maggies's reviews
622 reviews

Slough House by Mick Herron

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funny mysterious tense medium-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

3.0

The political machinations somehow both have higher stakes and are less interesting in this book than in earlier entries to the series. I definitely skim-listened to those episodes, which didn't help my comprehension. There's a chance I would have stopped reading the series after this one but for that cliffhanger. Not sure what that says about the quality of the book vs me as a reader.
Joe Country by Mick Herron

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adventurous funny tense medium-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

3.0

Important note: I still very much enjoyed this book. But...compared to earlier installments in the series, this one lacked something. The turnover of characters keeps the series fresh but also slightly harder to follow, harder to care. I've become attached to Jackson Lamb, I think, simply because he's the only one I can't imagine Herron killing off. Ah well, will keep reading.
The Upside of Falling by Alex Light

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emotional lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

Easy to read but kind of forgettable. Didn't read like real life, more like fan fiction fantasy.
The Marylebone Drop by Mick Herron

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

3.0

The first novella in the Slough House series, The List, I read out of order—that is, after I'd already become acquainted with JK Coe through Spook Street. In this case, I've read it in order, so this is my first introduction to Lech Wicinski, and while the story was vaguely interesting, I wish I had more context for Lech. Ah well, I'm sure we'll get there.
London Rules by Mick Herron

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adventurous funny mysterious tense 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

3.0

Perhaps a bit weaker than other installments in the series, but still gripping. I am really coming to love the dynamic among all the slow horses, even how the ones who have left still play a part. Give me more of River and Louisa's budding friendship, Catherine and Shirley's shared struggle for sobriety, and Jackson and Roddy's comedic interludes. Still trying to get a handle on JK, but his expanded role this time around was much appreciated.
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The Friend by Sigrid Nunez

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challenging emotional 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? No

3.0

*Read as part of my challenge to (attempt to) read all 100 of NYT's best books of the 21st century*

Narration adjacent to stream of consciousness, which is a hard no for me. A story about processing grief and loving a dog, which I can identify with, but ultimately it felt a bit too navel-gazey.
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As You Wish by Isobel Starling

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

3.0

Won this book in a TSG giveaway and enjoyed it as a super quick, light read. Won't be reading the rest of the series, though. Found it a bit too unbelievable at times, and a lot of the dialogue felt contrived. Unfortunately, the Princess Bride references were too much/too cheesy for me as well.
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Supernatural Retrieval Agency: The Complete Series by Laura Greenwood

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

2.0

A bit forgettable, not really anything special. The mystery was weak and the interactions between characters didn't feel realistic. World-building bored me. Not for me, but glad I tried it!
Architect by Alison Thumel

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challenging emotional reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

Grief as told through poems, prose, and multimedia. Remarkable view into the author's experiences.
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Rock Crush and Roll by Hunter Snow

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 11%.
This girl does not enjoy not-like-other-girls romances. Next.