Reviews tagging 'Emotional abuse'

The Christmas Guest by Peter Swanson

5 reviews

kwichris's review

dark mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

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

4.5

I've not read a novella prior to this one, but I very much appreciate when an author can do in 100 pages what it takes many to do in several times that amount. The characters here are developed through two varied perspectives, which in it of itself makes this a unique read. While I won't ruin the very good twist, the story comes from both first person perspective in the future and the writings in a diary from the past. This was just a refreshing take on a murder mystery, around the holidays no less, that brought up some poignant food for thought by the end. The choices we make, good or bad, we've got to live with them; they can haunt you or you can find a way to use them to begin anew or fix what was broken. The choice is up to you. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Violence, Murder, and Alcohol

Moderate: Blood and Injury/Injury detail

Minor: Emotional abuse and Physical abuse

fragrant_stars's review

dark mysterious relaxing sad fast-paced

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

4.0

Quick read, cozy, with an open ending that made me kinda want more. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Violence and Murder

Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Self harm, Blood, Stalking, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail

Minor: Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment

faithfullymoonstruck's review

adventurous dark mysterious sad fast-paced

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

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Murder

Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Blood, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail

Minor: Death of parent

meowlo's review

dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

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

3.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Death, Emotional abuse, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail

aileron's review against another edition

dark mysterious fast-paced

• 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

2.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Murder

Moderate: Animal death, Emotional abuse, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail

Minor: Domestic abuse, Gore, Sexual assault, Suicide, and Death of parent