jonireads's reviews
480 reviews
Chloe Cates Is Missing by Mandy McHugh
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
While I was really interested in this story I felt like the back story/hidden history between the mother and the detective was just so unrealistic that I was annoyed every time it was discussed.
I was truly invested in what happened to Abby though and I was really interested in the family dynamics. I felt connected to Abby even though I was learning about her through her diary and other people's POVs.
Now I know I said the back story annoyed me but I will say that the way the story came together in the end made the back story make sense. The book could not have ended the way it did without that specific back story.
I would definitely read more of this author's work
I was truly invested in what happened to Abby though and I was really interested in the family dynamics. I felt connected to Abby even though I was learning about her through her diary and other people's POVs.
Now I know I said the back story annoyed me but I will say that the way the story came together in the end made the back story make sense. The book could not have ended the way it did without that specific back story.
I would definitely read more of this author's work
The Make-Up Test by Jenny L. Howe
emotional
funny
lighthearted
4.0
This was a cute romcom with great plus size rep. The main character is so strong and determined and I just love her. She goes after what she wants and doesn't let anything stand in her way. Her relationship with her father is my favorite part of this book. Not because of how good it is but because of how honest it is.
The way the author has the character stand her ground and show that bad things happening to someone does not erase all of the horrible things they have said and done to you in the past. To be honest, I preferred that side storyline to the romantic one.
Nothing against the romance, mind you. I loved both characters and their chemistry was amazing. But there were some moments when I wanted to just yell at the characters for doing the things they were doing. Whereas with the father storyline I was so proud of her the entire time.
All in all, a great romcom with an even greater subplot. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romcoms.
The way the author has the character stand her ground and show that bad things happening to someone does not erase all of the horrible things they have said and done to you in the past. To be honest, I preferred that side storyline to the romantic one.
Nothing against the romance, mind you. I loved both characters and their chemistry was amazing. But there were some moments when I wanted to just yell at the characters for doing the things they were doing. Whereas with the father storyline I was so proud of her the entire time.
All in all, a great romcom with an even greater subplot. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romcoms.
These Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham Grant
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
4.0
I listened to this on audio and I liked it but it wasn't what I was expecting. I went in to this thinking it was a mystery/thriller but I definitely don't consider it to be that. I would almost consider it to be literary fiction which usually isn't my cup of tea.
I liked the survival aspect but it also didn't focus much about that either. By and large this is a book about a father daughter relationship. As a parent I did enjoy that aspect of this novel but if you are going into this book expecting a thriller I think you will be let down.
The story was told is such a way that you got a little bit of backstory at a time and I really liked how that was done. Slowly you as the reader are learning why Cooper and his daughter are living in the woods in a cabin away from civilization.
I liked reading about Finch especially. Growing up for 8 years off the grid is all she knows and the author does a great job of making it realistic.
I found myself tearing up at the end of this book which typically doesn't happen. So while I was expecting a mystery/thriller and didn't get that I still really enjoyed and was caught up in the story. I would definitely read other books by this author.
I liked the survival aspect but it also didn't focus much about that either. By and large this is a book about a father daughter relationship. As a parent I did enjoy that aspect of this novel but if you are going into this book expecting a thriller I think you will be let down.
The story was told is such a way that you got a little bit of backstory at a time and I really liked how that was done. Slowly you as the reader are learning why Cooper and his daughter are living in the woods in a cabin away from civilization.
I liked reading about Finch especially. Growing up for 8 years off the grid is all she knows and the author does a great job of making it realistic.
I found myself tearing up at the end of this book which typically doesn't happen. So while I was expecting a mystery/thriller and didn't get that I still really enjoyed and was caught up in the story. I would definitely read other books by this author.
As Good As Dead by Holly Jackson
challenging
medium-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
2.5
Reviewing while it's fresh in my mind and will review the rest of the series soon...
I'm so sad that this book was a let down.
The self destructiveness of Pip was really hard to read. It was expected for the things she experienced but it just didn't work for the series.
The first quarter of the book was basically just watching Pip unravel while everyone around her acted like they didn't see it happening.
Then we get to the action. While a 17-18 year old solving murders will never be realistic this book pretty much lost any sense of realism.
Pip not realizing who the killer was when the clues were literally spelled out for her.
The entire portion of the book that takes place at Green Scene Ltd.
And then everything that takes place after that.
It was one big disaster and I was so incredibly unbelievable.
Then the ending. Pip's self exile? The last page? I just couldn't.
That was the most unsatisfying end to what has been an amazing series until this book.
Definitely disappointing but that doesn't mean I will rule out the author's next book. I do look forward to Five Survive. She did great with the first two books in this trilogy. The ending just completely fell apart sadly.
I'm so sad that this book was a let down.
The self destructiveness of Pip was really hard to read. It was expected for the things she experienced but it just didn't work for the series.
The first quarter of the book was basically just watching Pip unravel while everyone around her acted like they didn't see it happening.
Then we get to the action. While a 17-18 year old solving murders will never be realistic this book pretty much lost any sense of realism.
Pip not realizing who the killer was when the clues were literally spelled out for her.
The entire portion of the book that takes place at Green Scene Ltd.
And then everything that takes place after that.
It was one big disaster and I was so incredibly unbelievable.
Then the ending. Pip's self exile? The last page? I just couldn't.
That was the most unsatisfying end to what has been an amazing series until this book.
Definitely disappointing but that doesn't mean I will rule out the author's next book. I do look forward to Five Survive. She did great with the first two books in this trilogy. The ending just completely fell apart sadly.