Scan barcode
snugglesandpages's reviews
243 reviews
17 Years Later by J.P. Pomare
5.0
J.P, you've done it again!
17 YEARS LATER is a masterclass in suspense and storytelling. Set in a small New Zealand town, the story skillfully alternates between two timelines: the present day and events from 17 years ago. Australian journalist and true crime podcast host Solane Abbott investigates the tragic demise of the Primrose family. As she uncovers inconsistencies in the prosecution of Bill Kareama, the narrative reveals deeper issues of social class, and racial prejudice, keeping readers on edge.
If you’re contemplating which of J.P's books to start with, this is the one! It embodies everything that makes J.P's writing exceptional—layered characters, suspenseful twists, and gripping mystery. 17 YEARS LATER feels like a thrilling game of Twister, where every revelation takes you in a new direction. I was so engrossed that I read 80% of it in one sitting, staying up until midnight to uncover the truth. It’s one of the few books that’s kept me up like that, along with J.P's earlier work, In The Clearing.
Another highlight for me was spotting the 'easter eggs' J.P includes, paying tribute to his previous works and influences. This time, I noticed a nod to Tell Me Lies and appreciated the homage to his family, fellow crime writer Michael Robotham, and the late Ngaio Marsh. There was even a Taylor Swift reference in there! These subtle references add a delightful layer to the reading experience.
Thank you to @hachetteaus and @netgalley for providing me with an advanced copy of my most anticipated book of 2024!
17 YEARS LATER is a masterclass in suspense and storytelling. Set in a small New Zealand town, the story skillfully alternates between two timelines: the present day and events from 17 years ago. Australian journalist and true crime podcast host Solane Abbott investigates the tragic demise of the Primrose family. As she uncovers inconsistencies in the prosecution of Bill Kareama, the narrative reveals deeper issues of social class, and racial prejudice, keeping readers on edge.
If you’re contemplating which of J.P's books to start with, this is the one! It embodies everything that makes J.P's writing exceptional—layered characters, suspenseful twists, and gripping mystery. 17 YEARS LATER feels like a thrilling game of Twister, where every revelation takes you in a new direction. I was so engrossed that I read 80% of it in one sitting, staying up until midnight to uncover the truth. It’s one of the few books that’s kept me up like that, along with J.P's earlier work, In The Clearing.
Another highlight for me was spotting the 'easter eggs' J.P includes, paying tribute to his previous works and influences. This time, I noticed a nod to Tell Me Lies and appreciated the homage to his family, fellow crime writer Michael Robotham, and the late Ngaio Marsh. There was even a Taylor Swift reference in there! These subtle references add a delightful layer to the reading experience.
Thank you to @hachetteaus and @netgalley for providing me with an advanced copy of my most anticipated book of 2024!
The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
3.5
The Cheat Sheet is a cute fake dating, friends to lovers, sports romance that is part of the same universe as Sarah's recent release, THE RULE BOOK.
It's sweet and a completely closed door, so there no spice in this one and thigh it is a fairly quick read, I do warn that the 'does he/she, doesn't he/she plays out for about 90% of the book, and then all of a sudden it's public proclamations of love and a super quick HEA in the last 10%.
Character wise, Bree reminded me of a less socially awkward Elle Woods. She has this chaotic energy about her, which made me laugh but also a tad immature at times. Nathan is a generous teddy bear NFL quarterback, and sexiest-man-alive aside, has some serious imposter syndrome.
Overall, I did enjoy it for what it was, but communication would have gone a long way in this one. I'm glad I had read The Rule Book first, because I loved that one so much.
It's sweet and a completely closed door, so there no spice in this one and thigh it is a fairly quick read, I do warn that the 'does he/she, doesn't he/she plays out for about 90% of the book, and then all of a sudden it's public proclamations of love and a super quick HEA in the last 10%.
Character wise, Bree reminded me of a less socially awkward Elle Woods. She has this chaotic energy about her, which made me laugh but also a tad immature at times. Nathan is a generous teddy bear NFL quarterback, and sexiest-man-alive aside, has some serious imposter syndrome.
Overall, I did enjoy it for what it was, but communication would have gone a long way in this one. I'm glad I had read The Rule Book first, because I loved that one so much.
Dirt Town by Hayley Scrivenor
- Strong character development? Yes
4.0
DIRT TOWN unfolds in 2001 in the isolated Australian country town of Durton, where the disappearance of 12-year-old Esther Bianchi has shaken the community to its core.
The novel unfolds through multiple perspectives, each offering a nuanced glimpse into the town's intricate dynamics. Esther's mother, Constance, navigates grief and despair, while Detective Sergeant Sarah Michaels grapples with personal flaws amid the investigation.
I found Ronnie and Lewis' chapters particularly compelling because they shed light on the complex web of relationships and emotions intertwined with Esther's disappearance. One of the novel's distinctive features is the use of a Greek chorus-like perspective from the town's children, collectively referred to as "We", which lends an eerie sense of foreboding to the narrative.
Something unexpected for me was the profound sense of nostalgia I experienced while reading this book. It transported me back to my own childhood: hiding Mamee Noodles and playing Power Rangers with my friends during lunch (Captain Planet was also a favourite). It reminded me of the innocence and freedom (naivety) of those times.
Hayley adeptly navigates themes of loss, innocence, and the complexities of human emotions under pressure. Her vivid descriptions breathe life into Durton as a character itself, haunted by its murky past and uncertain future.
I recommend DIRT TOWN for readers seeking a character-driven, slow burn mystery with evocative prose and atmospheric storytelling.
The novel unfolds through multiple perspectives, each offering a nuanced glimpse into the town's intricate dynamics. Esther's mother, Constance, navigates grief and despair, while Detective Sergeant Sarah Michaels grapples with personal flaws amid the investigation.
I found Ronnie and Lewis' chapters particularly compelling because they shed light on the complex web of relationships and emotions intertwined with Esther's disappearance. One of the novel's distinctive features is the use of a Greek chorus-like perspective from the town's children, collectively referred to as "We", which lends an eerie sense of foreboding to the narrative.
Something unexpected for me was the profound sense of nostalgia I experienced while reading this book. It transported me back to my own childhood: hiding Mamee Noodles and playing Power Rangers with my friends during lunch (Captain Planet was also a favourite). It reminded me of the innocence and freedom (naivety) of those times.
Hayley adeptly navigates themes of loss, innocence, and the complexities of human emotions under pressure. Her vivid descriptions breathe life into Durton as a character itself, haunted by its murky past and uncertain future.
I recommend DIRT TOWN for readers seeking a character-driven, slow burn mystery with evocative prose and atmospheric storytelling.