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snugglesandpages's reviews
217 reviews
Dirt Town by Hayley Scrivenor
- Strong character development? Yes
4.0
DIRT TOWN unfolds in 2001 in the isolated Australian country town of Durton, where the disappearance of 12-year-old Esther Bianchi has shaken the community to its core.
The novel unfolds through multiple perspectives, each offering a nuanced glimpse into the town's intricate dynamics. Esther's mother, Constance, navigates grief and despair, while Detective Sergeant Sarah Michaels grapples with personal flaws amid the investigation.
I found Ronnie and Lewis' chapters particularly compelling because they shed light on the complex web of relationships and emotions intertwined with Esther's disappearance. One of the novel's distinctive features is the use of a Greek chorus-like perspective from the town's children, collectively referred to as "We", which lends an eerie sense of foreboding to the narrative.
Something unexpected for me was the profound sense of nostalgia I experienced while reading this book. It transported me back to my own childhood: hiding Mamee Noodles and playing Power Rangers with my friends during lunch (Captain Planet was also a favourite). It reminded me of the innocence and freedom (naivety) of those times.
Hayley adeptly navigates themes of loss, innocence, and the complexities of human emotions under pressure. Her vivid descriptions breathe life into Durton as a character itself, haunted by its murky past and uncertain future.
I recommend DIRT TOWN for readers seeking a character-driven, slow burn mystery with evocative prose and atmospheric storytelling.
The novel unfolds through multiple perspectives, each offering a nuanced glimpse into the town's intricate dynamics. Esther's mother, Constance, navigates grief and despair, while Detective Sergeant Sarah Michaels grapples with personal flaws amid the investigation.
I found Ronnie and Lewis' chapters particularly compelling because they shed light on the complex web of relationships and emotions intertwined with Esther's disappearance. One of the novel's distinctive features is the use of a Greek chorus-like perspective from the town's children, collectively referred to as "We", which lends an eerie sense of foreboding to the narrative.
Something unexpected for me was the profound sense of nostalgia I experienced while reading this book. It transported me back to my own childhood: hiding Mamee Noodles and playing Power Rangers with my friends during lunch (Captain Planet was also a favourite). It reminded me of the innocence and freedom (naivety) of those times.
Hayley adeptly navigates themes of loss, innocence, and the complexities of human emotions under pressure. Her vivid descriptions breathe life into Durton as a character itself, haunted by its murky past and uncertain future.
I recommend DIRT TOWN for readers seeking a character-driven, slow burn mystery with evocative prose and atmospheric storytelling.
Royal Valentine by Sariah Wilson
2.0
Eh, princess swap is a trope that feels so overdone. For a novella, this was very slow and lacked any real sparkle to keep me invested
With Any Luck by Ashley Poston
3.0
Cute but I think it would have worked better as a longer or full-length book. It felt like important things were missing to bring it all together, and also.. who gets black out drunk the night before their best friend's wedding when your the 'best maiden'
Drop, Cover, and Hold On by Jasmine Guillory
2.0
Short and sweet but probably my least favourite in the series so far. There wasn't enough for me to connect and swoon for the grumpy baker
Rosie and The Dreamboat by Sally Thorne
4.0
This was fun! I've never been in a float tank and I can't quite decide if this has turned me off or has given me something to look for to. Oh wait, I'm married, no dreamboat fireman for me
Worst Wingman Ever by Abby Jimenez
4.0
Aw I really liked this one! Both the characters were instantly loveable and there were some great one liners to lighten the sadness around Holly's grandmother. I'd give it 5★ but I felt it ended abruptly and I had to double check my audio didn't fail. Loved it!