Reviews tagging 'Murder'

No Way Out by Santana Knox

18 reviews

katvou's review against another edition

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dark fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No

3.0

I have mixed feelings about this book. The idea sounded great and was something I usually really enjoy, but I personally felt that some parts could have used a bit more explanation.

The plot twist toward the end came out of nowhere without any foreshadowing, leaving me feeling like I had skipped a few chapters. I had to reread some parts to better grasp what was going on.

Overall, a quick, fun, and spicy read. Not a bad book by any means, but I was a bit disappointed with the rushed plot. I felt like the story had a lot of potential and might have worked better as a longer book.

Please check the trigger warnings before reading!

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csmoke85's review against another edition

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dark fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

Dark smut in a Halloween corn maze, with a killer on the loose. The spice is spicy. 🌶️ 😉

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sarianotsorry's review against another edition

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dark

1.0


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chelseadoesnotread's review against another edition

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dark fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

⭐⭐ (generously given) 
 
No Way Out by Santana Knox had all the potential for an intense, dark read, but instead, it spiraled into a chaotic mess that left me more baffled than intrigued. The story’s main character, navigating a literal and metaphorical maze, encounters her botany professor (disguised as a “scarecrow”) in an uncomfortably rushed and questionable scene. This bizarre encounter sets the tone for an avalanche of shock-value moments, each one more disconnected from character development or plot logic than the last. 
 
At one point, our heroine is an unwitting participant in a twisted game of seduction and blackmail. Then, with no warning or buildup, she morphs into a sadistic killer, gleefully hunting down fraternity brothers alongside her professor—who not only condones but admires her brutal actions. This sudden switch, from being a confused college student to a relentless murderer, felt so out of place that it shattered any suspension of disbelief. As the narrative escalates, the scenes blend sexual content with gore in ways that feel more gratuitous than purposeful, veering into the absurd when the main character engages in increasingly violent acts while seeming wholly unaffected. 
 
It’s hard to feel any tension or connection to the story when characters shift without rhyme or reason, and the lack of emotional depth makes the “dark” elements feel empty. Even as someone who appreciates darker themes, I found the blending of violence and intimacy to be uncomfortable and excessive—without any clear purpose behind it. 
 
If I had to pick a redeeming part of this novel, it would be the main character’s best friend, who stands out as one of the few elements that brings a hint of charm or groundedness to the story. And while the spice had its moments, the fact that it’s intertwined with such graphic content detracted from the overall appeal. 
 
Overall, No Way Out seems more focused on shocking the reader than delivering a cohesive, impactful narrative. It lacks the anchor that dark fiction needs—an underlying purpose, consistent character development, or even a coherent storyline. While I can appreciate the occasional plunge into twisted themes, this book felt more like a shock-and-awe spectacle than a truly gripping tale.

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bookintrovert's review against another edition

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dark emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0


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brittanylee0302's review against another edition

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tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

I really enjoyed the first half of this book. It was spooky & spicy & well paced. For some reason the second half of the book just felt oddly paced. I was enjoying the storyline but then I felt thrown off by some things. Also the way they just reveal Ezekiel is so uneventful.  & things got a little too dramatic for me during some scenes. Just seemed to miss the mark for me in the second half.

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katieb_93's review against another edition

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1.0

I draw the line at non-con rape. Not okay 

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krhart's review against another edition

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adventurous dark fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Well, first Halloween spooky season book I've read this October and this was perfect-in all of it's gratuitous violence and smut! I loved it. e stalks.

Camila is a student with a large crush on her professor. Her professor may feel the same way, but new student Ezekiel could be a challenge. 

The corn maze is always a little creepy to me, and THIS IS WHY!!! You don't know who is lurking among the stalks. As students start to be murdered in the maze, Camila realizes one of the scarecrow actors is her professor. Professor hottie that shows her just how reciprocal his feelings are.

Ezekiel doesn't like this, and this is where the book takes it's amazing turn. 

I devoured this book and can't wait to dive into the ARC of the second one.

Take the trigger warnings seriously if you are one who reads them.

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kirakindareads's review against another edition

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fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No

2.5


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allyourpagearebelongtous's review against another edition

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dark funny tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

I can't say if this was 1 star or 5 stars, to be honest. I finished it, and it was gripping. But it also took me 10+ hours irl to finish this because I needed more than one break to consider my life decisions... Maybe I loved it, maybe I need more therapy. Probably both. 

Warning: Absolutely 100% make sure you read the content warnings before reading. There are more than can be selected here.

The voice actors did a great job, the range in charachers and situations, in less than 3 hours pf audio, is nothing short of impressive.

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