rgoth's reviews
330 reviews

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. 

This is yet another fantastic book by Elly Griffiths that I thoroughly enjoyed. As I reflect on both books in the series so far, I'm finding it challenging to choose which one I liked best, as each has its unique charm and appeal. While this book is the second in the series, it is crafted in such a way that it can easily be appreciated as a standalone novel.

The pacing is brisk, making it a quick and engaging read, filled with unexpected twists that kept me on my toes. The characters are vividly drawn and well-developed, each bringing their own distinctive qualities and nuances to the story. I found myself genuinely liking all of them, which added to the overall enjoyment of the narrative. 

This book is the perfect cosy crime novel that invites you to immerse yourself deeply in the plot, making it hard to put down. It's a delightful blend of intrigue and character-driven storytelling that is sure to captivate any mystery lover.

When I first began reading this book, I found myself feeling a bit uncertain about what to expect. It was a significant departure from Elly Griffiths' other series, which made me question whether I would be able to immerse myself in the story. However, as the plot unfolded and the action escalated, I was completely hooked!

Clare, the protagonist, emerged as an intricate and multifaceted character. There were moments when her decisions frustrated me to no end, making it difficult to empathise with her. Yet, there were also instances where I genuinely found myself cheering for her, showcasing the complex nature of her personality. Despite my mixed feelings about Clare, my absolute favourite character was Detective Kaur. With her sharp wit, intelligence, and unwavering determination, Kaur brought a refreshing energy to the narrative that I thoroughly enjoyed.

The use of multiple POVs added an interesting dimension to the storytelling. While there were a few moments when this technique felt a bit jarring, overall, it served to enhance the plot and the motivations of various characters. Each perspective contributed to a richer, more nuanced narrative that kept me engaged.

Now, I am genuinely looking forward to diving into the subsequent books in this series! The intriguing twists and the depth of character development have piqued my interest, and I can't wait to see where the story goes from here.

Initially, I was completely captivated by the first few chapters; the plot had a compelling hook that drew me in with great promise. However, as the story progressed, I found myself struggling with the pacing. It turned into quite a slow burn, and there were moments when I seriously considered putting the book down for good. By the time I reached the 70% mark, I felt that the narrative could have easily wrapped up, and I was sceptical about how the storyline could possibly improve from that point.

To my surprise, the last few chapters completely changed my perspective. They were filled with unexpected twists and turns, revealing layers of lies, betrayal, and deceit that left me genuinely shocked. The complexity of the situations and the characters really elevated the story in those final moments. At its core, the book revolves around two families that are so deeply dysfunctional and unhinged that, at times, they come across as unrealistic. Despite this, I found myself intrigued by the dynamics at play between them.

I enjoy Kelly's writing style, and while this book may not be my favourite of hers, I’m ultimately glad that I persevered. The narrative took me on a rollercoaster ride, and the payoff in the end made it a worthwhile read.

This book is a mixed bag. It’s a quick read that allows you to slip into the story quickly, and I found myself warming up to the characters right from the start. James, in particular, stands out as a refreshing presence; he’s a police officer who defies the typical tropes of being reckless, having affairs or constantly drowning in whiskey. Though he may come across as somewhat mundane, I surprisingly enjoyed his character, as well as that of his wife, Annie.

However, the storyline does have its issues. As certain pieces of the plot fell into place, it became increasingly apparent who the real killer was, which somewhat diminished the element of surprise. I'm also disappointed with how quickly the story wrapped up towards the end and how many lose ends remain. I can't believe how quickly James stumbled on the killer with so many potential kills left! 

Nevertheless, I ultimately found it to be an enjoyable read. It perfectly caters to my craving for a light and engaging Christmas thriller, making it an ideal choice for the season.

This book overall is a quick entertaining read, making it an ideal companion for a cosy evening spent beside a warm fire, with a comforting cup of tea in hand. 

However, there were a few aspects that gave me pause, particularly about some repetitive elements within the text. While the book effectively highlights the fascinating ways in which oral traditions have evolved and transformed over time, as well as how they vary across different cultures and regions, I find myself agreeing with other reviewers who suggest that a different organisational structure might have helped minimise some of this repetition. 

One of the highlights for me was the inclusion of the Mari Lwyd, a tradition that I find particularly captivating and even though the book leans heavily towards a Eurocentric perspective, it does make an effort to incorporate examples from further afield, including intriguing references to Japanese traditions. 

Overall, this book sparked my interest and left me yearning for more depth. As an enthusiast of winter lore, I felt that this work provided only a tantalizing glimpse into a diverse array of cultural traditions. 

This pocket guide serves as a brief yet informative introduction to the subject of witchcraft. While it effectively covers the key concepts, there are moments where the writing can feel somewhat dry, and it tends to present a broad, generalised perspective. It's important to note that the focus is primarily on the relationship between witches and society in Europe, which means it lacks a more global perspective.

