graphic & unique. The imagery was actually chilling at times. There was some great twists that I wasn’t expecting, took me completely off guard! Lol
This book definitely exceeded my expectations, & I still thoroughly enjoyed this one despite what was wrong with it! :) Will be keeping this one afterall for my Horror library! Honestly relieved that this book got itself turned around!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Drug abuse, and Addiction