A review by beriboo
Do No Harm by Jack Jordan

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

2.0

I recently finished reading "Do No Harm" by Jack Jordan, and I must say, it left me quite disappointed. While I appreciate the effort put into crafting a psychological thriller, the overall execution fell flat, earning it a mere 2-star rating from me.

First and foremost, the storyline was simply absurd. I found it difficult to suspend my disbelief as the plot unfolded, with numerous improbable twists and turns that strained the boundaries of plausibility. It felt as though the author was more focused on creating shock value rather than constructing a coherent and believable narrative. This lack of realism greatly hindered my ability to become fully invested in the story.

The biggest issue I had with this book was my complete lack of emotional connection to the main characters, Anna and Margo. Despite the author's attempts to make them relatable and sympathetic, I found myself indifferent to their plights. Their actions and motivations felt contrived and unconvincing, leaving me detached from their struggles. As a result, I couldn't bring myself to care about their well-being or the outcomes of their predicaments.

Furthermore, the inclusion of the police storyline felt entirely unnecessary. It seemed like an afterthought, clumsily shoehorned into the plot to create a false sense of suspense. The constant back-and-forth between the personal struggles of the characters and the police investigation only served to muddle the narrative further. It would have been far more effective to focus solely on developing a compelling psychological thriller without the unnecessary distractions.

All in all, "Do No Harm" left much to be desired. The absurd storyline, coupled with my apathy towards the characters and the unnecessary police subplot, made for a disappointing reading experience. While there were moments of tension and suspense, they were overshadowed by the overall lack of cohesiveness and believability. If you're looking for a psychological thriller that captivates and engages, I would suggest looking elsewhere.