zoe_reads87's reviews
72 reviews

The Lamplighters by Emma Stonex

challenging dark mysterious reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Emma Stonex’s *The Lamplighters* is a haunting mystery inspired by the real-life disappearance of three lighthouse keepers. Set in 1972, the novel alternates between the keepers—Arthur, Bill, and Vince—leading up to their unexplained vanishing, and the women they left behind, grappling with their loss two decades later.

The tension between the keepers and their personal struggles adds to the novel’s psychological depth. At the same time, the emotional weight of their wives’ grief and the secrets within their relationships provide a poignant counterpoint to the central mystery.

While I felt the novel offered no clear resolution, its strength lied in exploring themes of isolation, love, and the unknowability of others.

Unruly: A History of England's Kings and Queens by David Mitchell

funny informative reflective medium-paced

5.0

Murder at the Village Church by Victoria Walters

adventurous challenging mysterious tense 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? No

5.0

My favourite book of the series and sorta sad there will be no more. I’d love to read about Samantha’s private detective business though. 

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

adventurous lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Murder at the Summer Fete by Victoria Walters

adventurous lighthearted mysterious 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

3.5

I’d of given it 4 stars but Nancy’s refusal to accept Will as not being to blame for his family’s choices in book 1 really irritated me. 

The Library of the Unwritten by A.J. Hackwith

adventurous dark funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 A Spellbinding, Thought-Provoking Journey Through Books and Souls**

The characters are wonderfully complex, especially Claire, the fierce librarian who guards the unwritten books. Her journey, alongside fallen muse Brevity and the heroically unexpected demon Leto, is filled with heart, wit, and a sense of wonder. Their adventure through realms of Heaven, Hell, and everything in between tackles themes of identity, redemption, and the consequences of untold stories in a way that feels both grand and intimate.

Hackwith’s writing is beautifully crafted, balancing humor, action, and introspection with perfect pacing. I found myself completely immersed in the world she created—a world where words have power, characters have wills of their own, and libraries hold the keys to untold destinies.

I can’t wait to read the other books in the series. 

Murder at the House on the Hill by Victoria Walters

adventurous mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Little slow to start but I did end up enjoying this book. 

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

challenging emotional funny inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Why did it take me so long to finally pick this book up? The last few pages had me crying so hard and when I finally realised the connection I audibly gasped. 
Such a great book.

The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien

adventurous funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling

adventurous funny fast-paced