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rgoth's reviews
329 reviews
The Horror Collection: White Edition by Mark Allan Gunnells, Mark Tufo, Amy Cross
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
3.0
The Tragical History of Dr. Faustus by Christopher Marlowe
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
A product of its time. It's not bad, it's just not my cup of tea.
The Last Word by Elly Griffiths
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
This instalment in the series fell short of my expectations, especially in comparison to the captivating earlier books. I found the narrative to be somewhat repetitive, lacking the freshness and excitement that originally drew me in. Additionally, the introduction of numerous new characters detracted from my engagement with the main storyline, making it difficult to connect with the plot on a deeper level.
One of the most significant drawbacks for me was the lack of DS Harbinder Kaur. Although she was mentioned intermittently throughout the story, her absence was felt keenly, and I couldn't help but miss her strong character and the dynamic she brought to previous instalments.
Despite these shortcomings, I still believe the book is worth a read. While it may not reach the addictive heights of its predecessors, it isn't bad in any sense. It has its own merits and moments that fans of the series may appreciate, just not with the same level of enthusiasm I had for earlier entries.
One of the most significant drawbacks for me was the lack of DS Harbinder Kaur. Although she was mentioned intermittently throughout the story, her absence was felt keenly, and I couldn't help but miss her strong character and the dynamic she brought to previous instalments.
Despite these shortcomings, I still believe the book is worth a read. While it may not reach the addictive heights of its predecessors, it isn't bad in any sense. It has its own merits and moments that fans of the series may appreciate, just not with the same level of enthusiasm I had for earlier entries.
Tender Is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This book left me grappling with some deeply disturbing themes, particularly the unsettling normalisation of cannibalism and the haunting reality of existing in a world without animals. At first glance, the premise seemed utterly fantastical, almost absurd, but as I delved deeper, I couldn't help but reflect on how believable it felt in the context of our current society.
The narrative unfolds at a measured pace, gradually enveloping the reader in a bleak and oppressive atmosphere. Rather than relying on overt gore or shock tactics, the author masterfully constructs a sense of dread and hopelessness, making it clear that the moral fabric of humanity is unravelling. There were moments when I found myself hoping that certain characters would reveal redeeming qualities, only for the plot to take a sharp turn at the climax, subverting my expectations most compellingly.
Overall, I found myself thoroughly captivated by this dark and bizarre tale. Its unique blend of horror and introspection lingered in my mind long after I turned the last page, forcing me to consider the implications of its unsettling themes.
The narrative unfolds at a measured pace, gradually enveloping the reader in a bleak and oppressive atmosphere. Rather than relying on overt gore or shock tactics, the author masterfully constructs a sense of dread and hopelessness, making it clear that the moral fabric of humanity is unravelling. There were moments when I found myself hoping that certain characters would reveal redeeming qualities, only for the plot to take a sharp turn at the climax, subverting my expectations most compellingly.
Overall, I found myself thoroughly captivated by this dark and bizarre tale. Its unique blend of horror and introspection lingered in my mind long after I turned the last page, forcing me to consider the implications of its unsettling themes.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Child death, Rape, and Cannibalism
And Away... by Bob Mortimer
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
Rating biographies can be quite challenging, as they often present a deeply personal journey through an individual’s life experiences. However, this particular biography stands out for its exceptional writing and unwavering honesty. The author skillfully captures the complexities of life, blending humour with moments of sadness, tension, and hope, creating a rich tapestry of emotions.
I chose to listen to the audiobook version, and I highly recommend it to anyone considering this title. Bob himself narrates the story, which adds a delightful and witty edge to the narrative. His unique voice and delivery bring the text to life, making the listening experience not just enjoyable but also immersive. The combination of his personal touch and the engaging content truly enhances the overall impact of the story.
I chose to listen to the audiobook version, and I highly recommend it to anyone considering this title. Bob himself narrates the story, which adds a delightful and witty edge to the narrative. His unique voice and delivery bring the text to life, making the listening experience not just enjoyable but also immersive. The combination of his personal touch and the engaging content truly enhances the overall impact of the story.
Meltdown in Christmas River by Meg Muldoon
lighthearted
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? No
2.5
Let’s begin with the positives. This book is a whirlwind of activity, moving at a brisk pace that makes it incredibly easy to digest. It's the kind of read you can pick up when you need a lighthearted escape from deeper, more intense novels. As a cosy mystery, it offers a familiar structure peppered with a few twists. Interestingly, I stumbled upon this book as part of a promotion, which is why I jumped in at book 10 of the series. Fortunately, the narrative stands alone well enough; while there are nods to events from earlier instalments, prior knowledge isn’t necessary to enjoy the story.
However, numerous aspects left me feeling disappointed. The main character, Cinnamon, embodies an excessively sweet disposition that feels painfully one-dimensional. Rather than endearing her to me, her overtly sugary nature quickly became grating. Her relationship with her husband teeters on the edge of saccharine overload, and by the book's conclusion, I found myself cringing at their nauseatingly sweet exchanges, almost feeling the need for a sugar detox.
The author really loves similes—an abundance of them, to be precise—which added an overwhelming layer of description that I found more distracting than delightful. In terms of plot, the improbabilities piled up: in this small town, do really all the residents indulge in pies to such an extent that it raises questions about their health? It felt hard to believe that an entire community would be so obsessed with Cinnamon’s baked goods. Moreover, the outrageous situations Cinnamon finds herself in stretch realism to its limits, especially considering there’s a distinct lack of genuine tension throughout the story. Just as the narrative starts to build any suspense, it evaporates far too swiftly.
