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A review by readundancies
Swiped by L.M. Chilton
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
This started out strong - great tone and a sense of humour that pairs so well with the plot and premise. Heck, the first two-thirds alone I was enjoying myself so much because it was fast-moving, my brand of ridiculous and just pure fun.
Unfortunately, the last third of the novel with that rather anticlimactic reveal and even less appealing explanation really highlighted all the flaws of the novel - the character dynamics were really weak and underdeveloped (see: a romance which was so tepid it might've well just not have existed in the first place and a best-friendship which deteriorates exponentially and that’s when it already starts as a relationship that is very meh to begin with), the MC makes some of the worst life/plot decisions I think I’ve come across in a LONG while which results in an ending that I’m still a little shellshocked at how apathetic I am towards it because it is, and I mean this without a hint of farce or exaggeration, just plain BAD, and it all doesn't even really amount to anything, any sort of solid conclusion because there’s no consequences, just a littering of progressively middling excuses as to why different characters made the poor decisions that they made because of the rather boring motivations they were allotted. And it’s all doused in this supposed set of high stakes due to all the murder that occurs except at no point did I ever feel like the lead character, Gwen, was ever in any danger.
I’d say that I’m disappointed by it all, but I’m more befuddled as to how I got here in the first place.
I will say that if the absurdity of the premise and the whole serial killer angle is something you’re looking to explore more, this isn’t the worst thing you could pick up. But I’d also direct you to another novel with the same vibes but an entirely more compelling execution in Killing Me by Michelle Gagnon because that one does it better.
Unfortunately, the last third of the novel with that rather anticlimactic reveal and even less appealing explanation really highlighted all the flaws of the novel - the character dynamics were really weak and underdeveloped (see: a romance which was so tepid it might've well just not have existed in the first place and a best-friendship which deteriorates exponentially and that’s when it already starts as a relationship that is very meh to begin with), the MC makes some of the worst life/plot decisions I think I’ve come across in a LONG while which results in an ending that I’m still a little shellshocked at how apathetic I am towards it because it is, and I mean this without a hint of farce or exaggeration, just plain BAD, and it all doesn't even really amount to anything, any sort of solid conclusion because there’s no consequences, just a littering of progressively middling excuses as to why different characters made the poor decisions that they made because of the rather boring motivations they were allotted. And it’s all doused in this supposed set of high stakes due to all the murder that occurs except at no point did I ever feel like the lead character, Gwen, was ever in any danger.
I’d say that I’m disappointed by it all, but I’m more befuddled as to how I got here in the first place.
I will say that if the absurdity of the premise and the whole serial killer angle is something you’re looking to explore more, this isn’t the worst thing you could pick up. But I’d also direct you to another novel with the same vibes but an entirely more compelling execution in Killing Me by Michelle Gagnon because that one does it better.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity