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iarlais's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- 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
3.0
Fascinating to read what is commonly seen as the first detective novel. Standing upon rich language and a genuinely fascinating mystery that builds itself up layer by layer, this book is an excellent example of the genre, as well as the first. The jump from different narrators really helps you feel the weight of the mystery, as so many people work together to solve it. I did personally find that the story dragged at times, and the characters, while interesting enough, weren't altogether unique from one another. It is a mostly character-driven story, they're just not the best drivers. Criticisms aside, I did find the novel to be a great experience and I'm glad I read it. If you're a fan of detective fiction or multi-narrator stories, I'd say give this one a shot.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny and Racism
kerrence30's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Like any whodunnit the cast is varied as to give a wide scope of possibility. Don’t be fooled into thinking this means the disparities in the cast are accepted by eachother. Enough twists and turns to make you second guess the ending, and enough depth to the main characters to interest. Be warned due to the time this was written there is some horrible casual racism and sexism.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
Moderate: Ableism, Addiction, Body shaming, Cancer, Chronic illness, Drug use, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Dementia, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Murder, and Colonisation
Minor: Pregnancy
jowmy4's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Murder
Moderate: Drug use, Mental illness, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Terminal illness, Xenophobia, and Medical content
Minor: Addiction, Body shaming, Cursing, Drug abuse, Racial slurs, Violence, Kidnapping, Grief, Religious bigotry, and Stalking