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A review by dlby
Five Total Strangers by Natalie D. Richards
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
Major pro: binged it in one sitting. Author definitely has a way with words/early pacing to keep you hooked. Action scenes were really well executed; did a great job of navigating a lot of different characters and actions in the span of breaths without getting convoluted.
Unfortunate cons: Lots of unresolved red herrings and convenient outs. Book abruptly ends without tying any strings. I think the point was that the strangers left her life as quickly as they arrived but still felt far too sudden after the climax (we're talking five pages of resolution). Also the culprit was obvious from the beginning and the protagonist kept taking culprit's word at face value far more than everyone else's without the same level of scrutiny. Honestly a bit disappointing because I was hoping there'd be a last second redirection but no. Was upset the rest of the day after I finished it :(
Unfortunate cons: Lots of unresolved red herrings and convenient outs. Book abruptly ends without tying any strings. I think the point was that the strangers left her life as quickly as they arrived but still felt far too sudden after the climax (we're talking five pages of resolution). Also the culprit was obvious from the beginning and the protagonist kept taking culprit's word at face value far more than everyone else's without the same level of scrutiny. Honestly a bit disappointing because I was hoping there'd be a last second redirection but no. Was upset the rest of the day after I finished it :(
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Vomit and Stalking