Reviews tagging 'Panic attacks/disorders'

An Elderly Lady is Up to No Good by Helene Tursten

3 reviews

daringreader13's review against another edition

challenging dark reflective tense medium-paced

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

2.5

2.5 out of 5 stars

This collection of short stories all follow the same template for set up- old lady complains about something awful in her life, she makes a connection with some body who is less than perfect, she gets annoyed, she kills them, and then gets away with it. The only one I really enjoyed was the one not written in her POV. Honestly, I don’t know if I want to read the other in the collection just to prove this hypothesis or to mark a series as finished. Either way it’s not because it’s good 😂

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Ableism, Body horror, Death, Domestic abuse, Gore, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, Outing, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail

lizardgod's review against another edition

dark funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Bullying, Death, Domestic abuse, Gore, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Suicide, Blood, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail

purplelake's review against another edition

adventurous dark funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

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

3.75

A little old lady who commits murder.

At times the translation is a bit awkward, but not enough to impact the story. The time difference between the stories, not being in strict chronological order, can lead to some confusion at fist. Specifically Maud’s comments about visiting the spa. However, the separated stories makes for a brilliant set-up/punchline structure. The stories all share the commonality of

Maud using her advanced age and unspoiled mind and body to get away with literal murder

, but each story takes a new spin on Maud’s character. I found Maud herself a thoroughly lovable character, not despite of, but because of her flaws. Her character being such a deviation from the norm of the genre also draws you into the story. The book’s twists makes for a darkly charming take on the mystery genre, even across cultures and languages.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Gore, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, and Murder

Moderate: Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Dementia, Death of parent, and Alcohol

Minor: Cursing, Grief, and Car accident