In the end, I can appreciate why some readers find comfort in this series; it simply doesn’t resonate with me. Though I have cherished many cosy mysteries in the past, this one didn’t quite hit the mark for my tastes.
However, numerous aspects left me feeling disappointed. The main character, Cinnamon, embodies an excessively sweet disposition that feels painfully one-dimensional. Rather than endearing her to me, her overtly sugary nature quickly became grating. Her relationship with her husband teeters on the edge of saccharine overload, and by the book's conclusion, I found myself cringing at their nauseatingly sweet exchanges, almost feeling the need for a sugar detox.
The author really loves similes—an abundance of them, to be precise—which added an overwhelming layer of description that I found more distracting than delightful. In terms of plot, the improbabilities piled up: in this small town, do really all the residents indulge in pies to such an extent that it raises questions about their health? It felt hard to believe that an entire community would be so obsessed with Cinnamon’s baked goods. Moreover, the outrageous situations Cinnamon finds herself in stretch realism to its limits, especially considering there’s a distinct lack of genuine tension throughout the story. Just as the narrative starts to build any suspense, it evaporates far too swiftly.
In the end, I can appreciate why some readers find comfort in this series; it simply doesn’t resonate with me. Though I have cherished many cosy mysteries in the past, this one didn’t quite hit the mark for my tastes.
Stardust by Neil Gaiman
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This wasn't my cup of tea, unfortunately.
Bleeding Heart Yard by Elly Griffiths
adventurous
challenging
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? No
3.5
I would rate this book 3.5 ⭐, which I ultimately rounded up to a 4.
This instalment felt like a departure from the previous two books in the series, and unfortunately, it lost some of the magical charms that drew me in earlier. While DI Harbinder Kaur’s transition to London is a significant change, it wasn’t solely that shift that affected my engagement with the story. The plot, while still intriguing, didn’t possess the same level of complexity and suspense that I had come to expect from the earlier instalments.
I also found myself struggling with the numerous points of view presented throughout the book. It took me quite some time to get into the flow of the narrative, and I was well into the story before I could keep track of all the characters’ perspectives. This was particularly challenging because several of the viewpoints belonged to people who were students together and whose experiences overlapped, creating a bit of confusion.
Despite these drawbacks, the mystery itself is well-crafted and engaging. I managed to piece together some clues, but I still misidentified the killer, which speaks to Griffiths' skill as a storyteller. Her ability to weave a complex narrative is commendable, and the characters are notably well-developed and realistic, which adds depth to the story. I have a strong affinity for DI Kaur, and despite my mixed feelings about this book, it hasn't deterred me from wanting to continue reading the series. I'm looking forward to seeing where Griffiths takes the characters next!
This instalment felt like a departure from the previous two books in the series, and unfortunately, it lost some of the magical charms that drew me in earlier. While DI Harbinder Kaur’s transition to London is a significant change, it wasn’t solely that shift that affected my engagement with the story. The plot, while still intriguing, didn’t possess the same level of complexity and suspense that I had come to expect from the earlier instalments.
I also found myself struggling with the numerous points of view presented throughout the book. It took me quite some time to get into the flow of the narrative, and I was well into the story before I could keep track of all the characters’ perspectives. This was particularly challenging because several of the viewpoints belonged to people who were students together and whose experiences overlapped, creating a bit of confusion.
Despite these drawbacks, the mystery itself is well-crafted and engaging. I managed to piece together some clues, but I still misidentified the killer, which speaks to Griffiths' skill as a storyteller. Her ability to weave a complex narrative is commendable, and the characters are notably well-developed and realistic, which adds depth to the story. I have a strong affinity for DI Kaur, and despite my mixed feelings about this book, it hasn't deterred me from wanting to continue reading the series. I'm looking forward to seeing where Griffiths takes the characters next!
The Burning Men by Will Shindler
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
There were several aspects of this story that I found genuinely enjoyable, while there were other parts that left me puzzled regarding the characters' motivations. Many of the decisions made by the characters seemed implausible, making it difficult for me to fully engage with the plot.
Furthermore, I struggled to connect with any of the characters on a personal level; I found them unlikable and, as a result, I felt indifferent about their fates. Their development did not resonate with me in the way I had hoped, which detracted from my overall investment in the narrative.
Interestingly, even though I didn't foresee the identity of the killer, I could see, in retrospect, that the clues were there and quite evident once revealed. The rationale behind their actions felt far-fetched and hypocritical, which is acknowledged within the story itself.
Despite my mixed feelings about this particular piece, I am open to reading more works by this author in the future. Their writing style has potential, and I believe that perhaps their next story might offer a more compelling and relatable experience.
Furthermore, I struggled to connect with any of the characters on a personal level; I found them unlikable and, as a result, I felt indifferent about their fates. Their development did not resonate with me in the way I had hoped, which detracted from my overall investment in the narrative.
Interestingly, even though I didn't foresee the identity of the killer, I could see, in retrospect, that the clues were there and quite evident once revealed. The rationale behind their actions felt far-fetched and hypocritical, which is acknowledged within the story itself.
Despite my mixed feelings about this particular piece, I am open to reading more works by this author in the future. Their writing style has potential, and I believe that perhaps their next story might offer a more compelling and relatable experience.
After the People Lights Have Gone Off by Stephen Graham Jones
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This book was a great read and I'm glad I read it. As is often the case with short story collections, some resonated more deeply than others. A few felt rather predictable, lacking the spark that keeps a reader engaged, while others stood out vividly in my mind, leaving a lasting impression with their unique plots.