monroebays's review
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I absolutely devoured this book!! Rosen does such a great job of making us root for every one of the characters, and suspect them at the same time. Despite having a huge content warning for homophobia, it doesn’t feel too heavy or hopeless. I fell in love with this found family, and was on the edge of my seat for fear of it falling apart!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Police brutality, and Violence
Moderate: Death of parent, Murder, and Child abuse
Minor: War and Transphobia
purplepenning's review
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
"People are always trying to claim you, without ever listening to who you are."
I usually choose mysteries on the cozier side, with a good dose of humor and shenanigans, and this is definitely not that. This is closer to straight noir. Well, not "straight," since most of the characters are queer and the tone is just slightly less cynical by the end, but definitely more noir than cozy. Anyway — I'm glad I stuck with it! The mystery itself is intriguing. Though it's not too difficult to figure out, there are plenty of surprises and layers to discover along the way. It's the gilded cage 1950s setting and the found family of characters that really shine, however. The historical era comes to life and I love how the ending sets the stage for the rest of the series. Pair this with Last Night at the Telegraph Club, a multi-award-winning YA historical set in the same era and area (San Francisco, but Chinatown).
I usually choose mysteries on the cozier side, with a good dose of humor and shenanigans, and this is definitely not that. This is closer to straight noir. Well, not "straight," since most of the characters are queer and the tone is just slightly less cynical by the end, but definitely more noir than cozy. Anyway — I'm glad I stuck with it! The mystery itself is intriguing. Though it's not too difficult to figure out, there are plenty of surprises and layers to discover along the way. It's the gilded cage 1950s setting and the found family of characters that really shine, however. The historical era comes to life and I love how the ending sets the stage for the rest of the series. Pair this with Last Night at the Telegraph Club, a multi-award-winning YA historical set in the same era and area (San Francisco, but Chinatown).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime, Police brutality, Child abuse, Homophobia, Outing, Physical abuse, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Alcohol, Confinement, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Transphobia, Animal cruelty, Suicide, Alcoholism, Animal death, Blood, Death, and Murder
Minor: Death of parent
Blackmail, historically accurate portrayals of the criminalization and brutalization of LGBTQ people
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