coffee_and_chapters's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Alice was definitely dressing for revenge! I found this thriller a very great build up of scene and atmosphere, and the use of books to attack and dismantle the personalities of the characters and the group of friends was very unique for me as I hadn’t read something similar before. I liked the build up towards the reason why Alice was after Lucy and wanted revenge, I think that was incredible. However, for me the reason why I gave in 3 stars was the reason for revenge – I was slightly underwhelmed by the reveal (even though I understood the reasons behind it) because I was expecting a bit more from it.
omgitswinnie's review against another edition
1.0
Firstly, I would like to thank Little, Brown Book Group UK and the author, C. J. Cooper, for the advanced copy I received through Netgalley.
This book is about a woman who is on a mission to take revenge. She moves into a new neighbourhood because she knows someone who already lives there and wants to make them pay. She starts unravelling friendships and derailing her victim's life subtly through the creation of a book club. Each book chosen is purposeful to uncover secrets.
It is a very complex and busy plot with many different characters and chapters switching between their perspectives. For someone who loves this style and thrillers with slow building suspense, this book is for you. Unfortunately, I didn't find myself hooked and didn't long to pick it up to read. In fact, it was taking me so long to read that I actually ended up skipping most of it to get to the end.
Overall, although this book isn't for me, we all have our own opinions and I'm sure many other people will really enjoy the many twists and turns this book has to offer.
This book is about a woman who is on a mission to take revenge. She moves into a new neighbourhood because she knows someone who already lives there and wants to make them pay. She starts unravelling friendships and derailing her victim's life subtly through the creation of a book club. Each book chosen is purposeful to uncover secrets.
It is a very complex and busy plot with many different characters and chapters switching between their perspectives. For someone who loves this style and thrillers with slow building suspense, this book is for you. Unfortunately, I didn't find myself hooked and didn't long to pick it up to read. In fact, it was taking me so long to read that I actually ended up skipping most of it to get to the end.
Overall, although this book isn't for me, we all have our own opinions and I'm sure many other people will really enjoy the many twists and turns this book has to offer.
aratecla_the_bookrat's review against another edition
2.0
Ok so, without any spoilers, a story of murder, secrets and small village gossip! With a Desperate Housewives vibe.
I was engrossed for two thirds of the book and then the story really dragged on, at which point I just wanted it to end and get it over with.. I hoped for a very good and satisfying ending but that wasn't delivered and when I finished the last page I was left perplexed and empty. It felt like the book kept building and building up to a climax that was never reached, leaving me really disappointed, so much so that it spoilt the book entirely.
Although the description says is a gripping psychological thriller I'd say it's more like a cosy thriller. I feel sorry because it had potential but the end ruined it for me as I expected a bit more.
I was engrossed for two thirds of the book and then the story really dragged on, at which point I just wanted it to end and get it over with.. I hoped for a very good and satisfying ending but that wasn't delivered and when I finished the last page I was left perplexed and empty. It felt like the book kept building and building up to a climax that was never reached, leaving me really disappointed, so much so that it spoilt the book entirely.
Although the description says is a gripping psychological thriller I'd say it's more like a cosy thriller. I feel sorry because it had potential but the end ruined it for me as I expected a bit more.
lisam0183_bookworm's review against another edition
2.0
This had me gripped to start with and had the hopes of being a very good read. Alice was quite creepy at first and I had a few theories about why she was there - which I didn't get right.
Then it just started to get weird. How Lucy, Tom, Maggie and Rebecca weren't able to figure out what was going on is beyond me.
The ending then fell really flat.
Then it just started to get weird. How Lucy, Tom, Maggie and Rebecca weren't able to figure out what was going on is beyond me.
The ending then fell really flat.
the_bookishmum's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
mustbeinwantofawife's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
slut4pennywise's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
tales1803's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
0.25
snippie99's review against another edition
3.0
I liked the twists and turns of the book, I didn’t quite know what to expect when going into this but overall I was pleasantly surprised. I liked the writing and thought the story was told in such an original way. However, I wasn’t fully sold on the overall plot