Reviews tagging 'Body horror'

Murder at Spindle Manor by Morgan Stang

5 reviews

jetpackdracula's review against another edition

funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

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

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death and Murder

Moderate: Body horror

Minor: Toxic friendship

brooke_city's review against another edition

dark funny lighthearted mysterious

• Loveable characters? Yes

3.5

TW for a few gory monster descriptions.

But otherwise, a fairly cozy murder mystery. The murder case wasn't as interesting as the monster case.

The ending was exactly what I wanted:

I love Evie and Penny and Izzie, and can't wait to follow them on more adventures. Penny is a smart girl! Evie's comedic comments are pure gold.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Body horror and Murder

arcali's review against another edition

dark funny mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

When I first learned of this book, it was described to me as 'Agatha Christie meets Soulsborne', and it's a very apt description. This book is a wonderful mix of gothic horror and whodunnit mystery,  with ghosts, monsters and other creatures of the night combined with the darkness in ordinary people.

I loved the setting of the book, which I'd describe as a steampunk, gaslamp fantasy. The characters are all very Victoriana in style,  with occupations such as coachman, mesmer, medium,  socialite and... huntress. What hints I had of the world left me eager to find out more,  and I was delighted to see that there's going to be a sequel.

The only reason  I've rated the book 4.5/5 instead of a full 5 stars is that I felt that one of the threats in the story wasn't played quite as strongly as it should have been - it took more of a second fiddle to the whodunit elements.  This is possibly  just personal preference on my part.

Overall thoughts: Would definitely recommend this! It was wonderfully gothic with some fun moments of humour as well.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Body horror, Death, and Gun violence

kurumipanda's review against another edition

adventurous dark funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• 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

A cozy mystery in a dark, gaslamp fantasy setting. Very funny, with some spooky moments, and an enjoyable unraveling of a mystery. There were a couple awkward wording choices and one of two references that pulled me out of the story a bit, but overall this was a blast. I’m excited to read the rest of the series - cool setting, fun characters, and a solid story. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Alcoholism, Death, Gore, Gun violence, and Murder

Minor: Body horror, Infidelity, Terminal illness, Fire/Fire injury, Colonisation, and Classism

vivavia's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional funny mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcoholism, Body horror, Bullying, Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Violence, Medical trauma, Murder, Toxic friendship, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism

TW: Spiders