Reviews

This was unique way to tell a story. Hannah is writing a story about a murder in a library, where Freddie is the main character, and the one looking for the murderer. So basically, this is a story, within another story. At times, I forgot this was happening and felt a little turned around with the correspondence between Hannah and Leo. Seeing the escalation of Leo's anger and frustration that Hannah is not taking his advice on how to write her book added a different twist to this already sometimes complicated storyline. It held my interest, that's for sure. However, I found the ending a bit rushed and didn't think all the questions were answered.

bbgx's review against another edition

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0.75

The author is not very good at pacing or character development, at least in this. Things happen far too quickly between the characters, characters fall for each other too soon and the authors insistence that every mundane detail of every single thing be described in detail makes it a painful read. None of the characters are particularly compelling, they actually all seem quite dumb and we’re simply meant to believe their supposed positive attributes because they themselves/others in the story they posses them. Also why do they eat out every single day? Very bizarre behaviour. The ending was also quite stupid. Do yourself a favour and don’t waste your time on this

rachwebsmith's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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

5.0

reedinthelibrary's review against another edition

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5.0

Gotta love a book set in a library!

andzoidberg's review against another edition

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1.0

Wish I didn’t force myself to finish this book. Had a great premise initially (four people becoming friends after being near-witnesses to a murder), but the rest….it’s a No from me, dawg. Flat, boring, annoying characters, a book within a book, and e-mails about the book within a book from a psychopath who’s a beta reader for the author and evading the police after being wanted for several murders. It seemed like every twist and turn was thrown into this book, and none of them really worked, it’s like the author kept changing their mind of what evidence to plant and who they wanted to be the murderer in the end. I hate not finishing books, but I kinda wanted to see how this mess of a story would end, and it ended so abruptly and with no wrap-up it definitely did not make it worth it.

Also I HATE how much emphasis the stupid beta reader character put on “this takes place during the pandemic, mention it!! don’t leave it out!!!” Instead of pretending it doesn’t exist and letting us use reading for escapism from the real world.

mary_r_m's review against another edition

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4.0

Audio
An intriguing mystery and enjoyable to listen to.

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