Reviews tagging 'Kidnapping'

The Vanishing Stair by Maureen Johnson

62 reviews

betweentheshelves's review

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

An entertaining YA mystery that will definitely hook you from the beginning. This book fleshes out some of the things that I thought were lacking in the original book, which is good! It also meant that we got a little more character development, even if I wanted just a little more. Give me well-rounded characters any day.

These are definitely great read-a-likes for something like The Inheritance Games or A Good Girl's Guide to Murder. YA mystery/thrillers are currently thriving, and I think teens are here for it. Let's keep them on their toes!
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hkburke2's review

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adventurous mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Still loving this series! (Although this time I feel like I heard the word "rakish" more than necessary? Ha). Now that I realize the series isn't made of self-contained books I was much more prepared for the ending. I do think I would've broken up the books differently for pacing, but otherwise I love it. 
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vilms's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

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veeru's review

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adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

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letiross's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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chavborromeo's review against another edition

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mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Book 2 is a little bit okay than book 1.

So, this book started when Stevie made a deal with Edward King in order to go back to school. In exchange of looking out David. She got an important evidence that is significant to Ellingham case. She discover a tunnel, secret passage and Ellie's dead body.

She solved this case. I love that Stevie is always the observant. I love Janelle, Vu and Nate's friendship with Stevie. They always there for her. Willing to help. And so as Larry. But David is I can't understand. He have issues but seriously most of the time he's acting like a jerk.

I don't if David and Stevie's scenes are always fall short but I don't feel their chemistry.😤

If they really the main couple, I hope their dynamics can be fix :(((

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bookishlysophie's review against another edition

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mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I can’t not love this series. It’s so well crafted that it has become one of my favourite stories to reread. I’d highly recommend.
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bellaguiliano's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

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elsaemmalise's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

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readerette's review against another edition

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challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I still find myself conflicted about David. He does not bring out good things in Stevie, and he does not make many good choices, even considering he's a teenager. 

I'm having trouble following what's actually remaining to solve the case now, with the flashbacks and Stevie's doubts and the drama with some of the people she knows. I'll read the third book, but this whole story probably should have been a duology if not a standalone novel. 
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