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sophieamreacher's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
4.0
Good atmosphere, didn’t guess the twist, rooted for main character.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Infidelity, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
samktoler's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Physical abuse
what_heather_loves's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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
4.0
"Despite her earlier dismissal, for a moment she can't help imagining that the rock was responsible; as if it had thrown a piece of itself down in anger. Once again, the Island is letting her know, loud and clear. 'We don't want you here.'"
Cary Island, off the coast of Devon has a dark past. It has previously housed Rock House, a school for troubled children and played host to an outward bound course where a serial killer, the Island caretaker, murdered a group of teenagers. The island's reputation is helped by a rocky outcrop that looks like the Grim Reaper, causing the locals to call it Reaper's Rock. But LUMEN, a luxurious, retreat for those seeking peace and wellness , designed by architect Will Riley and managed by his sister, Farrah, hopes to change that and start afresh with its clean and modern design and ethos.
The Leger family, sisters studious Hana, outgoing Jo (and boyfriend Seth) and capable Bea (and boyfriend Caleb) and cousin, bohemian Maya, are staying at the retreat; Jo booked for them to spend time together and 'mend some fences' in their strained relationships. Hana is still grieving the loss of boyfriend Lucas in a biking accident and Maya is still grieving the loss of sister Sofia when they were young, in a house fire.
When a body is found, seemingly from a balcony fall, police DS Elin Warner and her colleague DC Steed arrive that the island to investigate. A further body tells them all is not well on Cary Island again, but is it anything to do with the island's tragic past? With outside help delayed and a storm coming, will Elin and Steed uncover the truth in time?
This is the second in the Detective Elin Warner series, following The Sanitorium, her as she regains her confidence. The reader gets Elin's and Hana's perspectives as the bodies pile up in this isolated and atmospheric setting. Everyone is keeping secrets and theor relationships are complex and dysfunctional. Pacy and involving, the action doesn't let up as Elin's confidence in her abilities rises or falls with each incident (making me wish she would seek some progressional help, bearing in mind the trauma she's experienced), but her character has developed from some of her previous vulnerabilities, which IMHO are not helped by her manipulative boyfriend. Seriously creepy and tense, there are plenty of cliffhangers and red herrings before the conclusion of this great, locked room thriller.
Thank you to Holly at Penguin Random House for access to an advanced copy.
Cary Island, off the coast of Devon has a dark past. It has previously housed Rock House, a school for troubled children and played host to an outward bound course where a serial killer, the Island caretaker, murdered a group of teenagers. The island's reputation is helped by a rocky outcrop that looks like the Grim Reaper, causing the locals to call it Reaper's Rock. But LUMEN, a luxurious, retreat for those seeking peace and wellness , designed by architect Will Riley and managed by his sister, Farrah, hopes to change that and start afresh with its clean and modern design and ethos.
The Leger family, sisters studious Hana, outgoing Jo (and boyfriend Seth) and capable Bea (and boyfriend Caleb) and cousin, bohemian Maya, are staying at the retreat; Jo booked for them to spend time together and 'mend some fences' in their strained relationships. Hana is still grieving the loss of boyfriend Lucas in a biking accident and Maya is still grieving the loss of sister Sofia when they were young, in a house fire.
When a body is found, seemingly from a balcony fall, police DS Elin Warner and her colleague DC Steed arrive that the island to investigate. A further body tells them all is not well on Cary Island again, but is it anything to do with the island's tragic past? With outside help delayed and a storm coming, will Elin and Steed uncover the truth in time?
This is the second in the Detective Elin Warner series, following The Sanitorium, her as she regains her confidence. The reader gets Elin's and Hana's perspectives as the bodies pile up in this isolated and atmospheric setting. Everyone is keeping secrets and theor relationships are complex and dysfunctional. Pacy and involving, the action doesn't let up as Elin's confidence in her abilities rises or falls with each incident (making me wish she would seek some progressional help, bearing in mind the trauma she's experienced), but her character has developed from some of her previous vulnerabilities, which IMHO are not helped by her manipulative boyfriend. Seriously creepy and tense, there are plenty of cliffhangers and red herrings before the conclusion of this great, locked room thriller.
Thank you to Holly at Penguin Random House for access to an advanced copy.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Grief, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Child death, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, and Violence