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cameron_cassidy's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
stories_of_the_soul27's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Seishi Yokomizo is able to create fantastic atmosphere with death and gruesome murders. It is something I have found consistent in his books. He writes mystery to invoke a certain sense of sadness that we associate with death.
However in this book I couldn’t connect neither with the victims nor with the other characters. This was simply a mystery book with multiple deaths to up the stakes. A lot of work needed to be put to build character depth in order for the reveal to have a solid impact. A character driven mystery story needs work and patience.
However, that being said the story of the islanders was very fascinating. If the background of the islanders and the interrelationship of the interested parties were delved into more, the story would have been rich.
Lastly, and this is personal - the gross underdevelopment of the women characters left a bad taste in my mouth. I am honestly tired of seeing women being used as a victim in this ‘classic’ mystery stories.
However in this book I couldn’t connect neither with the victims nor with the other characters. This was simply a mystery book with multiple deaths to up the stakes. A lot of work needed to be put to build character depth in order for the reveal to have a solid impact. A character driven mystery story needs work and patience.
However, that being said the story of the islanders was very fascinating. If the background of the islanders and the interrelationship of the interested parties were delved into more, the story would have been rich.
Lastly, and this is personal - the gross underdevelopment of the women characters left a bad taste in my mouth. I am honestly tired of seeing women being used as a victim in this ‘classic’ mystery stories.
loki789's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
rebplane's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
k_thompson's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
frizzbee's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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? It's complicated
5.0
stoker's review against another edition
3.5
This one had a twist that I didn’t expect! Fun but again not a remarkable read. Great to pass the time and enjoy the scenery of 20th century japan.
morganator12's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
jimhaberl's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0