YellowBricks

What did I just read

Revisado: 03-20-25

This book angered me on two levels. The first - I enjoyed the first book enough to reach for the second in the series but the second book’s entire story could’ve been told in 20 sentences and instead I got hundreds of pages of the author indulging himself in “clever banter.” Eye roll. The second - the mom is 1- the bread winner. 2- a lawyer. 3. Mother of two. The dad is 1. Unemployed/freelance 2. Doesn’t put the kids to bed. 3. Doesn’t cook the dinners. 4. Drives her mom to bingo and solves crimes?? HOW ARE THEY STILL MARRIED!? No. Just no. Also - without any spoilers - the story, the crime itself and the end - not in a million years is it believable. Fiction should have some semblance of reality - a thought that it could happen. Ugh.

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Great narration - convoluted story

Revisado: 03-06-25

I’m a huge fan of her writing style and most of her stories. This one, not so much. It’s just so hard to believe I couldn’t get into it. Hard to believe there’s THAT much darkness from so many people in one sleepy little town. It just didn’t ring true. But - as always - the writing is fantastic and the narration is a masterclass. Just not the story idea for me.

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Excellent Characters!

Revisado: 02-03-25

The characters felt so real and the story is so compelling! And the timing of the book is perfect! The only reason I didn’t rate 5 stars was that the first 80% of the book is SO good that the end felt a bit “meh” by comparison. However, I think this is absolutely worth the read! And the cast of narrators? Amazing.

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Solid narration, good story

Revisado: 11-18-24

The story kept me hooked. And the narration is good. The only issue is writing style - “show don’t tell” comes to mind. But, again, this is coming from someone who’s never managed to write a novel AND the story was a really good one. Just wasn’t my fav style.

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Her best yet!

Revisado: 08-06-24

While all of Catherine Steadman’s books have been gripping, this was the best so far! There are no parts of this book that are wasted, or obvious filler. Every “page” is important. Her narration, as always is superb, albeit with a few of the American words mangled but - let’s not listen to me putting on a London accent! She’s incredible. I already can’t wait for the next one!

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Great characters

Revisado: 07-05-24

This is not The Wicked Girls or Marwood’s other thrillers. But it IS a great and complicated story that I can only imagine took ages to research and perfect. These characters had such depth - you truly loved or hated them, as you should. The story is an important one to tell, such terrible goings on in such a beautiful location. If you’re wanting a thriller, this isn’t it. But if a psychological, speculative fiction-esque story told by one of the greats interests you, don’t pass this one up.

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Amazing story with a GREAT cast of narrators

Revisado: 06-22-24

Wow! I read a review before reading this and that person gave three stars. I could NOT disagree more! This was fantastic! It should be a movie for sure. If I had ANY critique it’s the prologue - compared to the rest of the book it’s not as strong. However that’s me - someone who’s never been able to write a novel - giving an extreeemely tiny critique. Of everyone, I especially loved Eddie - but all the characters, the setting, the build up and the full-circle plot - fantastic! Another brilliant story from an amazing author.

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New author for me - loved this!!!

Revisado: 06-12-24

Such a great performance of a clever story. No complaints at all! Glad to have found another author to add to my favs.

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He makes me hate everything I’ve ever written!

Revisado: 04-17-24

I was so excited to get the email that this book had been released. 24 hours later, I was not disappointed. Well, I was, but only because I realize what a terrible writer I am every time I read a Horowitz novel! He has the best sense of humor - humour, if you’re British - and who doesn’t need a good laugh during a gruesome murder investigation? It was such a surprise to hear from him directly at the end of the audiobook. I already can’t wait for the next one.

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Really struggled to get through this one

Revisado: 02-21-24

I think I’m the odd man out with this one but I felt like nothing was believable and I was disappointed. From the way the main character is treated by literally everyone, everywhere to the entire plot. There are so many author cheats - reading articles to inform the reader, pages and pages of dialogue explanations - it doesn’t “unfold” like you’d hope. It felt like a swing and a miss. And - I’ve never been able to write a novel - so there’s a lot to be said for accomplishing that! This is a series though? Hoping the editor puts their foot down for the subsequent novels.

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