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ebonysbookshelf's Reviews (119)
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was such a fun, quick little read and I thoroughly needed something like this to get out of my reading slump (and to work with my crazy schedule!). I finished this within a day - it was very atmospheric and creepy.
The language is very flowery at times, and extremely heightened - but this does add to the charm and makes it feel like a proper old ghost tale.
I think the first half really hooked me. I couldn’t put it down, however as the conclusion drew nearer I did start to feel slightly disappointed. Not sure why completely, even upon reflection and taking my time to gather thoughts. I just loved that the first half was a true haunting and was super eery, and though it definitely remained ghost orientated it started to feel a little too forced maybe? I didn’t care for the build up and Charles’ arc - some 𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 he did toward to the end really just felt gratuitous almost and there for the shock value instead of aiding the story. It swayed a little too into something more paranormal/possession-like than I would’ve preferred.
Naomi’s Room has definitely highlighted that I just want to read a proper good haunting ghost story. Looking forward to finding one - any suggestions welcome!
The language is very flowery at times, and extremely heightened - but this does add to the charm and makes it feel like a proper old ghost tale.
I think the first half really hooked me. I couldn’t put it down, however as the conclusion drew nearer I did start to feel slightly disappointed. Not sure why completely, even upon reflection and taking my time to gather thoughts. I just loved that the first half was a true haunting and was super eery, and though it definitely remained ghost orientated it started to feel a little too forced maybe? I didn’t care for the build up and Charles’ arc - some 𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 he did toward to the end really just felt gratuitous almost and there for the shock value instead of aiding the story. It swayed a little too into something more paranormal/possession-like than I would’ve preferred.
Naomi’s Room has definitely highlighted that I just want to read a proper good haunting ghost story. Looking forward to finding one - any suggestions welcome!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Torture, Murder
Moderate: Incest, Rape
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Terminal illness
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
What. A. PLOT. Such a gripping and fast-paced popcorn read 🍿. So happy to have finally dipped my toes into Coben’s work, and extra glad I started with this one as there was no time to get bored or wish away the pages. It was so easy to read and full of cliff hangers at the end of chapters too which just made it impossible to put down. I’m not surprised in the slightest that his work has been made in to multiple shows - perfect mystery thrillers. Our protagonist Jake Fisher was very endearing in his quest to figure out the truth surrounding his beloved Natalie; you really are rooting for him the whole time, hoping he’ll find her again. I wouldn’t say this is a big character development kind of book, but is very character centric. A lot of dialogue, meaning quite a connection is made between the reader and, especially, Jake. This is a great little book if you’re in need of a quick, actioned packed read!
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
“… the Freddie Mercury story is also one of the human conditioning for survival and the joy of life: he fought to the bitter end. And while he couldn’t survive, his legacy most certainly did.”
Any opportunity to read about Freddie’s life, his music, and his journey right until his last day is a privilege to me.
This was a very easy read in the sense it was written simply and factually, however content wise it is far from light. Anyone who knows anything about Freddie would know this going in, but this biography definitely focuses more on the AIDS epidemic that swept across America during the ‘80s and how it came to be in Freddie’s life. There was a lot of information to absorb. The way in which this particular part of his history is written really gave a glimpse into how frightening the fight for survival must have been.
As someone who is fascinated by all aspects of Freddie’s life, this gives a great basic overview of his career and personal endeavours. However, if you’re looking for a more intimate biography I’d absolutely look into Lesley-Ann Jones’ book titled simply ‘Mercury.’ I read this in high school and still feel its impact and it’s even on my list of rereads this year (something I never do!). I’m also going to be reading Freddie Mercury: His Life In His Own Words at some point soon too as this seems like the best way to really connect more deeply with him.
I still cried, and I still wanted the ending to be different while reading Somebody To Love, and the portrait painted here is as with every account I’ve ever heard my entire life. Freddie was shy and quiet, but full of life and a cracking sense of humour. He was generous beyond measure and sought love and loyalty right until his dying day. He loved his cats, he loved lavish parties, art, opera & ballet. And above all, he loved making music.
You will never regret any time spent reading about Freddie Mercury.
Any opportunity to read about Freddie’s life, his music, and his journey right until his last day is a privilege to me.
This was a very easy read in the sense it was written simply and factually, however content wise it is far from light. Anyone who knows anything about Freddie would know this going in, but this biography definitely focuses more on the AIDS epidemic that swept across America during the ‘80s and how it came to be in Freddie’s life. There was a lot of information to absorb. The way in which this particular part of his history is written really gave a glimpse into how frightening the fight for survival must have been.