Nonetheless, if you're seeking a concise overview to familiarise yourself with the topic, this could be a worthwhile starting point. It provides a solid foundation to build upon, even if it doesn't delve deeply into the complexities or variations of witchcraft across different cultures.

At the onset, I found myself uncertain about diving into this story. While I typically enjoy narratives that shift between different points of view, the number of perspectives introduced early on felt overwhelming, almost bordering on chaotic. However, before I knew it, I was more than 30% into the book, completely captivated by the unfolding drama. In less than 24 hours, I had consumed the entire tale, and I must say, it was an exhilarating experience.

The characters, while some very stereotypical and obvious, were vividly portrayed. The parents of the missing girl were particularly compelling, caught in a web of despair as their relationship disintegrated under the weight of their grief. The father, a former police officer turned alcoholic, carried the burden of his past decisions like a shadow, while the mother grappled with her own struggles and sorrow.

The narrative also introduced a private investigator whose life mirrored the darkness surrounding him—alienated from his wife and child, he too was ensnared by addiction, relying on alcohol and Oxy to escape his reality. Yet, amidst this bleak backdrop emerged Hannah, the assistant investigator. She was a breath of fresh air; troubled yet resilient, her quiet determination shone through and provided a glimmer of hope within the chaos.

While the storyline does have its share of flaws, the pacing was relentless and the twists cleverly crafted, keeping me on the edge of my seat. Overall, I found myself thoroughly engrossed in this fast-paced thriller, and I am eager to continue exploring the series.

This book is absolutely wild! 

The premise is not only fantastic but also intriguingly complex, weaving together elements of thriller, drama, and a hint of futuristic sci-fi that kept me on the edge of my seat. It's fascinating to think about how such a concept could manifest in reality, and I can almost envision the particular types of individuals who might execute something like this in the real world. 

Anna is a perplexing character to me. She harbors a deep, desperate secret that she is hell-bent on keeping. However, as the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that her controlling husband begins to wear her down. Ultimately, she succumbs to his pressure and allows him unrestricted access to her mind, which is something I truly struggle to comprehend. The psychological dynamics at play are deeply unsettling; her husband presents himself as a loving partner, yet he constantly gaslights her, manipulating her at every turn and dictating her every movement. Given this oppressive situation, it baffles me that she willingly permits him entry into her thoughts even though she detests the extent of his control already on her through tech and apps.

I can’t imagine anyone actually wanting full access to my thoughts—honestly, I often find myself wishing I could escape from my own mind! 🤣 And I certainly wouldn't want to inflict it on my husband! 

Throughout the book, certain elements stretch the limits of believability, but despite that, I found it to be a thoroughly captivating read. I was completely engrossed in the storyline, even though both Anna and Eli emerged as unlikable characters. It’s hard to find redeeming qualities in either of them. Furthermore, I didn’t connect with Helen and Gavin either. It seemed that all four of them were entangled in a web of mutual betrayal, and I couldn't fathom why they continued to maintain contact after their university days. The only character I truly resonated with was Mandie. She stood out as a genuine friend, consistently looking out for Anna’s best interests. I genuinely wish Anna had heeded Mandie's advice more often. 

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the unique premise and compelling storyline. While a few elements tested my suspension of disbelief, I can certainly see how this type of technology could be misused in various ways. I'm eager to explore more works by this author in the future. 

I'd like to extend my gratitude to the author, the publishers, and Netgalley for providing the ARC of this book. This review reflects my honest opinion.

This book stands out as one of the most unexpected delights I've encountered this year. I was fully captivated by it. Having heard numerous positive reviews, I anticipated an enjoyable read, but I certainly did not expect to be as enthralled as I ultimately was.

Evelyn is an incredibly multifaceted character. She is simultaneously enchanting and formidable, embodying both grace and moral ambiguity. Throughout the story, she engages in profoundly troubling actions, yet we also witness many harrowing experiences inflicted upon her. Her exterior is strikingly beautiful, but her inner turmoil reveals an unsettling complexity beneath the surface.

The narrative deftly explores a plethora of intricate themes, including race, abuse, toxic relationships, LGBTQ+ dynamics, the impact of AIDS, love and loss, friendship, and the burdens that come with fame. Each topic is woven seamlessly into the fabric of the story, inviting deep reflection and discussion.

Monique, too, captured my heart. I admired her tenacity in confronting Evelyn, as well as her journey of grappling with the startling revelations that unfold towards the conclusion. The evolution of her character is profoundly moving, as she transforms into a formidable presence, showcasing her remarkable strength and resilience. I was particularly touched by her capacity for forgiveness, highlighting her depth and humanity.

Reflecting on how much this book resonated with me, I am both surprised and glad. It has earned a special place in my heart and has quickly become one of my favourite reads of 2024. I have no doubt that the themes and characters will linger with me for a long time to come.