pekavi's review against another edition
dark
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
jmatkinson1's review
3.0
Little Brynhild lives in poverty in Norway. She becomes pregnant by the son of the family she works for, but rather than marry her, he chooses to beat her so badly she loses the child. Once recovered Brynhild is determined not to be placed in the same situation and to escape her life in Norway. First she exacts her revenge on her seducer and then she travels to America, reinventing herself as Bella. However Bella will stop at nothing to get the pampered and luxurious life she wants, even if that means murder.
I couldn't really engage with this book, which is a pity but I found the excessive focusing on violence and the visceral nature of this - lots of descriptions of blood etc - was too much for me.
I couldn't really engage with this book, which is a pity but I found the excessive focusing on violence and the visceral nature of this - lots of descriptions of blood etc - was too much for me.
ppppaula's review against another edition
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I had no idea this was based on a real person so am left feeling a little disturbed. This is a fictionalised version of the life of Belle Gunness, an American-Norwegian serial killer. Dark and twisted. A long book but it managed to hold my attention the entire time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, and Violence
harrie11's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
eleanora0901's review against another edition
3.0
3.3
" Although madness in Men is not the same as that in Women: Men use it against others; Women turn it in on themselves."
" Although madness in Men is not the same as that in Women: Men use it against others; Women turn it in on themselves."
moumita's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This is an incredibly difficult and dark read. Nevertheless Camilla Bruce was wonderfully chalked out her main characters. We get an insight into the motivations of why Bella Gunness becomes a serial killer.
lisalotte's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
3.0
saslovesbooks's review
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
This was a dark dark read.
Bruce traces the story of Bella (among other names) through what can only be described as a sinking into physchopathic ruthless murders.
Loosely based on a true story the book is well written. I just really struggled with it. I don't mind morally grey characters but here is a woman almost unreadably horrendous.
Bruce carefully depicts the hardship in Bella's early life and traces some horrors that would damage anyone. But not everyone turns out like that. The first person view of killing another so carelessly is very jarring.
If you're into books like this it's well written. Just not for me.
Bruce traces the story of Bella (among other names) through what can only be described as a sinking into physchopathic ruthless murders.
Loosely based on a true story the book is well written. I just really struggled with it. I don't mind morally grey characters but here is a woman almost unreadably horrendous.
Bruce carefully depicts the hardship in Bella's early life and traces some horrors that would damage anyone. But not everyone turns out like that. The first person view of killing another so carelessly is very jarring.
If you're into books like this it's well written. Just not for me.
fourestxx's review
4.0
Triflers Need Not Apply is a fictional recreation of real-life serial killer Bella Sorensen/Gunness and follows her as she grows from a young girl in Norway, moves to the US and commences a murderous rampage killing men, women and children alike.
The story is told from two perspectives: Bella and her sister, Nellie, an ordinary hard-working woman torn between protecting her baby sister and horror at her unfolding actions.
Bella is clearly disturbed and violent but the author writes her so well, that you can sometimes find yourself rooting for her (especially against those who have done her wrong).
The book is written almost like a diary with both sisters talking directly to the reader. It’s fascinating to get into Bella’s mind and see how she views her own actions and the emotionless logic she applies, making her a cold yet captivating narrator.
This story has a real anxious energy, making you nervous for what she will do next and instilling fear for the characters you have come to know. A really gripping thriller and a unique way of telling the story – I loved it!
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The story is told from two perspectives: Bella and her sister, Nellie, an ordinary hard-working woman torn between protecting her baby sister and horror at her unfolding actions.
Bella is clearly disturbed and violent but the author writes her so well, that you can sometimes find yourself rooting for her (especially against those who have done her wrong).
The book is written almost like a diary with both sisters talking directly to the reader. It’s fascinating to get into Bella’s mind and see how she views her own actions and the emotionless logic she applies, making her a cold yet captivating narrator.
This story has a real anxious energy, making you nervous for what she will do next and instilling fear for the characters you have come to know. A really gripping thriller and a unique way of telling the story – I loved it!
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
maddythomas95's review
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25