As someone who is fascinated by all aspects of Freddie’s life, this gives a great basic overview of his career and personal endeavours. However, if you’re looking for a more intimate biography I’d absolutely look into Lesley-Ann Jones’ book titled simply ‘Mercury.’ I read this in high school and still feel its impact and it’s even on my list of rereads this year (something I never do!). I’m also going to be reading Freddie Mercury: His Life In His Own Words at some point soon too as this seems like the best way to really connect more deeply with him.
I still cried, and I still wanted the ending to be different while reading Somebody To Love, and the portrait painted here is as with every account I’ve ever heard my entire life. Freddie was shy and quiet, but full of life and a cracking sense of humour. He was generous beyond measure and sought love and loyalty right until his dying day. He loved his cats, he loved lavish parties, art, opera & ballet. And above all, he loved making music.
You will never regret any time spent reading about Freddie Mercury.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Drug use, Infidelity, Sexual content, Terminal illness
Moderate: Homophobia
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I easily classify Alex North as an auto buy author for me - the vibes are immaculate. I loved The Whisper Man, so had high expectations for this next, and I was not disappointed in the slightest.
Amazing premise, executed with such deftness that I didn’t want to put it down. North’s writing style is so smooth and easy to read. For me, he’s quickly established himself as a thriller writer who can transport me right into the action and the feeling of those small, English towns. Also loved that the woods that loom around Gritten are dubbed “the shadows” by the locals.
I really enjoyed the journey we take with our protagonist, Paul, as he dredges up his past and we get to uncover all the secrets along the way. As well as Amanda, the police officer investigating the copycat killing that brings her to Gritten Wood. The flashback chapters to 25 years ago were also perfectly woven into the plot, and helped us connect really deeply to Paul, his friends and what he sees as his involvement in the crime.
The biggest twist for me (no spoilers, I promise!) surrounded the victim of Charlie Crabtree. I was so hooked into the plot that I didn’t see this coming - extra half a star just for this!
When I was young I got lost in a forest behind my house. I would look out my windows and see it at the edge of our backyard, foreboding. This book brought that feeling back, as I vividly remember what it was like being young and feeling like there are shadows moving through the trees.
Amazing premise, executed with such deftness that I didn’t want to put it down. North’s writing style is so smooth and easy to read. For me, he’s quickly established himself as a thriller writer who can transport me right into the action and the feeling of those small, English towns. Also loved that the woods that loom around Gritten are dubbed “the shadows” by the locals.
I really enjoyed the journey we take with our protagonist, Paul, as he dredges up his past and we get to uncover all the secrets along the way. As well as Amanda, the police officer investigating the copycat killing that brings her to Gritten Wood. The flashback chapters to 25 years ago were also perfectly woven into the plot, and helped us connect really deeply to Paul, his friends and what he sees as his involvement in the crime.
The biggest twist for me (no spoilers, I promise!) surrounded the victim of Charlie Crabtree. I was so hooked into the plot that I didn’t see this coming - extra half a star just for this!
When I was young I got lost in a forest behind my house. I would look out my windows and see it at the edge of our backyard, foreboding. This book brought that feeling back, as I vividly remember what it was like being young and feeling like there are shadows moving through the trees.
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-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
Gritty enough synopsis to make me pick this up, but the execution has left me headachey.
This isn’t even 300 pages in length, but felt longer than many that are more hefty. The writing was simple, but a little stilted and immature. I also didn’t really like the use of flashbacks and felt it could’ve have benefited from just being a complete police procedural instead as the case itself was great. There was little character development throughout as well, with a protagonist who frequently takes hard drugs and drinks copious amounts of alcohol on the clock. I am open and happy for a troubled protagonist, but they have to develop and show us WHY we should care for their success in the story. The two female characters also were not given the strength of character they deserved, ultimately making them unlikeable and bad at their jobs at the first sign of trouble, needing a man to be the hero.
I did enjoy the central storyline though and the case they were investigating. A missing teenager, a recent road “accident”, and a suspicious and corrupt small town police department. There was so much intrigue and potential here, that it kept me from DNFing.
I also love an isolated location! And the town of Gloster certainly felt real enough and laid the framework for a creepy and unsettling fight for survival against not just a killer, but also the elements.
I am having a tough time deciding how to rate this one but I’m going with a 2.5⭐️ rating. I didn’t hate this book by any means, but it most certainly is not a crime novel I’d highly recommend.
