Scan barcode
jalehrter's review against another edition
3.0
I am a bit indifferent to this book. It was a slow start which peaked at about 50% through the book, and then petered off towards the end. A quick read but a bit forgettable.
abalderson's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed Magpie by Elizabeth Day, it had me hooked from the start and I devoured it! The book is split into numerous distinct parts as the timeline changes and makes you question/reassess everything you thought you knew about the book in the previous chapters. I loved how easy it was to read aswell as how unique and compelling the story line was. The only reason I decided to rate it 4 instead of 5 stars was that I was a little disappointed by the ending - it wasn’t a bad ending.. I think I just expected something else maybe a shock plot twist or something a bit bigger than it was. Either way I would highly recommend and worth a 4 star.
bookishmama17's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
kristykinder's review against another edition
3.0
I wanted to love this book so much... but I just kept waiting for a twist that never came. The premise of this book is great for a thriller, but much, much more needed to happen. Even the big "scandal" that was revealed at the end was disappointing-- it wasn't a big deal at all. I would've given two stars based on plot alone, but I enjoyed the author's writing. I would not recommend this book. There are way too many other books like it that are executed much better.
horsley123's review against another edition
3.0
I loved 'The Party' and was really excited to be reading Elizabeth Day's newest book. There is a couple of things about 'Magpie' which did not sit right with me and hence it was not the read I was hoping for. I felt uneasy that the surrogate was mentally unwell. It seems unlikely that anyone would get their surrogacy approved by the hospital ethics committee when the surrogate is bipolar. It had a retro soap opera feel in making the 'baddy' mentally unstable, there is redemption but it was uncomfortable.
I expected some later connection with the scene setting at the beginning of the book. I thought that there would be some connection between Marissa's mother and sister, but no, so I did not understand why that part of her life was detailed, parcelled up and completely ignored.
Putting aside my wokery it is a fast and entertaining read, but I would recommend her other work before this book.
I expected some later connection with the scene setting at the beginning of the book. I thought that there would be some connection between Marissa's mother and sister, but no, so I did not understand why that part of her life was detailed, parcelled up and completely ignored.
Putting aside my wokery it is a fast and entertaining read, but I would recommend her other work before this book.
hjreads16's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
seaswift14's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
amygraver1's review against another edition
3.0
Magpie is a good thriller. It had an amazing twist around halfway which kept me hooked, it follows a couple who take in a lodger. The less you know the better.