lisaarnsdorf's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I loved these teen sleuths! Their unlikely friendship and teamwork (and really questionable decision-making) were spot on. The ending was definitely a surprise and a bit out there! I also thought it was great that the authors included information about where to get help for domestic and teen relationship abuse. I love that this is now a series!
I had to doc a star for the alternating perspectives. I really struggled with putting myself in the correct character’s head because both protagonists were written in the first person. I wish they had both been third person, or only Iris had been first. Every switch took me out of the story while I reoriented.
I had to doc a star for the alternating perspectives. I really struggled with putting myself in the correct character’s head because both protagonists were written in the first person. I wish they had both been third person, or only Iris had been first. Every switch took me out of the story while I reoriented.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Physical abuse, Domestic abuse, and Emotional abuse
spaghettii's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Definitely left the ending open for more books 👀
Shipped the main characters so hard but I'm thinking they're both straight, unfortunately.
Shipped the main characters so hard but I'm thinking they're both straight, unfortunately.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol, Bullying, Death, Toxic friendship, Murder, Toxic relationship, Blood, Car accident, Cursing, Drug use, Grief, Child death, Child abuse, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, and Stalking
amibo's review
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Murder, and Death
Moderate: Child abuse, Sexism, Violence, Abandonment, Car accident, Emotional abuse, Grief, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Alcohol and Death of parent
midwesternreads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
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? Yes
5.0
I loved this book.
It definitely filled the hole that A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder left in my life.
I loved how this focused on two girls who come from opposite walks of life. Two girls who would never willingly spend time together, more than likely, because of their lives. You see the good and the bad, and you see a really awesome friendship bloom.
This book was more than just a great murder mystery, it was a story of true friendship, and I think we desperately need more of that.
I thought I know who the killer was, and in classic Emily fashion I was wrong. And then I thought I had a new theory and that was wrong too 🤦♀️. I loved the twists and turns, the narration, and the constant connection to Agatha Christie.
Very good book. Definitely looking forward to the next one, whenever that may be.
It definitely filled the hole that A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder left in my life.
I loved how this focused on two girls who come from opposite walks of life. Two girls who would never willingly spend time together, more than likely, because of their lives. You see the good and the bad, and you see a really awesome friendship bloom.
This book was more than just a great murder mystery, it was a story of true friendship, and I think we desperately need more of that.
I thought I know who the killer was, and in classic Emily fashion I was wrong. And then I thought I had a new theory and that was wrong too 🤦♀️. I loved the twists and turns, the narration, and the constant connection to Agatha Christie.
Very good book. Definitely looking forward to the next one, whenever that may be.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse
katiemack's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
3.75
I received this book as an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This would be perfect for fans of Karen M. McManus or Holly Jackson; it joins the plethora of YA murder mysteries that have been popping up over the last decade or so. The book feels fresh, though; it only gives us the POV of two characters instead of five or ten, which allows us to get to know them better (though I definitely prefer Iris to Alice). While the side characters end up being a little flat and some plot points glossed over, the mystery itself was fun, and the authors also addressed issues of abuse.
Overall it's an enjoyable read, and the Agatha Christie Easter eggs will be delightful for those who have read her books.
This would be perfect for fans of Karen M. McManus or Holly Jackson; it joins the plethora of YA murder mysteries that have been popping up over the last decade or so. The book feels fresh, though; it only gives us the POV of two characters instead of five or ten, which allows us to get to know them better (though I definitely prefer Iris to Alice). While the side characters end up being a little flat and some plot points glossed over, the mystery itself was fun, and the authors also addressed issues of abuse.
Overall it's an enjoyable read, and the Agatha Christie Easter eggs will be delightful for those who have read her books.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse
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