Reviews

Dying for Christmas by Tammy Cohen

jessica_reading_writing's review against another edition

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4.0

Overview: I was recommended this book by a friend and I always trust her thriller recommendations. I have to say I loved this book, especially the first half because I had no idea what was going on. The second half was a good twist, but I found myself not as gripped once I found out the truth.

Good points: The kidnapping bits and when he has Jessica locked in a hotel is so creepy and I loved it. Ooh and an MC with my name is a bonus! I got the proper ick factor from the kidnapper. Every gift he gave her I was wondering how he could possibly top the previous one! Then part two came along...I didn't see the twist coming! The final page also gave another twist, but I am so freaking confused!

Not so good points: The only thing stopping this book being a 5 star is mainly part two and the reasoning behind everything. I can't go into detail due to spoilers but let's just say that I didn't feel it was a strong enough reason. Also towards the end Jessica began to annoy me.

A great festive thriller that's well worth a read, but if you have read it then ease canwe chat because I do not get the last page at all...

505arcticmonkeys's review against another edition

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5.0

oh my god. so so so good i cant even the plot twists made me gasp i actually sat all the way up i was like oh em gee

abalderson's review against another edition

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4.0

I consumed this book and read it so quickly I couldn’t believe it. I found it to be an easy, fast paced, hooking thriller that I just could not put down and so glad I picked up in The Works.

From the beginning I felt like I sort of knew how the book would end and that wasn’t a bad thing as it fitted the plot perfectly but I still needed to find out what happens. However, then a complete 360 twist happened and I was left a little speechless as I did not see it coming. It made me literally glued to the story and then I had to finish it immediately.

The book was very well written, with some very gruesome details that at points did make me flinch a little but made it such a good thriller read. It was a complete unique read for me and one that I would definitely recommend for anyone looking for a gripping read.

It was also that good that I wouldn’t only keep this book to a December/Christmas read. It should be read all year round like any other brilliant thriller!

firefly8041's review against another edition

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3.0

First part 3.5, really held my attention. Second part 2.5, it dragged and I was reading purely to be finished with it.

exorcismemily's review against another edition

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2.0

This was okay. I can't say much on it without spoiling it. The premise was awesome, and it started our to be so promising, and then it went off the rails. Everything that happened was so unlikely, and this book was way too long for the actual content. The plot twists were not surprising, and there were too many attempts to match another popular crime novel. I kept hoping I would enjoy it more, and then another absurd thing would be tacked onto the plot.

lovlyida's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

sandysmith's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

I'm gradually adding books I've read in 2021 to give a true reflection of the books I've read since keeping records.  This was the first book I read in 2021, and is what kick started my reading journey having put reading on the back burner whilst bringing up the children, previously being an avid reader. I'm not a fan of this book about a person held captive, marking the 12 days of Christmas, with gifts given each day, each one more horrific than the previous one. Its Misery meets gone girl, with the ending disappointing. The first half if the book was better than the last. Not for me

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abookishbae's review

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3.0

This was an interesting read, with a plot twist I didn’t see coming.
A typical story about money, control and narcissism. Made for a great read.

pinkfragle84's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5