The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
catriona176'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? It's complicated
3.5
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Suicide and Abandonment
sarahna'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
5.0
Graphic: Blood, Hate crime, Infidelity, Murder, Chronic illness, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Torture, Toxic friendship, Drug abuse, Gaslighting, Child abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Cancer, Confinement, Suicide, and Violence
kateea7536's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Death, Violence, Murder, Torture, Suicide, and Physical abuse
emmasanderson's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
Moderate: Death, Murder, and Police brutality
Minor: Torture and Suicide
lexslittlelibrary's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
However despite knowing the inevitable place the book will end up, it’s almost impossible to deduce the “why” and “how” of much of the story—but it is possible, which makes it a perfect example of the detective genre.
While I loved the smaller murder mystery stories, what really made this book special was the thought given to what makes the genre and how those details can be manipulated to tell an infinite number of unique stories.
However, parts of the last two or three chapters felt like rushed resolution. I would have liked to have seen more of both characters as they grappled with their own problems independently.
Overall it was a solid detective story and definitely one I’d recommend to others.
Graphic: Blood, Death, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Gore, Grief, Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Murder, Suicide, and Terminal illness
lucy_warren's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Murder, Torture, and Death
Moderate: Suicide
Minor: Homophobia
rachelcaro'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? It's complicated
2.0
Graphic: Murder, Torture, and Police brutality
Moderate: Suicide and Gore
laguerrelewis's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Blood, Suicide, Police brutality, Murder, Gun violence, Fire/Fire injury, and Death
Minor: Child death, Death of parent, Excrement, Gore, and Homophobia
allisonwonderlandreads'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? No
3.0
This book applies an intriguing framework to the murder mystery formula. In alternating chapters, we follow an editor discussing seven short stories with the author. He wrote a mathematical thesis about the basic requirements of a murder mystery story and their possible permutations. His stories exemplify some of the weirder combinations of ingredients. These seven stories provide the other half of the book. After each, the editor points out a curious discrepancy she noticed in the story. Part of the game for the reader is seeing if you can guess the permutation before the reveal or notice the discrepancy yourself. It adds layers to the usual fun of trying to uncover the details of the mystery before the detective.
This was a cleverly done book with some good twists and plenty to think about. I actually liked the short format of each mystery. Each had its own tone and intent. The problem for me was that really only my intellect engaged with this story. I wasn't particularly curious, excited, or attached to any characters. So when twists happened or the worst was revealed, my reaction was kind of a *shrug.* It didn't generate enthusiasm even though I was interested.
I think if you're looking for a mental puzzle or like short-form murder mysteries, this book will appeal to you.
Graphic: Murder, Police brutality, and Torture
Moderate: Blood, Death, Excrement, Fire/Fire injury, Infidelity, Violence, Vomit, Suicide, and Sexism