This isn’t even 300 pages in length, but felt longer than many that are more hefty. The writing was simple, but a little stilted and immature. I also didn’t really like the use of flashbacks and felt it could’ve have benefited from just being a complete police procedural instead as the case itself was great. There was little character development throughout as well, with a protagonist who frequently takes hard drugs and drinks copious amounts of alcohol on the clock. I am open and happy for a troubled protagonist, but they have to develop and show us WHY we should care for their success in the story. The two female characters also were not given the strength of character they deserved, ultimately making them unlikeable and bad at their jobs at the first sign of trouble, needing a man to be the hero.
I did enjoy the central storyline though and the case they were investigating. A missing teenager, a recent road “accident”, and a suspicious and corrupt small town police department. There was so much intrigue and potential here, that it kept me from DNFing.
I also love an isolated location! And the town of Gloster certainly felt real enough and laid the framework for a creepy and unsettling fight for survival against not just a killer, but also the elements.
I am having a tough time deciding how to rate this one but I’m going with a 2.5⭐️ rating. I didn’t hate this book by any means, but it most certainly is not a crime novel I’d highly recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Sexual assault
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-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
I picked this one up for a few dollars at a bookfest last year and forgot about it until two days ago. The premise intrigued me enough to make it my next read and I am very glad I did. It was slower paced than what I’m accustomed to reading these days, but in a way that’s good - made me more reflective and allowed me space to engross in the story line. It really took a while for the plot to thicken and for things to begin happening, however I’d say that’s down to it actually being a little more character driven than I went in thinking.
Every time Lauren dies a new life begins, not just for her, but also for those who loved her. But in each life one constant remains - a man named Peter Stanning disappears and Lauren always sets out to find him.
I really enjoyed the alternating POVs in the chapters and the look in it gives into the lives people lead and make for themselves after tragedy. It’s a definite story of love, loss, grief and humanity. And how one incident can change everything, for everyone.
I would say that I would’ve loved more emphasis on the case of missing Peter Stanning (the crime reader in me talking 😂). This was such a big reason I picked this up in the first place, and it didn’t feel it was tackled until far too late in the book. Except here and there, so it was a little rushed and a little disappointing in its conclusion. However, it was also so simple an ending for Peter that it felt realistic.
An easy and light read, considering its topics, so if you are after something slightly sci-fi, slightly mystery, and slightly romance then this just about covers it. Not one I loved, but still enjoyable enough.
Every time Lauren dies a new life begins, not just for her, but also for those who loved her. But in each life one constant remains - a man named Peter Stanning disappears and Lauren always sets out to find him.
I really enjoyed the alternating POVs in the chapters and the look in it gives into the lives people lead and make for themselves after tragedy. It’s a definite story of love, loss, grief and humanity. And how one incident can change everything, for everyone.
I would say that I would’ve loved more emphasis on the case of missing Peter Stanning (the crime reader in me talking 😂). This was such a big reason I picked this up in the first place, and it didn’t feel it was tackled until far too late in the book. Except here and there, so it was a little rushed and a little disappointing in its conclusion. However, it was also so simple an ending for Peter that it felt realistic.
An easy and light read, considering its topics, so if you are after something slightly sci-fi, slightly mystery, and slightly romance then this just about covers it. Not one I loved, but still enjoyable enough.
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A short, sharp novella with non-stop action and pace. An easy read for anyone in a bit of a slump! However, in saying that, it was quite graphic in parts and downright stomach turning in others - which I am not opposed to at all, as long as it’s done well. I found it really bizarre and I’m still unsure if I mean in a good way or not 😂. Follows a family of four as they bunker down in their bathroom as a tornado rushes past them. Quickly they realise they’re trapped in with no hopes of escape unless someone comes to find them… but the big question is who? And when?
A great page turner, but I didn’t love the ending at all nor did I really connect with the characters. And maybe we’re not meant to? I don’t know. This was written during the early stages of 2020 and lockdowns, and amplifies the feelings of isolation and dread in its grittiest form. But I just don’t think it was for me. Maybe the movie is more enjoyable as I did read that the author initially wanted it as a screenplay first.
Anyway! Not a bad one if you need a locked room domestic suspense story.
A great page turner, but I didn’t love the ending at all nor did I really connect with the characters. And maybe we’re not meant to? I don’t know. This was written during the early stages of 2020 and lockdowns, and amplifies the feelings of isolation and dread in its grittiest form. But I just don’t think it was for me. Maybe the movie is more enjoyable as I did read that the author initially wanted it as a screenplay first.
Anyway! Not a bad one if you need a locked room domestic suspense story.