A review by mikarala
Lavender House by Lev AC Rosen
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
I didn't hate reading this and I like the idea of making queer mysteries and romances and other types of genres, but unfortunately I just don't think this book was very interesting. The characters were quite derivative and flat, and the plot was really predictable. I'm not even someone who reads a lot of mystery novels, and I thought the reveal was pretty underwhelming and predictable. Honestly, most of the characters were never even suspicious, and that took a lot of the tension out of the story.
The lack of actual intrigue in the main mystery might be forgivable if other elements of the story, like the exploration of queer identity, were more interesting and insightful, but those are treated as window dressing rather than being truly explored. Frankly I just don't think there's much to see here. Again, I don't actively dislike this book, I just really can't recommend anything about it.
The lack of actual intrigue in the main mystery might be forgivable if other elements of the story, like the exploration of queer identity, were more interesting and insightful, but those are treated as window dressing rather than being truly explored. Frankly I just don't think there's much to see here. Again, I don't actively dislike this book, I just really can't recommend anything about it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Homophobia, Violence, and Animal death