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cleches's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Violence
moreads14's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse and Racial slurs
Moderate: Racism and Rape
tlaynejones's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I’m judging this book primarily on the interesting and somewhat unique personal arc of the MC. I look forward to book 2.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Violence and Murder
Minor: Rape
jbrendanshaw's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
The central mystery here - the death of a Black LAPD recruit - and the main character - a Black police detective grappling with the beginning of the Black Lives Matter movement - are both compelling. The backstory of the hero was interesting but dropping in a 50 page background chapter early in the book sort of slowed the momentum of the present day (and I didn't see all the things raised there coming back in a way that meant the full backstory dump was meaningful). At times the prose is a bit overly affected - perhaps noir is the goal but it could get purple. Still, the character is interesting and the conclusion sets the stage for a clear follow-up.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, and Violence