A review by zosiablue
The House at Sea's End by Elly Griffiths

mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

There was a good mystery here about WWII, German corpses, and family secrets, but it was so over complicated that I didn't remember meeting the killer earlier in the book when they were later revealed. Regardless, the interpersonal relationships continue to shine here. Griffiths paints a delicate and honest portrait of motherhood (I assume, not being one). And I'm going to guess she didn't mean for me to think this deeply about this next one, but I liked how she illustrated how being near beauty is sometimes the same key in the lock as being beautiful (the gruff policeman likes how his beautiful wife gives him social cred, despite being in love with brilliant but plain Ruth). Let's see what happens next! 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings