abbeyroad1410's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
My biggest complaint with this book was that Hannah was very relatable in a way that made her very uninteresting. I do think she served her purpose as a main character, however, which was to live in the shadow of April and to be so plain that you knew she didn't have a real motive in killing April.
Similarly, Hannah and Will's relationship was not well developed. At times, I felt like I was reading about Hannah's infatuation with Will rather than her love for him. Yes, they went on dates, and he was concerned about her pregnancy, but I just didn't feel this romantic connection between them.
On the other hand, most of the side characters came off the page. Ryan was barely in the novel, yet you could feel his presence. (Honestly, Ryan deserved more time in this novel.) John Neville had the eeriness that made you think he did it and made a reader's skin crawl. November and April had this glowing aura without you having to see them.
Another thing this novel did really well was to create nostalgia for Freshman year of college. I honestly don't think I've wanted to go back to the awkwardness of freshman year more than reading the before sections of the novel.
Overall, this is a book that I would read again because it is very enjoyable.
Moderate: Infidelity, Death, and Murder
tabrock518's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.0
Graphic: Death and Murder
greatexpectations77's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Alcohol, Death, Murder, Pregnancy, Toxic friendship, and Grief
Moderate: Infidelity, Sexual harassment, Classism, Drug use, Bullying, Abandonment, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Abortion, Blood, Eating disorder, and Injury/Injury detail
kirstenhewitt1993's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Graphic: Death, Stalking, Pregnancy, and Murder
Moderate: Violence and Drug use
madelinequinne's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Really enjoyed this, kind of reminded me of if we were villains.
I would have NEVER guessed Hugh was April’s killer until those last few chapters, i was so sure it was going to be Will the whole time up until then, and I love a plot twist so automatically loved this book
Graphic: Death, Grief, Medical content, Panic attacks/disorders, Stalking, Murder, Toxic friendship, Violence, Blood, Cursing, Alcohol, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Suicidal thoughts, Drug use, Pregnancy, Infidelity, and Toxic relationship
sampcole21's review against another edition
- 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
4.25
Graphic: Murder, Violence, and Mental illness
Moderate: Pregnancy, Violence, and Stalking
Minor: Mental illness, Murder, Physical abuse, Violence, Drug use, Death, Kidnapping, Pregnancy, Drug abuse, and Emotional abuse
bibliochica's review against another edition
- 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? No
5.0
Moderate: Violence and Death
taliatalksbooks's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
3.75
Graphic: Sexual content, Injury/Injury detail, Toxic friendship, Grief, Violence, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Bullying, Infidelity, Alcohol, Emotional abuse, Murder, Stalking, Pregnancy, and Death
becandbooks's review
3.5
While cliche, it is incredibly entertaining to dive into this popular trope of an English Oxford student dealing with the murder of her IT girl best friend and roommate. There are many players throughout the story - most of them lovable - and while readers may guess the whodunnit before the final page, the uncertainty truly sticks around until the end. This is a pretty classic mystery, with good pacing, great characters and the ever-engaging writing style of Ruth Ware.
Moderate: Murder and Death
Minor: Alcohol, Drug use, Stalking, and Pregnancy
→ trigger warnings: murder, death of a friend, absent parents, recreational drug use, alcohol consumption, possible stalking, harassment, home invasion, cheating, pregnancy, incarcerationkzkoni's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Pregnancy, Toxic friendship, and Stalking
Moderate: Death and Murder