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foldingthepage_kayleigh's review against another edition
dark
emotional
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? Yes
3.75
One sentence review: Unlikeable characters, gothic vibes, and page turning reveals.
Hal has money troubles after her mom passes is faced with a threatening loan shark shaking her down for funds she doesn’t have. When suddenly, she receives notice of a mysterious inheritance from a grandmother she doesn’t know. She scrounges herself together and flees to Brighton to learn more, but didn’t expect to have to deal with family tensions, secrets and threats when she arrived…
A popcorn thriller that will ultimately be forgettable to me. I liked the tarot elements, which added in some interesting omens and foreboding. I also enjoyed Maggie’s diary entries. This was probably the most gothic and atmospheric part of the whole book, I could feel the sun on my skin during the lake scenes.
But what I couldn’t stand was the main character Hal. She just seemed so wimpy and clueless throughout the book. The way she was characterized made me feel like I was reading a book much older than it actually was.
Overall, not my favourite of Ruth Ware’s works but still worth the read for those gothic vibes and twisty mystery that I didn’t expect!
Hal has money troubles after her mom passes is faced with a threatening loan shark shaking her down for funds she doesn’t have. When suddenly, she receives notice of a mysterious inheritance from a grandmother she doesn’t know. She scrounges herself together and flees to Brighton to learn more, but didn’t expect to have to deal with family tensions, secrets and threats when she arrived…
A popcorn thriller that will ultimately be forgettable to me. I liked the tarot elements, which added in some interesting omens and foreboding. I also enjoyed Maggie’s diary entries. This was probably the most gothic and atmospheric part of the whole book, I could feel the sun on my skin during the lake scenes.
But what I couldn’t stand was the main character Hal. She just seemed so wimpy and clueless throughout the book. The way she was characterized made me feel like I was reading a book much older than it actually was.
Overall, not my favourite of Ruth Ware’s works but still worth the read for those gothic vibes and twisty mystery that I didn’t expect!
Graphic: Confinement, Violence, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Misogyny, Car accident, and Pregnancy
Minor: Sexual content
marlireads's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
A supersolid mystery thriller by Ms Ware. The atmosphere was amazing, I love Ruth Ware's writing and the symbolism that ties this entire thing together was *chef's kiss*! This book actually made me more interested in Tarot.
I did, however, guessed a couple of the plot twists/revelations that happen toward the end pretty early on. And I feel like there were some holes in some characters' motivation in line with the plot, and I feel like it didn't give ALL the answers.Because what was Ezra's motivation to letting Hal turn back home and going home himself when there was still a chance that she was going to figure everything out. And also, the wire thing... That happened before that, so that clearly means that he planned on killing her before he actually tried to. Why second guess? Because if this was the plan all along, he couldn't have planned the weather. He couldn't have known that! And then, why not kill her on that road trip?
Again, very solid. The only other one that I've read by the author is The Turn of the Key and that one was great as well, so... I see more Ruth Ware books in my future!
I did, however, guessed a couple of the plot twists/revelations that happen toward the end pretty early on. And I feel like there were some holes in some characters' motivation in line with the plot, and I feel like it didn't give ALL the answers.
Again, very solid. The only other one that I've read by the author is The Turn of the Key and that one was great as well, so... I see more Ruth Ware books in my future!
Graphic: Blood, Grief, Car accident, and Death of parent
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Murder, Abandonment, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Homophobia, Infidelity, Misogyny, and Pregnancy