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rachelsread's reviews
245 reviews
What a Way to Go by Bella Mackie
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this murder mystery! I will admit that I predicted how Anthony died quite early on in the story, given that how he died was the most fitting end for a man like himself, but I still continued listening because the book was just that good! I completely didn't see Olivia's plot twist coming near the end of the story so I was very glad that I kept reading. Each of the characters are well-developed and hilariously out-of-touch with the real world which made me love them and hate them in equal measure. The ending of the novel was incredibly satisfying (although in my opinion, Anthony could've done with a lot worse!) and I will definitely be recommending it to all thriller/murder mystery fans!
The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Grounds For Murder by Betty Ternier Daniels
mysterious
medium-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? It's complicated
2.0
This was an interesting story with a variety of characters that was easy to read. I found it somewhat difficult to care about the protagonist due to some of her actions throughout the story, but I enjoyed the mystery element as they tried to figure out who the killer was, although there was no "grand reveal" which made the ending unsatisfactory.
A Most Unusual Demise by Katherine Black
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and cannot wait for a sequel! It definitely had a unique premise with the protagonist being an elderly serial killer who volunteers at church and runs a bookshop, but I loved reading the book through her eyes and getting an anti-hero's perspective on everything! The characters were all interesting and well-developed and the murder mystery plot was expertly woven into the personal subplots of each character. 10/10 would recommend!
A Bitter Remedy by Alis Hawkins
dark
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? It's complicated
5.0
I absolutely adored this book! It's unique and entertaining and has a broad variety of characters, each well-developed and with their own quirks, backgrounds, and motives. I loved the main character Non and all of her righteous anger at the way of the world and how women were treated during the late 1800s. I also adored Basil and the LGBT+ representation he brought to a book set during a time period where there usually is none. The murder mystery and all that came with it was certainly one of a kind, but rather than coming across as crass or inappropriate, it was masterfully written! The entire novel had me hooked from page one and I greatly enjoyed each of the twists and turns that were scattered throughout!
The Festival by Louise Mumford
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
3.0
This was an enjoyable story in a unique setting with many twists and turns throughout. The characters were well-developed and interesting in their own right, and I loved the completely opposite dynamic between Libby and Dawn. I did find the ending somewhat predictable, especially in relation to who Libby's parents are given how their physical appearances are described, but aside from that, it was an intriguing story full of tense moments and surprising revelations!
Moon Dust in My Hairnet by JR Creaden
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
I absolutely adored this story! A queer, autistic, polyamorous main character? Sign me up immediately. I loved Lane more than I've loved any character in a long, long time and having a multitude of queer, neurodivergent, and POC secondary characters felt gratifying and almost revolutionary to read! The plot was incredible and unique and the ending could not have been more perfect. Seeing Lane's struggle and her journey through therapy and the various stages of grief was also like nothing I've ever read before and it was liberating to see. The futuristic world that Creaden created was incredibly well-developed and surprisingly, and somewhat worryingly, realistic (I really hope that humanity isn't heading in that direction, but with the way things are going...) Although I guessed who one of the spies was early on, I was still excited to continue reading to find out their motives because I just knew that it wouldn't be so straight-forward given how expertly crafted the rest of this book is. I cannot even begin to express how satisfying the ending of this book was as well. There was no "one hero who saves the day" - it was a group effort and that is more gratifying than I can say. Lane doesn't suddenly become this fearless powerful leader who saves everyone, she's just the same Lane she's always been (although with marginally better mental health after a few months of therapy) and I appreciated that immensely. This was the easiest five-star rating I've given this year, and I cannot wait to purchase the physical book to reread again!