A review by bobinsbooknook
Penance by Eliza Clark

challenging dark tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Another really strong book by the ever talented Eliza Clark! The writing style is so immersive it felt like a true crime documentary that it felt so real!

The concept was incredibly unique in its staging as it looks into each of the killers and such depth into the background stories to really set the scene and watch their lives entwine.

My only critique is that some of the side/background stories felt quite long winded and disrupted the pace of the story. 

The end insight into the narrator/author of penance using creative liberties to question the integrity of the story … genius! Really made me think about some other crime documentaries I’ve seen!


Overall a fantastic read - and absolutely recommend pairing with the audiobook if you can as this really took the ‘true crime documentary’ vibe to another level! 

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