A review by soygirlsupreme
The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon

dark mysterious sad medium-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

2.5

I truly have no idea how this book gets 5 or 4 star reviews. This was simply just okay, at best. The premise was interesting and I nearly devoured the first 200 pages or so, but oh so quickly did a 4 star book become a 2 star book. It is creepy, that is for sure. It’s a spooky read, but it isn’t satiating. It doesn’t give you that horror fix, if that’s what you’re looking for. Candace villain is a joke of a trope, and didn’t quite fit the bill and seemed like an afterthought. Some of the plot lines felt forced, and the ending felt unrealistic and uncharacteristic for Ruthie—who, at the end of day, I didn’t care about. The last 100-160 pages or so felt like sloppy, thrown together writing without the semblance of a good, thrilling punch. I will not reveal any spoilers, but listen here: leave this one on the shelf. I found it for $2.50 at a thrift store and there’s a good reason someone gave it away. Though McMahon starts out strong, with a compelling story and intrigue, it falls very, very flat. 
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