Reviews with content warning for Abortion - The Running Grave

I won't put a star rating as i don't really want to make J.K.'s book look good. But a compelling if somewhat slow read.

pros:
- the cult setting was extremely well done, very frightening and sinister and the traumatic effect on Robin and the others was obvious in their reactions. It definitely made you think about the horrors of cults.
- sadly J.K. is a talented writer and the pacing and characters are very good, with the complicated plot coming together and the characters growing throughout, to a degree.

cons
- the plot did feel too complicated towards the end as I struggled to keep straight who certain people were, including Graves and Abigail and some others. Would probably reward a reread.
- Strike was a bit annoying in this book, as he seemed naive/careless about the torment Robin went through (which though well addressed as it was happening and immediately after, seemed to be forgotten as the plot came together at the end), his jealousy towards Murphy is tiring, and his lack of action towards Robin gets frustrating.
- J.K. is clearly also making a point about how the law hesitates to go against people for PC reasons and overly tip toeing around sensitive issues, like religious freedom and people living differently. Strike snidely says 'live and let live' to criticise the cult. I think she is doing a subtle dig here towards trans people and their rights.

but overall another compelling Robin and Strike novel, probably the one that gripped me most so far with the scary cult plot.

Content Warnings

vikkiph's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

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? It's complicated

4.5

Content Warnings

ksilvio's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

Content Warnings

erinnichole13's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? N/A
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

This book was so. fricking. long! I have no problem with a hefty book if you can pace it well but holy crap, half this book could have been edited out. The epilogue was three chapters! Most people can wrap it up in 1! The whole book gives the impression of someone that just likes to hear themselves talk. The plot had promise but it dragged on under unnecessary pages. The characters are getting a bit tedious and monotonous, not growing much with each book, though the ending suggested maybe next book may be different (though we've read that before). I'd say if you're interested in the relationship drama, save yourself 1000 pages, just read the very last chapter and hope someone reigns Rowlings in for the next book

Content Warnings

lillinares's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark mysterious 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

4.25

Although I love long books and getting to return to them every night for a couple of months (I read before bed and often fall asleep after a couple of pages), this could have been edited and shortened. With that said, this was much better than the last one in the series. That one had so many cases going on at the same time, I can’t even remember what the main plot was. (Never mind, I remember now). This one was focused though. Thankfully. It still suffered from a lot of useless details. I found myself skimming at times.

Anyway, the plot is well-woven and immersive. I felt like I was in that cult with Robin the entire time.

Her escape from it was one of the most exciting scenes in this entire series.

Pat is now my favorite side character. Murphy can eat dirt. I’m proud of Strike and how he’s trying to be better in every sense. Robin is the true backbone of the story, always reliable and kind and smart, although, at times, I wish she wouldn’t be so courageous, not to say reckless. Her decisions make me tense.

I gave this book that extra .25 stars because I cannot believe

he finally said it!

I had promised myself I wouldn’t give this lady more of my money, but apparently that’s out the window now. How long until the next one?

Content Warnings