maggies's reviews
639 reviews

The Marylebone Drop by Mick Herron

mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

The first novella in the Slough House series, The List, I read out of order—that is, after I'd already become acquainted with JK Coe through Spook Street. In this case, I've read it in order, so this is my first introduction to Lech Wicinski, and while the story was vaguely interesting, I wish I had more context for Lech. Ah well, I'm sure we'll get there.

London Rules by Mick Herron

adventurous funny mysterious 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

3.0

Perhaps a bit weaker than other installments in the series, but still gripping. I am really coming to love the dynamic among all the slow horses, even how the ones who have left still play a part. Give me more of River and Louisa's budding friendship, Catherine and Shirley's shared struggle for sobriety, and Jackson and Roddy's comedic interludes. Still trying to get a handle on JK, but his expanded role this time around was much appreciated.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Mass/school shootings

The Friend by Sigrid Nunez

challenging emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

*Read as part of my challenge to (attempt to) read all 100 of NYT's best books of the 21st century*

Narration adjacent to stream of consciousness, which is a hard no for me. A story about processing grief and loving a dog, which I can identify with, but ultimately it felt a bit too navel-gazey.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Grief

Moderate: Suicide

As You Wish by Isobel Starling

emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Won this book in a TSG giveaway and enjoyed it as a super quick, light read. Won't be reading the rest of the series, though. Found it a bit too unbelievable at times, and a lot of the dialogue felt contrived. Unfortunately, the Princess Bride references were too much/too cheesy for me as well.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content

Supernatural Retrieval Agency: The Complete Series by Laura Greenwood

lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

A bit forgettable, not really anything special. The mystery was weak and the interactions between characters didn't feel realistic. World-building bored me. Not for me, but glad I tried it!

Architect by Alison Thumel

challenging emotional reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

Grief as told through poems, prose, and multimedia. Remarkable view into the author's experiences.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death and Grief

Rock Crush and Roll by Hunter Snow
Did not finish book. Stopped at 11%.

This girl does not enjoy not-like-other-girls romances. Next.

Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
Did not finish book. Stopped at 29%.

*Read as part of my challenge to (attempt to) read all 100 of NYT's best books of the 21st century*

Meh boring

Inheritance by Christopher Paolini

adventurous emotional hopeful 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

5.0

Truly a wonderful end to the original series. I had forgotten just how emotional it all was, but this series more than holds up on re-read as an adult. The ending is bittersweet and pitch perfect, and I'm glad there's more to read now!

Snow So White by C. Gockel
Did not finish book. Stopped at 18%.

Could not get into it