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wordsareworlds's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
I went into this book with high hopes that were completely dashed. We're introduced to Maisie as she starts her own investigative practice, and after she "solves" one case that leads to further questions, we're suddenly transported back in time to get the entire story of her life. Somewhere between half and 3/4 of the book is this flashback, and then we're just as suddenly in the present again!
The "mystery" is completely flat, as is Maisie's characterization. She has no flaws whatsoever, is loved by all, is the smartest person in the room, and has a psychic sense of impending doom when someone is going to get seriously injured or die. Her "investigative" skills are all tell no show, except when she somehow gets detailed information on someone's mental state by imitating their physicality without them noticing, often despite them looking at her when she's doing it.
It's unfortunate because the premise was interesting, and there could have been a lot more done with the aftermath of the first World War, but that potential was squandered here and I won't be subjecting myself to any more of these books.
The "mystery" is completely flat, as is Maisie's characterization. She has no flaws whatsoever, is loved by all, is the smartest person in the room, and has a psychic sense of impending doom when someone is going to get seriously injured or die. Her "investigative" skills are all tell no show, except when she somehow gets detailed information on someone's mental state by imitating their physicality without them noticing, often despite them looking at her when she's doing it.
It's unfortunate because the premise was interesting, and there could have been a lot more done with the aftermath of the first World War, but that potential was squandered here and I won't be subjecting myself to any more of these books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, and War
Moderate: Blood and Grief
Minor: Violence, Medical content, and Classism
raggedmagpie's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Medical trauma, Murder, War, and Classism