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zoeferry's reviews
612 reviews
Death at the Sanitorium by Ragnar Jónasson
Nordic noir has quickly become one of my favourite subgenres within mystery fiction. There’s something about the bleak, atmospheric settings that heightens the sense of dread and builds a gripping, dark mystery. Jónasson excels at creating this tension, and the chilling environment of the Sanatorium is almost a character in itself.
However, my only critique is the pacing. The plot took a bit too long to develop, and once the revelations started coming, they were resolved too quickly, leaving me wishing for a more satisfying buildup. The writing is solid, and the characters are well-drawn, particularly Helgi, whose personal journey adds depth to the story. If you’re a fan of classic mysteries with a moody, atmospheric twist, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in Death at the Sanatorium.
dark
tense
medium-paced
3.75
Death at the Sanatorium by Ragnar Jónasson follows Helgi, a young police officer who newly returned to the Reykjavík Police after completing his master’s in criminology. While working on his dissertation, which focuses on a series of murders that took place at a former sanatorium, Helgi uncovers unsettling new details when a former nurse connected to the case turns up dead 30 years later. As he delves deeper into the secrets that have been buried for decades, Helgi slowly begins to unravel the truth behind the original murders—and the new killing.
Nordic noir has quickly become one of my favourite subgenres within mystery fiction. There’s something about the bleak, atmospheric settings that heightens the sense of dread and builds a gripping, dark mystery. Jónasson excels at creating this tension, and the chilling environment of the Sanatorium is almost a character in itself.
However, my only critique is the pacing. The plot took a bit too long to develop, and once the revelations started coming, they were resolved too quickly, leaving me wishing for a more satisfying buildup. The writing is solid, and the characters are well-drawn, particularly Helgi, whose personal journey adds depth to the story. If you’re a fan of classic mysteries with a moody, atmospheric twist, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in Death at the Sanatorium.
The Dragon Republic by R.F. Kuang
This novel blew me away. While some parts were more challenging to read—particularly the grim depiction of war and its consequences—Kuang masterfully portrays the emotional and psychological toll on her characters without glorifying the brutality. Her ability to balance intense action with deep, complex character development is remarkable. I can’t wait to see how this story concludes in the trilogy's final book!
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
4.5
The Dragon Republic by R.F. Kuang picks up in the aftermath of the Third Poppy War, following Rin and the Cike as they grapple with the trauma, loss, and guilt from the devastation they’ve caused. Rin’s internal battle with her powers and the morality of wielding them drives much of the story as she navigates a new war that will reshape the Empire forever. Her leadership is constantly tested, and the stakes are higher than ever.
This novel blew me away. While some parts were more challenging to read—particularly the grim depiction of war and its consequences—Kuang masterfully portrays the emotional and psychological toll on her characters without glorifying the brutality. Her ability to balance intense action with deep, complex character development is remarkable. I can’t wait to see how this story concludes in the trilogy's final book!
Horror Movie by Paul Tremblay
challenging
mysterious
slow-paced
3.0
“Horror Movie” by Paul Tremblay tells the story of the lone survivor of a low-budget horror film that never made it to post-production. Despite the film’s failure, releasing a few eerie scenes and its leaked script helped it gain a cult following. The narrative alternates between the original production’s chaotic events and the present-day effort to reboot the film. Our narrator, known only as “Thin Kid,” takes us through his fractured memories of the production, where the boundaries between reality and fiction dissolve in unsettling ways.
While I appreciate Tremblay’s ambition in crafting a slow-burning, psychological exploration of trauma, the pacing sometimes left the story feeling flat. The unreliable narrator is skillfully constructed, keeping readers off balance and constantly questioning what’s real. However, the plot often felt predictable, with a twist I saw coming relatively early. Although the book succeeds in creating an unnerving atmosphere, it lacks the kind of tension and unpredictability that would make it stand out in the horror genre. It’s not a bad read, but I wouldn’t rush to recommend it, especially to seasoned horror fans looking for a more surprising or impactful narrative.
A Walk in the Park: The True Story of a Spectacular Misadventure in the Grand Canyon by Kevin Fedarko
adventurous
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Silence For the Dead by Simone St. James
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
3.5
“Silence for the Dead” by Simone St. James delivers a gothic mystery centred on Kitty Weekes, a young woman fleeing her dark past who finds herself at Portis House—a hospital with secrets more dangerous than she could have imagined. As much as I admire St. James’ work, this novel lacked the magic her other books possess. The premise is captivating, and I enjoyed watching Kitty uncover the chilling mysteries of Portis House. However, the pacing felt uneven—the middle dragged, while the ending seemed rushed. It’s fascinating to read one of St. James’ earlier works and see how her writing has evolved since. While this is still an engaging read, it falls short of my personal favourite.