_leanbeannn's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
bridgetahearn's review against another edition
adventurous
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? It's complicated
4.5
lru's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
krstnws's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
sararose013's review against another edition
4.0
I received an ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and were not affected by the free copy.
Stevie Bell is at it again, but this time, she's going international! Stevie is having a rough semester; she has no new cases, she can't decide where she's applying to college, and her boyfriend is studying in London. But when David asks Stevie and her friends to come to London, she jumps at the chance to see him again. David's friend Izzy, introduces Stevie to an unsolved double murder, where two college students were killed with ax while playing a game of hide-and-seek.
I've been on a big murder mystery kick lately, so I finally decided to read this series. So far, I've enjoyed it enough that I read straight through and requested this ARC. I do like these standalones better than the original three books.
So, for the good. I enjoyed the mystery portion. It was engaging, interesting, and kept the plot moving forward. I appreciate the portrayal of Stevie's anxiety, it's nice to see some accurate representation.
Unfortunately, I liked most of the side characters more than I liked Stevie. I did not enjoy her character regression. She went from being a very independent person, to being dependent on David, so much that she can't even focus on homework long enough to read a full paragraph and begins lying to her friends. David was also irksome. However, I love Janelle and Vi, and I deeply connected with Nate's revelation.
All in all, I still enjoyed the book, and with that cliffhanger, there will definitely be another book, which I will likely read.
Stevie Bell is at it again, but this time, she's going international! Stevie is having a rough semester; she has no new cases, she can't decide where she's applying to college, and her boyfriend is studying in London. But when David asks Stevie and her friends to come to London, she jumps at the chance to see him again. David's friend Izzy, introduces Stevie to an unsolved double murder, where two college students were killed with ax while playing a game of hide-and-seek.
I've been on a big murder mystery kick lately, so I finally decided to read this series. So far, I've enjoyed it enough that I read straight through and requested this ARC. I do like these standalones better than the original three books.
So, for the good. I enjoyed the mystery portion. It was engaging, interesting, and kept the plot moving forward. I appreciate the portrayal of Stevie's anxiety, it's nice to see some accurate representation.
Unfortunately, I liked most of the side characters more than I liked Stevie. I did not enjoy her character regression. She went from being a very independent person, to being dependent on David, so much that she can't even focus on homework long enough to read a full paragraph and begins lying to her friends. David was also irksome. However, I love Janelle and Vi, and I deeply connected with Nate's revelation.
All in all, I still enjoyed the book, and with that cliffhanger, there will definitely be another book, which I will likely read.
weyda_reads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-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? Yes
4.5
irened93's review against another edition
4.0
A new Stevie Bell mystery was just what I needed to begin my reading challenge for 2023! I'm loving the new stand-alone mysteries Maureen Johnson is churning out. While I love being inside Ellingham Academy, I think I enjoy Stevie on the go even more.
In this story, Stevie and the gang are invited to spend a week abroad with David, Stevie's boyfriend, and his new friend, Izzy, in London. Izzy has a mystery for Stevie. Izzy's aunt, Angela, is a member of "The Nine", a group of best friends who met at Cambridge University in the 90's. When the group ventured to the manor owned by fellow member Sebastian's wealthy family, for a last hurrah before graduating, it was during a drunken game of hide-and-seek, when two of the members, Rosie and Noel, were viscously murdered. However, something is not adding up and Izzy asks Stevie for help after her aunt inadvertently under the influence of medication, blurts out a clue that could bring the once open and shut case, wide open once again.
Compared to The Box In The Woods, I enjoyed this one less. I wish the story took place more inside the manor. It would have given it a great Clue-esque vibe. I got bored with Stevie and David's weird relationship and I will say I am glad that *spoiler* happened.
I did enjoy the dual timelines though! And it's fun going back to the '90's because I'm seeing this setting a lot more in recent books.
I also feel as if the ending was rushed. There was a great build up to the *big reveal* but it kind of fell flat for me, admittedly.
All in all, I enjoyed being back in the world of Stevie Bell and I'm excited for more!
In this story, Stevie and the gang are invited to spend a week abroad with David, Stevie's boyfriend, and his new friend, Izzy, in London. Izzy has a mystery for Stevie. Izzy's aunt, Angela, is a member of "The Nine", a group of best friends who met at Cambridge University in the 90's. When the group ventured to the manor owned by fellow member Sebastian's wealthy family, for a last hurrah before graduating, it was during a drunken game of hide-and-seek, when two of the members, Rosie and Noel, were viscously murdered. However, something is not adding up and Izzy asks Stevie for help after her aunt inadvertently under the influence of medication, blurts out a clue that could bring the once open and shut case, wide open once again.
Compared to The Box In The Woods, I enjoyed this one less. I wish the story took place more inside the manor. It would have given it a great Clue-esque vibe. I got bored with Stevie and David's weird relationship and I will say I am glad that *spoiler* happened.
I did enjoy the dual timelines though! And it's fun going back to the '90's because I'm seeing this setting a lot more in recent books.
I also feel as if the ending was rushed. There was a great build up to the *big reveal* but it kind of fell flat for me, admittedly.
All in all, I enjoyed being back in the world of Stevie Bell and I'm excited for more!
hthrfy's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
bhanna430's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
jennicourn's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
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