Reviews tagging 'Alcoholism'

An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good by Helene Tursten

15 reviews

parasolcrafter's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

this was a vvv strange book. im still not sure if i liked it...? i mean...it was interesting, thats for sure!
Expand filter menu Content Warnings

vigil's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark funny lighthearted relaxing tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

on the rare occasion an older woman is introduced into a book, she’s usually a flat sweet grandmother character meant to occasionally support the (often male) protag.

maud, an 88 year old swedish female murderer is none of these things. its part of what makes her so delightful. another is the skill portrayed by helene tursten, in characterization, and plot. she’s a rotten old lady who’s first instinct to the slightest annoyance is murder, and it makes for an excellent read.

this is a collection of four short stories, easily read in one afternoon. i believe that they should be read in order, especially the last two, which are in direct relation to each other.

needless to say, i thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and spending time in maud’s devious little brain. i absolutely plan on picking up the sequel.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings

maddox22's review against another edition

Go to review page

lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

purplelake's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark funny lighthearted mysterious 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

3.75

A little old lady who commits murder.
At times the translation is a bit awkward, but not enough to impact the story. The time difference between the stories, not being in strict chronological order, can lead to some confusion at fist. Specifically Maud’s comments about visiting the spa. However, the separated stories makes for a brilliant set-up/punchline structure. The stories all share the commonality of
Maud using her advanced age and unspoiled mind and body to get away with literal murder
, but each story takes a new spin on Maud’s character. I found Maud herself a thoroughly lovable character, not despite of, but because of her flaws. Her character being such a deviation from the norm of the genre also draws you into the story. The book’s twists makes for a darkly charming take on the mystery genre, even across cultures and languages.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings

sarah984's review against another edition

Go to review page

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

3.0

Quirky little collection of short stories about an old lady who kills anyone who crosses her and then uses her sweet old lady persona to get away with it. Nothing groundbreaking but the stories were pretty fun.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings