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sadiey's reviews
280 reviews
The Brutal Telling by Louise Penny
5.0
As always, Louise Penny does a lovely job of keeping the reader in suspense. Even though the prime suspect is obvious throughout the book, due to his own perspective being told, the mystery still deepens around the victim, the means and the motive. Her use of poetry throughout all of her books could seem a bit pretentious if not for the down to earth characters who spout the lines.
The history lessons and scenery descriptions are so rich, the reader really feels like they KNOW Three Pines. She continues to keep story lines for the residents of Three Pines moving forward, in a way that allows you to continue caring about them without sidetracking the narrative.
What I found disappointing was the lack of resolution around the victim's identity. So many clues seemed intriguing, such as the Caesar's Shift, and yet they led nowhere. In fact, quite a few plot points seemed to be red herrings. (Horses? What was that all about?)
Even so, her writing is lovely. Her metaphors are so spot on, such as Gamache noticing how leaves become their most beautiful in fall when they are at the end of their lives. Ruth's final poem was also very touching. Even with the slightly confusing plot in this one, I'm ready for the next Gamache mystery!
The history lessons and scenery descriptions are so rich, the reader really feels like they KNOW Three Pines. She continues to keep story lines for the residents of Three Pines moving forward, in a way that allows you to continue caring about them without sidetracking the narrative.
What I found disappointing was the lack of resolution around the victim's identity. So many clues seemed intriguing, such as the Caesar's Shift, and yet they led nowhere. In fact, quite a few plot points seemed to be red herrings. (Horses? What was that all about?)
Even so, her writing is lovely. Her metaphors are so spot on, such as Gamache noticing how leaves become their most beautiful in fall when they are at the end of their lives. Ruth's final poem was also very touching. Even with the slightly confusing plot in this one, I'm ready for the next Gamache mystery!
A Dying Fall by Elly Griffiths
4.0
As always, I adore the character of Ruth. So down to earth and practical and likable. This story was full of twists and turns. Although it seemed obvious one of the characters was having financial difficulty, I didn't expect the allegiance that was uncovered at the end. One thing I wasn't too thrilled with - putting a child in danger. That's really pulling out the big guns, as far as suspense is concerned. Seemed like overkill to me, as if the author couldn't think of another way to up the ante.
Having said that, the archeological mystery in this one was the most intriguing one yet. Definitely made me wish we knew the real truth! And the relationship between Cathbad and his secret lover went to a whole new spiritual level. I'm not a romance person, but I enjoyed this new dimension to his character.
Having said that, the archeological mystery in this one was the most intriguing one yet. Definitely made me wish we knew the real truth! And the relationship between Cathbad and his secret lover went to a whole new spiritual level. I'm not a romance person, but I enjoyed this new dimension to his character.
The Outcast Dead by Elly Griffiths
5.0
Loved the multiple plotlines all coming together in this book! The Victorian mystery was excellent and brought to life a rather ghoulish aspect of that time period. Too bad the author once again put a child in danger. It seemed too soon for this after going through it a few books ago with Ruth. She made it work though and I have to admit it kept me up late, reading the next chapter and the next!
The only real criticism I have is that the stepfather [SPOILER ALERT HERE] was not arrested for having sexual relations with a minor. That storyline just made me ill. I couldn't believe he got off scott-free!!!! Wth?
The only real criticism I have is that the stepfather [SPOILER ALERT HERE] was not arrested for having sexual relations with a minor. That storyline just made me ill. I couldn't believe he got off scott-free!!!! Wth?
Everlost by Neal Shusterman
4.0
Thoroughly enjoyed this read! I've always loved stories about ghosts who try to interact with the living. This one created such an elaborate world, with rules and dangers and surprises, that I had a hard time letting go of the notion that ghosts can be caught in-between. It just makes so much darn sense.
The two primary characters were very believable. At first, I had a hard time with the character of Mary. She seemed one-dimensional and her motives were vague. This is a trilogy, though, and her character becomes far more complex as the series continues.
The book is intended for young adults. I've recommended it for my ten year old. There's nothing in it that is any scarier or more disturbing than in the Harry Potter series she loves so much.
The two primary characters were very believable. At first, I had a hard time with the character of Mary. She seemed one-dimensional and her motives were vague. This is a trilogy, though, and her character becomes far more complex as the series continues.
The book is intended for young adults. I've recommended it for my ten year old. There's nothing in it that is any scarier or more disturbing than in the Harry Potter series she loves so much.