Reviews with content warning for Murder - The Dead and the Dark

"This was how it was going to be - she didn’t deserve the truth. She could get close enough to taste it, but she could never have the real thing."

This was SO good. It's so trippy and compelling and I just HAD to know what the frick was going on in Snakebite. The atmosphere and sense of place are incredible, the characters are excellently fleshed-out, and the overall vibes are just brilliant. The story is both terrifying as fuck and completely and utterly devastating and there are so many important conversations and observations in here. I was just so, so impressed by it! It's definitely one that will stay with me, and I can't wait to read more from Courtney Gould.

(Also it has a content warning at the beginning and we love to see that <333)

Content Warnings

veggiestrawenjoyer13's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
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

4.25

I really enjoyed this book. I did not expect any of the plot twists or reveals, and it was super exciting to find out the truth about everything! The characters felt raw and realistic, not overdone or underdeveloped. Their emotions felt authentic, I could really connect with them. The writing was great, especially with descriptions and things like that. Very intriguing vocabulary/writing style. The end was bittersweet in a way but it felt just right. One specific thing I noticed that I loved was that the modern media references and gay jokes did not feel forced. Usually in books that dialogue would make me cringe and give a lower rating. However, I found the humor to be very tasteful and Logan was relatable to me as a teen lesbian. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes horror, mystery, and exploring who you are in difficult times.

Content Warnings

cleot's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.0

Content Warnings

maddiegyoms's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I loved how The Dead and the Dark tells a story about how the hate we put into the world creates a darkness that can be so overpowering/overwhelming that we cave to it. This story is more than just a paranormal murder mystery, it's about acceptance; acceptance of who you are, of who other people are. We all make mistakes, even if we think it's better for someone else, but owning up to it and making a change for the better is what ultimately prevails.

Content Warnings

jesshart8's review against another edition

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dark mysterious 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

5.0

Content Warnings

puddleshoes's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Content Warnings

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