Reviews with content warning for Abortion - The Skeleton Key

I enjoyed this book, so I loved that it had a book within it, a book crafted with puzzles and clues to find bones scattered about the country. Added to this, it's a story of dysfunctional families, the Lallys, and the Churchers. Nell is the main character, but it does switch between characters and timelines. At times Nell is likeable, at others she is very annoying but a product if her own upbringing when followers of the book took clues to far and tried to cut her pelvis out believing thats where the final bone is hidden. There are lots of twists and different themes, so I am sure different readers will get different things from the book. It's part mystery, part psychological thriller, it is long book, but engaging so I found myself finding time for it throughout the day. Good stuff

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nialiversuch's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

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

2.5

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benmilo's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This book started quite slow. I knew the story would be about a crime, but the first like 150 pages were establishing the families and the history and stuff. I didn't mind tho, I enjoyed Kelley's writing style. And I'm glad I sticked with the book, because when the whole crime and mystery began to unravel, I was absolutely hooked.

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laurajordensharris's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

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emzcbee's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? N/A
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

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hopeadinfinitum's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.75

Superbly intricate and unexpected, the plot just kept unravelling. I listened to the audiobook in one sitting whilst doing a jigsaw and I did have to rewind a few bits as it was a little convoluted at times, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and stayed up late to finish it!

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thereadingmum's review against another edition

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4.75

This was placed strategically on the "new in" shelf of my library and there was no way I was not bringing it home. I am supremely glad I did and also annoyed that I had not discovered Erin Kelly before this.

The writing is excellent for a modern setting where dialogue particularly has a tendency to become too life-like. The premise is so intriguing and the whole story has a gothic feel while being only partially gothic.

The characters are varied and well-drawn. There was a point where I was a bit fed up with Eleanor's sanctimoniousness, but that blew over fairly quickly. There's drugs, art, levelled up treasure hunts, maniac fanatics, a house boat, alcohol, murder, covering up of murder, dysfunctional and slightly incestuous families that are very loyal and so likeable for that. What's not to love?

It's also set in London, my favourite city in the world. Read it, you won't regret it.

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