Reviews tagging 'Toxic relationship'

An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good by Helene Tursten

6 reviews

polarheights's review against another edition

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

4.5

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amyteurhour's review against another edition

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3.0

Content warning: gore, violence, murder, toxic relationship

I'm probably missing some warnings, since it's been about a month since I read this. This was kind of cozy I guess, but I didn't really like the main character because she's not a good person.
She does bad things that she justifies in her mind as "because they deserved it" but most of the time it's just because she's selfish/doesn't want to face the consequences of her actions.
The book tries to make it just seem like she's old and quirky, but that doesn't justify most of what she does
which is murder, it's a lot of murder
. 
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theeoldbear's review against another edition

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dark funny mysterious 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

4.25

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nebraskanwriter's review against another edition

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

1.0

This book was not for me. I did not realize going into it what I was getting myself into and that is on me, I acknowledge that.

I thought this book was going to be taking a more A Man Called Ove approach but instead it took a total Dexter approach.

This is an 88 year old serial killer who will kill anyone who wrongs her or thinks is going to wrong her. And I know many people in other reviews have said this was “hilarious” and I’m glad that they enjoyed it but how calculating she was, how she did not have any remorse and how she did it all for selfish reasons (even the abuse situation, she killed the husband so she could go back to having a peaceful Christmas day. She did not do it for the abused wife).

I thought this would be giving Carl from UP, where yes he goes against the people trying to take his home but it is kind of loveable and endearing, his grumpy outer exterior because you discover that inside, he is actually a really nice person. Or in A Man Called Ove, same thing he is rebelling against the system that is taking advantage of his wife’s horrible accident, but he does not go and kill the people that wrong him! And as the book goes on, we see that Ove does have a heart, like Carl.

There was nothing redeemable in Maude. She killed anyone that so much stepped a toe out of line or did her wrong in any way, even stabbing one of the men at the grocery store when he couldn’t get her the ham that she wanted.

I know many people loved this and thought this book was hilarious. It is definitely me, not you. I thought this was going to be a light hearted book but it was just a book about an old woman brutally murdering anyone who wronged her, that was it.
She even kills her sister.


Nope, not for me! 
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vigil's review against another edition

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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.
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purplelake's review against another edition

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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.
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