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hellokatya's reviews
153 reviews
The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
i’m really unsure how i feel about this book.
i really, really, enjoyed the ending. i think it really solidified this book, but i do have a few issues:
1. it was a bit hard to pick up again once i had put it down. during the read it was interesting enough to keep going, but it was hard to get the motivation again once i had stopped.
2. the story didn’t really pick up until the 30% mark and the main plot themes weren’t fully developed until around the 40% mark — all the backstory from the blurb had already been put out so why did it take so long for any development to begin?
3. why is a 28 year old regressing to her teenaged cattiness?
4.i dont like how much time was spent on the asylum being an integral part of the story, just for it to fall flat and be a minuscule (in the grand scheme) detail. where did the women go? why would they have just thrown the scissors into the lake (or left them in the asylum) if lottie’s family cared so deeply about the history of it? why was helmut never reunited with his sister?
5. in ch. 36: “maybe the only way to free myself from the grip of guilt is to learn the truth.” — why was this framed as some epiphany? this had been the goal from the very beginning of the book.
6. the girls, natalie and allison + sasha and krystal, are only given a few defining character traits and never really explored or developed beyond that - though their very existence is integral to the overall plot. (with natalie and allison i suppose it serves a greater purpose [?] )
overall: i think this book makes for a good binge read if you’re willing to stick it out for a pretty damn satisfying ending.
i really, really, enjoyed the ending. i think it really solidified this book, but i do have a few issues:
1. it was a bit hard to pick up again once i had put it down. during the read it was interesting enough to keep going, but it was hard to get the motivation again once i had stopped.
2. the story didn’t really pick up until the 30% mark and the main plot themes weren’t fully developed until around the 40% mark — all the backstory from the blurb had already been put out so why did it take so long for any development to begin?
3. why is a 28 year old regressing to her teenaged cattiness?
4.
5. in ch. 36: “maybe the only way to free myself from the grip of guilt is to learn the truth.” — why was this framed as some epiphany? this had been the goal from the very beginning of the book.
6. the girls, natalie and allison + sasha and krystal, are only given a few defining character traits and never really explored or developed beyond that - though their very existence is integral to the overall plot. (with natalie and allison i suppose it serves a greater purpose [?] )
overall: i think this book makes for a good binge read if you’re willing to stick it out for a pretty damn satisfying ending.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Cancer, Terminal illness, Grief, Medical trauma, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Alcoholism, Forced institutionalization, Stalking, and Car accident
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
i really wanted to like this book more than i did, but it was such a chore to get through.
the writing is immaculate; watson’s ability to put emotions into words is truly incredible, but it just took a lot to push through the entirety.
from the very moment it was revealed she was attacked, not hit by a car, i knew immediately that’s who she was staying with, and that the man with the scar was her actual husband. granted - i dont always think it’s a bad thing to have a well crafted story with good hints, it just felt very obvious.
it was extremely difficult to get past the constant descriptions of her waking up confused - could’ve been spared more times.
overall, if you’re interested in a slower burn and wanting to have a lighter read, this book would be perfect; i however won’t be recommending this to anyone
the writing is immaculate; watson’s ability to put emotions into words is truly incredible, but it just took a lot to push through the entirety.
it was extremely difficult to get past the constant descriptions of her waking up confused - could’ve been spared more times.
overall, if you’re interested in a slower burn and wanting to have a lighter read, this book would be perfect; i however won’t be recommending this to anyone
Content Warnings
Graphic: Terminal illness, Violence, Blood, and Grief
Moderate: Body horror, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Rape, Vomit, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders and Car accident
Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
i would really rate this book a 4.99 — purely because i wish there would’ve been more done with the car chase / lawsuit BUT:
i absolutely loved this book. while at times i got confused and mixed up with the multiple timelines, it really kept me engaged and wanting more! one of those books that you keep allowing yourself “one more chapter” to. i stayed up way too late devouring it and needing more. will most definitely be looking into more of her books and will absolutely peer pressure every reader i know to pick this one up. please read it.
the characters were far from flat, they truly came to life and jumped off the pages.
the pacing was executed perfectly.
the quality of the book itself was so nice and comfortable.
READ THIS BOOK.
i absolutely loved this book. while at times i got confused and mixed up with the multiple timelines, it really kept me engaged and wanting more! one of those books that you keep allowing yourself “one more chapter” to. i stayed up way too late devouring it and needing more. will most definitely be looking into more of her books and will absolutely peer pressure every reader i know to pick this one up. please read it.
the characters were far from flat, they truly came to life and jumped off the pages.
the pacing was executed perfectly.
the quality of the book itself was so nice and comfortable.
READ THIS BOOK.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement
Moderate: Infidelity, Car accident, and Murder
Minor: Cancer and Miscarriage
These Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham Grant
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
tense
slow-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? Yes
4.75
i really liked this book.
the writing takes a bit to get used to, it’s very choppy, but it’s a good one.
it’s pretty slow until almost halfway through, then it picks up quite a bit. i really enjoyed the story, liked the way the characters were written (i enjoy the notion of not knowing whether i like or trust characters), and god damn did the last 10ish chapters have me crying. highly encourage everyone to pick up this book and give it a read.
the writing takes a bit to get used to, it’s very choppy, but it’s a good one.
it’s pretty slow until almost halfway through, then it picks up quite a bit. i really enjoyed the story, liked the way the characters were written (i enjoy the notion of not knowing whether i like or trust characters), and god damn did the last 10ish chapters have me crying. highly encourage everyone to pick up this book and give it a read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Car accident, Death of parent, and War
Minor: Kidnapping
The Corpse Flower by Anne Mette Hancock
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
5.0
wow.
i really loved this book.
from the second i picked it up, it was hard to put down.
the author wrote beautifully, and i can only imagine how much better it was in original text.
if you paid enough attention, the plot fell together perfectly, but if it was more of a light read the big plot moments would have been truly insane to watch unfold.
amazing imagery and description. characters felt real and raw. emotion was conveyed so heavily and executed to perfection. this is definitely in my list of all time favs.
absolutely going to read her next book. anne mette hancock, i love you.
i really loved this book.
from the second i picked it up, it was hard to put down.
the author wrote beautifully, and i can only imagine how much better it was in original text.
if you paid enough attention, the plot fell together perfectly, but if it was more of a light read the big plot moments would have been truly insane to watch unfold.
amazing imagery and description. characters felt real and raw. emotion was conveyed so heavily and executed to perfection. this is definitely in my list of all time favs.
absolutely going to read her next book. anne mette hancock, i love you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, and Trafficking
Moderate: Cancer, Child death, Confinement, Suicide, and Classism
Minor: Vomit and Death of parent
In My Dreams I Hold a Knife by Ashley Winstead
Did not finish book. Stopped at 9%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 9%.
i got 40 pages in and just couldn’t do the catty mean girl behaviors. none of them seem to have aged past 13 and i couldn’t stand it. no redeeming qualities, maybe this book has a good story, but i’m not sticking around for it :(
The Butterfly House by Katrine Engberg
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
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? Yes
3.75
to start off: this book was a little hard to read. i wish the perspectives had their own respective chapters, rather than short accounts meshed into long chapters, but aside from that it was a really good read.
i loved the way anettes journey to motherhood was portrayed, it really cemented her as a well rounded and realistic character.
i will say, the twists and turns were pretty predictable - not a bad thing! the author laid out the story very well and all the clues added up, just was expecting more shock from other reviews.
all the (main) characters had their own storylines and conflicts that made them well rounded, without interfering with or overshadowing the overall plot line.
the language was a bit to get used to, and the names of places were difficult to remember, but with consistent reading and note taking, it got easier.
would definitely recommend this book for anyone Not lo9king for a quick read, definitely one that encapsulates you and a whole world building theme to it.
i loved the way anettes journey to motherhood was portrayed, it really cemented her as a well rounded and realistic character.
i will say, the twists and turns were pretty predictable - not a bad thing! the author laid out the story very well and all the clues added up, just was expecting more shock from other reviews.
all the (main) characters had their own storylines and conflicts that made them well rounded, without interfering with or overshadowing the overall plot line.
the language was a bit to get used to, and the names of places were difficult to remember, but with consistent reading and note taking, it got easier.
would definitely recommend this book for anyone Not lo9king for a quick read, definitely one that encapsulates you and a whole world building theme to it.
The Dry by Jane Harper
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
this book had me enthralled from the moment i opened it.
the story unravels in a really digestible and addictive way.
i found the flashback sequences intertwined with current times a little disheveling, but ultimately worked.
i would recommend this book
the story unravels in a really digestible and addictive way.
i found the flashback sequences intertwined with current times a little disheveling, but ultimately worked.
i would recommend this book
An Honest Lie by Tarryn Fisher
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
this book had me from the first page. in the beginning, i was a little frustrated that the themes, parallels, and plots were so in your face, but once that’s put aside it’s a hell of a ride.
thoroughly enjoyed, it was insanely easy to read and digest, and beautifully written.
highly highly recommend as a binge read
thoroughly enjoyed, it was insanely easy to read and digest, and beautifully written.
highly highly recommend as a binge read
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-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
3.0
i enjoyed the premise of this book, though i wish it could’ve been executed differently. i feel it could’ve done without: so many misdirects, people involved in the circumstances of the murder, and either been a fully light hearted read or a murder mystery. i dont think it did the best job of mixing the two.
partially my own fault for expecting a different genre out of the book, but overall just wasn’t thrilled with the answers received.
overall writing was good, i loved jumping from joyce’s journal entries to the other character perspectives.
would recommend to anyone looking for an easy / light read. not one you need to put much thought into.
partially my own fault for expecting a different genre out of the book, but overall just wasn’t thrilled with the answers received.
overall writing was good, i loved jumping from joyce’s journal entries to the other character perspectives.
would recommend to anyone looking for an easy / light read. not one you need to put much thought into.