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jacemchale's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book scratches a weird crossover itch with paranormal books and mystery books with a murder being solved by a group of three witches. I loved each one of the main characters so much even if they all have their flaws. Mallory's chronic pain makes her understandably cranky in some representation I loved, because it's truly difficult to be peppy all the time, especially with chronic pain. Diana is truly loveable with plenty of ex-girlfriends but the kind of friend to give tough love when it's needed. Cornelia experiences privileges with wealth and power and understands that systems are often unfair while also trying to battle some injustices while they try to solve murders.
I loved this book, and while the mystery isn't technically overly complicated the added magic mixed with science adds another layer to the mystery and makes it fresh and compelling.
Graphic: Chronic illness, Death, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Ableism and Grief
Minor: Body shaming, Confinement, Toxic relationship, and Classism
madamenovelist's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Graphic: Body horror, Chronic illness, Cursing, Gore, Blood, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Medical trauma, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Confinement
starrysteph's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Graphic: Ableism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Chronic illness, Confinement, Death, Gore, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury
fromjuliereads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Let's get the minor notes out of the way first. I think that this definitely had a slower pace than I expected as a fantasy mystery. There are a few spots in the middle that lagged - but the characters do keep you interested! I think this might be more a debut thing since the author has written more short stories previously. And nothing against the book, but I did guess the villain earlier than the characters.
But my list of good far outweighs those notes!!
- I really loved these characters! They are quirky, badass, and relatable! Mallory is taller than average, Cornelia wears glasses and is blunt, and Diana is plus-size and THEY ARE ALL SMART IN THEIR OWN WAYS. They have their strengths and distinct personalities and they all love each other for who they are. It's honestly one of my favourite friendships I've read.
- queernormative characters - like, lots of them. And there are multiple nonbinary characters with they/them pronouns on page.
- chronic illness rep. Mallory has fibromyalgia and it is part of her character and the plot in a realistic way. It was great to see it part of the story and how it affects her, both physically and mentally. While I don't have chronic illness, I have migraine and pain days and Mallory felt really relatable to me in a lot of ways. Which is amazing to see in a fantasy novel!
- while I did see who the villain was going to be, the backstory and WHY, how it's revealed, were all a surprise to me and well done! I didn't see that route coming honestly.
- Theodore.
While I don't think everyone will LOVE this book, there are definitely people who will appreciate everything I listed above with the mix of magic, witches, and the occult.
Moderate: Body horror, Chronic illness, Death, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Confinement, Toxic relationship, Blood, Stalking, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, and Alcohol
Bugs, room full of bugspurplepenning's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
I picked it up for the tagline: "Be Gay. Solve crimes. Take naps." The writing didn't immediately click for me because I couldn't quite get a feel for the setting and characters, but I stuck with it for the absurdly endearing character of Theodore (an irrepressible ghost stuck in the ridiculous cat costume he died in on Halloween), the excellently portrayed chronic pain rep, and the Gen Z voice of it all. By the end, I found myself hoping that this is going to be the first in a series.
Graphic: Body horror, Chronic illness, Death, and Murder
Moderate: Ableism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Confinement, Cursing, Gore, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Minor: Alcohol