The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
mpetrosky's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-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
3.75
raeanne's review against another edition
4.0
I was pleasantly surprised by The Amateurs. Besides from one racist incident, I don't have a single complaint.
I thought I would like it sure enough, but I got swept up so quickly with these kids, the story, and couldn't get enough.
But what really clenched it?...
THAT ENDING! So creepy and disturbing. I really did NOT see that coming and I will most def. be continuing the series to find out more.
FYI: There is this really racist moment where Brett suggests Madison "Asian bond" with a Chinese woman when she's Korean. All he says is "oh, my bad." But NO ONE stood up for how FUCKED UP that is, even if she was Chinese. Ugh, so annoyed with them all for that, especially Brett.
I thought I would like it sure enough, but I got swept up so quickly with these kids, the story, and couldn't get enough.
But what really clenched it?...
THAT ENDING! So creepy and disturbing. I really did NOT see that coming and I will most def. be continuing the series to find out more.
FYI: There is this really racist moment where Brett suggests Madison "Asian bond" with a Chinese woman when she's Korean. All he says is "oh, my bad." But NO ONE stood up for how FUCKED UP that is, even if she was Chinese. Ugh, so annoyed with them all for that, especially Brett.
malczewskibri12's review against another edition
it started off weird and was kind of boring. Not rlly my type of book
misspearch's review against another edition
4.0
Surprisingly good!
This is my first Sara Shepard book. It was a good little mystery that kept my attention and surprised me a few times. I didn't know this was a series and if I had I might not have started it. But having just finished the last page, I'm happy there is more to move onto!
This is my first Sara Shepard book. It was a good little mystery that kept my attention and surprised me a few times. I didn't know this was a series and if I had I might not have started it. But having just finished the last page, I'm happy there is more to move onto!
caitlincassidy's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
little_sour_bugs's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
scrollsofdragons's review against another edition
4.0
4.5
My favorite of Shepard's so far. One thing that consciously bothered me throughout the novel was the amount of adult-child relationships which seems to be a thing of Shepard's and there was so many in this one that I came off with a icky feeling. Other then that, the twists in this book was insane and I adored all of the characters, the romance was also sweet. This was an addicting, fun ride of a mystery.
So Brett was investigating his own crime, I bet he got such a kick out of going around with his victims family members investigating a murder he committed. And I loved Brett, the moment Aerin kind of rejected him and his response I knew in that moment and thinking back, the clues were so there. I was annoyed with a comment he made about women, but now it makes sense why he was so affronted that a woman would hit him which on thinking back that he was investigating his own crime, the fact that he got attacked while doing so is kind of laughable. Another kind of thing that stopped me from giving it the full five was that it didn't come as big as a shock to me, it was like a dawning realization and I wanted a bigger oh my god moment that it was him.
I'm really excited for the next book because only the amateurs know about Brett and it's not like they have prove to say it was him, just a hunch based on what they know. And for Brett as well, I hope we continue getting his point of view because I'm really interested in him as the murderer.
My favorite of Shepard's so far. One thing that consciously bothered me throughout the novel was the amount of adult-child relationships which seems to be a thing of Shepard's and there was so many in this one that I came off with a icky feeling. Other then that, the twists in this book was insane and I adored all of the characters, the romance was also sweet. This was an addicting, fun ride of a mystery.
Spoiler
So why did Heath lie about going to that resort? That was never resolved. And I'm still unsure of why Helena ran away to be honest, making everyone worry for her all so she could go off with her lover?So Brett was investigating his own crime, I bet he got such a kick out of going around with his victims family members investigating a murder he committed. And I loved Brett, the moment Aerin kind of rejected him and his response I knew in that moment and thinking back, the clues were so there. I was annoyed with a comment he made about women, but now it makes sense why he was so affronted that a woman would hit him which on thinking back that he was investigating his own crime, the fact that he got attacked while doing so is kind of laughable. Another kind of thing that stopped me from giving it the full five was that it didn't come as big as a shock to me, it was like a dawning realization and I wanted a bigger oh my god moment that it was him.
I'm really excited for the next book because only the amateurs know about Brett and it's not like they have prove to say it was him, just a hunch based on what they know. And for Brett as well, I hope we continue getting his point of view because I'm really interested in him as the murderer.
Spoiler
sweetnovember's review against another edition
3.0
Read Full Review on Blog
Overall, it was a pretty interesting story. It had the all twist in turns that make a good mystery. Shepard throws in a couple of red herrings that made sense, but then throw in some other tidbits to disqualify the suspect as the murderer. I thought the book moved really slowly, at a tortoise’s pace. To myself, I was wondering why is taking to so long just to get one clue or interview suspects.
Overall, it was a pretty interesting story. It had the all twist in turns that make a good mystery. Shepard throws in a couple of red herrings that made sense, but then throw in some other tidbits to disqualify the suspect as the murderer. I thought the book moved really slowly, at a tortoise’s pace. To myself, I was wondering why is taking to so long just to get one clue or interview suspects.