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ashleighkaaate's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
sunshinesabine's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.0
snow_phie's review against another edition
5.0
This was hard to put down! I've not read many mystery novels before, but The Appeal certainly raises the bar for any I read in the future.
The most distinctive aspect of the book is its format - the story slowly unfolds through email correspondence, texts and police transcripts (with the occasional news clipping and flyers). They make you feel like a detective yourself, looking for clues and hidden meanings everywhere. There is a long list of characters but I felt I got to know them really quickly, eaves dropping on their private conversations (and the author helpfully shares a list of characters at several points in the story). I found myself going back in forth in the book, revisiting evidence alongside the 2 law students, adjusting my theories as they did theirs.
Overall, a very enjoyable and engaging read which delivered a lot of (realistic but hard to guess) twists and turns. Would recommend!
The most distinctive aspect of the book is its format - the story slowly unfolds through email correspondence, texts and police transcripts (with the occasional news clipping and flyers). They make you feel like a detective yourself, looking for clues and hidden meanings everywhere. There is a long list of characters but I felt I got to know them really quickly, eaves dropping on their private conversations (and the author helpfully shares a list of characters at several points in the story). I found myself going back in forth in the book, revisiting evidence alongside the 2 law students, adjusting my theories as they did theirs.
Overall, a very enjoyable and engaging read which delivered a lot of (realistic but hard to guess) twists and turns. Would recommend!
mrsbooknerd's review against another edition
5.0
Well, this book certainly had an 'appeal' for me.
Was it the unique format? The cast of developed characters? The sleuthing and clue searching? I don't know, but what ever it was, it hooked me from the off.
I started it and suddenly I was 100 pages in and utterly hooked. It was like cocaine, addictive. I was sneaking it while my family were distracted or not around and I felt buzzing. (At least I assume this is what cocaine feels like).
Each POV was unique, each voice totally different so that this quite large cast felt more intimate. I did work out several elements but there were so many possibilities and slowly unveiling clues that it all built and layered wonderfully.
Totally unique, absolutely compelling. Loved it. So glad this is my first read of the year.
Was it the unique format? The cast of developed characters? The sleuthing and clue searching? I don't know, but what ever it was, it hooked me from the off.
I started it and suddenly I was 100 pages in and utterly hooked. It was like cocaine, addictive. I was sneaking it while my family were distracted or not around and I felt buzzing. (At least I assume this is what cocaine feels like).
Each POV was unique, each voice totally different so that this quite large cast felt more intimate. I did work out several elements but there were so many possibilities and slowly unveiling clues that it all built and layered wonderfully.
Totally unique, absolutely compelling. Loved it. So glad this is my first read of the year.
tiredgirlreads's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A clever, well-planned novel that I can imagine taking a LOT of effort to write. Hallett does a remarkable job of creating recognisable voices with the texts, emails and other documents, something that I found quite impressive. There’s such a sense of character without any description about how something is said or how characters look, showing remarkable skill.
The main things stopping it being more stars is that I was constantly waiting for the murder mentioned in the blurb to happen - for it not to occur within the first 278 pages felt a little unfair. Although that couple possibly be because I was reading this in short bursts every day, which could’ve made the pace slower. Idk I think I just spent a little too long waiting to understand what I was supposed to be learning from all of the correspondence. That said, there were a few reveals that I really enjoyed and overall I had a good time reading this book!
goosehappy's review against another edition
mysterious
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
smilesgiggle's review against another edition
5.0
It took a bit to get in the rhythm of this book's format - use of texts, emails, messaging, just all kinds of technology. Really well done as there is no dialogue yet the plot moves quickly and grabs your attention.
The Fairway Players hold auditions for their latest production. With the instance of a work friend, Sam and her husband tryout. Drawing them into a world based on hierarchy, deceit, manipulation and an ill toddler.
Hallett does an amazing job portraying her characters through other voices - Sam is the main character, yet does not have a voice. The reader depends on her obsessive coworker, Issy, to give Sam a voice, background via a considerable amount of emails. Actually Issy may be the main character as the book's primary contributor.
Very creative and enjoyable.
The Fairway Players hold auditions for their latest production. With the instance of a work friend, Sam and her husband tryout. Drawing them into a world based on hierarchy, deceit, manipulation and an ill toddler.
Hallett does an amazing job portraying her characters through other voices - Sam is the main character, yet does not have a voice. The reader depends on her obsessive coworker, Issy, to give Sam a voice, background via a considerable amount of emails. Actually Issy may be the main character as the book's primary contributor.
Very creative and enjoyable.
kiracreativemod's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
nicky___noo's review against another edition
funny
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? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0