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A review by veggiestrawenjoyer13
People Like Us by Dana Mele
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I’m gonna be honest, the beginning had me doubting the book. About halfway through the story really picks up and the end had me shocked. I was so so shocked at who the killer was, that it brought the books rating up a whole half star.
I’ll start with the pros. I genuinely could never form a real theory. I figured some people were too obvious, but I had no other leads. The mystery was really entertaining. Not only the mystery with the murder case, but also with information about characters. The slow reveal of what happened in Kay’s hometown had me so hooked and I liked that little moments were sprinkled throughout the book.
Now the cons. Until the end, I would’ve rated this book 3 stars. Especially at the beginning, I felt like the writing lacked emotion. It was a very tell-not-show style and I wasn’t used to it. I do think the writing got a little better throughout, but some things still confused me. Kay received some heavy threats and acted completely normal about what happened on the website. As she did each task, I felt like the book rushed through those moments. Also, all the characters at the beginning of the book confused me, but it was not too difficult to understand after a few chapters.
Overall, the book is probably worth 3 stars, but the plot twist was so good that I had to bump up the rating. It was enjoyable to read and I liked the suspense.
I’ll start with the pros. I genuinely could never form a real theory. I figured some people were too obvious, but I had no other leads. The mystery was really entertaining. Not only the mystery with the murder case, but also with information about characters. The slow reveal of what happened in Kay’s hometown had me so hooked and I liked that little moments were sprinkled throughout the book.
Now the cons. Until the end, I would’ve rated this book 3 stars. Especially at the beginning, I felt like the writing lacked emotion. It was a very tell-not-show style and I wasn’t used to it. I do think the writing got a little better throughout, but some things still confused me. Kay received some heavy threats and acted completely normal about what happened on the website. As she did each task, I felt like the book rushed through those moments. Also, all the characters at the beginning of the book confused me, but it was not too difficult to understand after a few chapters.
Overall, the book is probably worth 3 stars, but the plot twist was so good that I had to bump up the rating. It was enjoyable to read and I liked the suspense.
Graphic: Bullying, Suicide, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Animal death, Body horror, Suicidal thoughts, and Alcohol
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Homophobia, Suicide attempt, and Classism