thequeeraunt'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? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Moderate: Emotional abuse
lauramcc7's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Murder
calliopereads'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? Yes
3.25
Graphic: Murder and Emotional abuse
Minor: Antisemitism and Racism
zellapaige's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The murder victim of this book is a large and sickly old woman with several children and step-children. Throughout the first section, it becomes clear that she is a type of sadist and has been systematically breaking down, abusing, and controlling these children for their entire lives. There are graphic examples of mental abuse and even more graphic examples of the effects that abuse has had on the now adult children. It is explicit and painful. Had I not been determined to read this entire series I would have DNF'd the book. Upon reflection, I still should have DNF'd it, and taken the loss.
This may just be a matter of trigger warnings, so I'm trying not to affect my rating too harshly. The book is well-written, the crime is artful, and the mystery reveal is satisfying. I would though, advise caution when you consider reading this because the book hit my emotions far more than I was expecting.
There is also a lot of very casual racism toward the Arab characters in the book. I am sure this was standard speech for the time frame, but it is uncomfortable with modern sensibilities.
Graphic: Violence, Xenophobia, Emotional abuse, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Minor: Child abuse
heini's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Confinement, Misogyny, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, and Child abuse
Minor: Antisemitism, Fatphobia, Racism, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
shelfofunread's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Mental illness, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, and Murder
Minor: Antisemitism, Racial slurs, and Racism
dazed_and_distracted's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
Graphic: Murder, Misogyny, Islamophobia, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Xenophobia, Suicide, Racism, Death, Emotional abuse, Child abuse, Mental illness, Domestic abuse, and Death of parent
kers_tin'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? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, and Death
Moderate: Murder, Suicide, Xenophobia, Suicide attempt, Gun violence, and Racism
sam_fielder_137'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
3.75
Moderate: Death of parent, Antisemitism, Religious bigotry, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Death, and Domestic abuse
zimmerlemon's review against another edition
4.0
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Toxic relationship