designsbymeghen's reviews
243 reviews

Another quick read. This isn’t my favorite genre in the world, but I think interspersing this series with other books will help break things up. Slaughter is such a detailed writer that it's easy to lose yourself in the storytelling. This story specifically wasn’t quite as captivating as the first one, but I like that you were never quite sure who the killer was. Also, more child pedophile stuff....

I wasn’t sure I wanted to sign up for a 12-book series, but Slaughter has redeemed my faith in mystery writing. I couldn’t put this one down. While the language about sex workers and children is relatively crude and appalling, the protagonists are in the thick of it and are genuinely great to root for. 

It’s been a minute since I’ve read nonfiction. Amanda Montell knows how to weave a narrative that has me self-reflecting and connecting the dots between evolutionary traits and my own habits and tendencies. I especially loved the part of the book that highlights how important it is to create things with your hands and disconnect from time to time. 

I finished this book purely out of spite so I could leave this review. I will disclaimer this to say that nothing annoys me more than unnecessary thought repetition in a story. While the story itself had potential, it was simply not good. It was incredibly repetitive; cut this thing in half, and you’re well on your way to a much better read. The characters are not interesting. They’re not likable or even hateable; they’re simply dull. And lastly, it was a sloppy, messy plot twist explosion at the end, and it was just bad. This is the last time I will unthinkingly follow a “booktok” trend. If you thought this book was good, I’m happy for you, but please don’t recommend any books to me until you’ve read some good storytelling. 

This was a cute story and an easy read. Evvie is a very likable character with a fun and witty personality who gets squashed by her emotionally abusive husband. He’s one of those characters you celebrate their death. As unrealistic as it is, it’s always nice when the likable main character gets a new, hot, and thoughtful love interest. 

This book started really strong for me. We’ve got a wholesome family, a relaxing setting, and an exciting first-person take on what it feels like to be a psychic. But then the book just kept going. And going. After a while, it felt like the type of story that didn’t want to end but just leaned on repeating narratives without adding more interest or plot to the storyline. The most unrealistic thing about this whole story was the sheer amount of emotional intelligence between all the characters across the board. While it was nice to read, after a while, it was just boring. 

This story was a great read about the toxicity of the wellness industry and how, ultimately, everyone will do whatever they can to better their own lives. Everything is a game, and everyone wants power. I loved how Dimberg chose to tell the story of three women whose views on wellness and the company Radical are wildly different. It helped highlight the many complexities of not only trying to better yourself but also what you’re willing to do to make that happen. 

There are a ton of great characters in this book. Phoebe is incredibly likable when she starts not to give a shit what other people think. I really like Espach’s writing style and look forward to reading more of her work. Opportunities for a better life are all around us, and honesty with ourselves allows us to live life the way it’s supposed to be lived.   Being “nice” and “quiet” are not personality traits that serve us well. This story is a reminder of how easy it is to become complacent with mediocrity. Life is too short not to book the hotel room. 

Super repetitive. Plus, I can’t do the little kids voice in the audiobook version 

I needed some kind of filler to put me to sleep. Not work really paying attention to