A review by cassiecat
Five Bad Deeds by Caz Frear

mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Loveable characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

4.25⭐️

I love the Cat Kinsella series so was keen to try this standalone. 

A domestic sounding premise for this UK crime thriller evolving around Ellen, her job, her family and her dream house The Meadowhouse. It becomes far more psychological as it progresses. 

It has a trendy easy going, light feel, making it easy reading.I didn’t find the characters remotely likeable, in fact they were downright annoying. There are multiple POV. 

There are character revelations throughout the book rather than the character developing from past deeds. 

I found it very much a book of two halves. Firstly I need to quantify, it’s very much a personal thing for me, I’m just not good with slow burns. This is very much a slow burn start with little of substance happening. The redeeming thing is it’s just the first half (some books take til 80% for the unfolding reveals) 

The second half it’s all starts unfolding, the secrets, lies, the reveals. It’s got decent plot complexity. From then it really gripped me. It ends strongly. 

The first half is 3.5⭐️, the second 4.5⭐️ as it ended strongly I’ve gone for an overall of 4.25⭐️ however if you are one of the many who love slow burns ending with a bang this is definitely one for you.