A review by minimicropup
The photographer by Jo Crow

dark sad tense 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? It's complicated

1.5

This didn’t work out for me. It writing was too clunky with predictable plot points, and I couldn’t connect with any of the characters. Even for high stakes moments I felt indifferent. If you read a lot of thriller mysteries, this may come across as contrived and too boring, but if you’re newer to the genre and don’t mind the writing style and withholding tactics, you may find this intriguing or a good starting point!
 
  • The main character’s inner monologue was repetitive and over-explainy. In that way where it’s obvious to the reader when a hint drops what could be happening, and then we have to read the main character go on and on about it in the wrong direction. So even in tense moments, I was eye-rolling and knocked out of the story. 
  • Elements of the story seemed like an afterthought thrown in for convenience. It felt like the main character was wishy washy and weak when it was convenient for the plot, then suddenly assertive and determined when that persona was no longer convenient. 
  • Frustrating, clunky writing style. In my mind’s eye this was playing out like bad acting the way the dialogue was written. ~Character says something.~ ~Long pause.~ ~Character checks script, realizes they are supposed to be getting angry, so screams the next line.~ 
  • Overusing the heavily hinting withholding trope for suspense. The main character spends page after page agonizing over mundane details, and then for significant past events gives only vague hints and no depth. 
  • The kid was used as a plot device to stall progress way too much. Like constantly interrupting or doing annoying things every time the main character was having an important conversation, or we were about to get a reveal.  
 
📚 Format: Advance Reader’s Copy from Relay Publishing and NetGalley
 
My musings 💖 powered by puppy snuggles 🐶