prncess2004's review against another edition
5.0
benfast's review against another edition
2.0
In terms of the mystery element, I found it less suspenseful and more of a "I wonder what happens next" plot. There were a lot of things which I didn't see coming, but once they happened it was less an element of intrigue as just surprise Jennings went that way. Some of the events also seemed forced, like the only way to make them make sense was to explain them after the fact. This wasn't all that big of a deal because I had longer breaks between reading, so having an easy storyline was what I needed.
The British countryside is a nice touch, there is definitely a feeling of being in a small town, but all the action happens at the police office, Alice Thorne's house, the Prees Heath camp, and Tyler's home. There is a vague description of two neighbourhood pubs and what seemed to be a surprisingly modern and stylish bachelor pad for Tyler's love interest.
And that brings me to one of the annoying parts of this book: the love story. It was completely useless! I know each good story needs a bit of romance, but it was like Jennings fell into a soft-core porno lit chapter (or five) of mushy, possibly emotional, possibly pointless sex. I couldn't tell if it would lead anywhere, I knew it didn't have too much to do with the story (at least nothing more important than just a mention of Clare and Tom's history), and I didn't like reading it. There was also pretty much no closure for that part of the story, and I felt for a few other plot lines as well.
Overall this book was a decent way to kill time and get into summer reading mode, but if you want a more engaging story, choose something else. I'll give this a 2.5-3 out of 5 simply because the story is good enough to keep you engaged while reading it, and not too much detail to bog you down. It is a good book to pick up and put down when you need but it won't fufill any deep need for suspense or complicated plots.
mactammonty's review against another edition
3.0
It was also a relief not to be bombarded with the devastation that always takes prevalence in books during that time period.
redraccoon's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
frasersimons's review against another edition
3.0
lisaarnsdorf's review against another edition
5.0
I didn't know much about internment camps in the UK. It was fascinating to learn about a new aspect of the war.
Lots of surprises. I can't wait to read the next one!
looddle's review against another edition
- 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? Yes
3.0
andyy_scott's review against another edition
- 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
3.5
gh0st0fth0ught's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
sabrina_d_arcy's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.5
Moderate: Alcohol, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Blood, Cursing, Death, Forced institutionalization, Infidelity, Mental illness, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Religious bigotry, Self harm, Antisemitism, Body horror, Classism, Genocide, Gore, Racial slurs, Violence, Vomit, War, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Sexual content, and Xenophobia
Minor: Car accident, Sexual assault, Rape, Pregnancy, Abandonment, Ableism, Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, and Pedophilia