ozzi's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
toriestories06's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
grierkelsey's review
4.0
#52bookclubchallenge prompt 20: about siblings
I have really gotten into speculative horror historical fiction recently, so I did enjoy the book on the premise alone. However, there was some stale moments along the journey, and the characters didn’t really ever change their ways or learn lessons. All in all, I consumed it very quickly because I enjoyed the journey.
I have really gotten into speculative horror historical fiction recently, so I did enjoy the book on the premise alone. However, there was some stale moments along the journey, and the characters didn’t really ever change their ways or learn lessons. All in all, I consumed it very quickly because I enjoyed the journey.
tjoslyn's review
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
goddess_of_gore_vix's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was a lot of fun, very serial killer/slasher with the body count rising and guessing when they were going to get caught.
The authors note at the end about how much of the story has been fictionalised was rather interesting too and the newspaper coverage that kind of made them "celebrities" and Bender sightings throughout the country.
The story itself was a simple one, a family with previous history for taking things a little too far move to a new town and build an inn to take in the weary and tired traveller. Mayhaps they look shifty and mayhaps they look rich, either way, the Benders are going to show them a warm welcome with a "red necktie" and a trip through the trap door!
The authors note at the end about how much of the story has been fictionalised was rather interesting too and the newspaper coverage that kind of made them "celebrities" and Bender sightings throughout the country.
The story itself was a simple one, a family with previous history for taking things a little too far move to a new town and build an inn to take in the weary and tired traveller. Mayhaps they look shifty and mayhaps they look rich, either way, the Benders are going to show them a warm welcome with a "red necktie" and a trip through the trap door!
pineapple_queen's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
alexisrow's review
3.0
This wouldn't have been as good if a reader was unaware of the actual real events/serial killer family this book was based on. If you're going to read this, I recommend doing some research first!
shxlby98's review
4.0
I will read anything that Camilla Bruce writes, her research and dedication to her subjects is beautiful.
This book is a beautiful mix of true crime and historical fiction and I can’t wait to read what she comes up with next
This book is a beautiful mix of true crime and historical fiction and I can’t wait to read what she comes up with next
skyra's review
3.0
i expected this to be a little more action packed, more of a horror thriller than it ended up being. i found that it dragged and for all that it skipped it could have been much shorter. if u read the descriptions n find urself interested or curious pls go ahead, it’s not a bad book at all but i won’t be reading it again. i could be convinced to check out camilla bruce’s other novels tho