Scan barcode
ktb97's reviews
40 reviews
Lone Women by Victor LaValle
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! While the metaphor of bringing “baggage” with you when starting a new life seems a little too on the nose, this novel surprised me with its creativity. Don’t skip this one!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Death, Gore, Racism, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Alcoholism, Animal death, and Racial slurs
Minor: Child death, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Transphobia, and Colonisation
The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Perfectly paced. It’s mysterious with plenty of creepiness mixed in. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Gore, Gun violence, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Murder and Gaslighting
Minor: Alcoholism, Racism, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
What put this book above others for me was the endearing narrator. A child’s perspective is such an imaginative way to write an eerie story. It’s very matter-of-fact, but a bit off in a way that makes you constantly question her credibility and motivations. Super engaging and a unique reading experience!
The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Great creepy vibes with complex characters you can’t help but root for. Highly recommend.
The Salt Grows Heavy by Cassandra Khaw
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.5
The language in this book is not very accessible. I found myself looking up words constantly and it distracted from the story. However, it is a unique narrative. I’d recommend it as long as you are okay with plenty of gore.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Death, Gore, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
The Widow's House by Carol Goodman
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Fair Play: How Sports Shape the Gender Debates by Katie Barnes
challenging
informative
medium-paced
4.0
Our Wives Under The Sea by Julia Armfield
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Frog Music by Emma Donoghue
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book felt like a long-haul. However, the characters were compelling and multidimensional. If you like historical fiction and murder mysteries, I’d recommend!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racism, Sexual violence, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, and Pandemic/Epidemic
When Women Kill: Four Crimes Retold by Alia Trabucco Zerán
dark
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0