ktb97's reviews
53 reviews

How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix

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dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Absolutely wild. Great writing. This book will leave you breathless. Get ready for plenty of gore and a whole lot of puppets.

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All Hallows by Christopher Golden

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challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

A spooky October read that I’m happy I picked up. It’s a bit confusing at times, but that didn’t distract me from the character arcs, which really are the highlight of the book.

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The Guilty One by Lisa Ballantyne

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challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A unique perspective on how children and parental figures are intertwined so tightly, and the backdrop is a nail-biting court case. Highly recommend for an emotional and dramatic read.

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Lone Women by Victor LaValle

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! While the metaphor of bringing “baggage” with you when starting a new life seems a little too on the nose, this novel surprised me with its creativity. Don’t skip this one!

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The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon

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dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Perfectly paced. It’s mysterious with plenty of creepiness mixed in. I thoroughly enjoyed it. 

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We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson

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dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

What put this book above others for me was the endearing narrator. A child’s perspective is such an imaginative way to write an eerie story. It’s very matter-of-fact, but a bit off in a way that makes you constantly question her credibility and motivations. Super engaging and a unique reading experience!
The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas

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dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Great creepy vibes with complex characters you can’t help but root for. Highly recommend.
The Salt Grows Heavy by Cassandra Khaw

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dark mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated

3.5

The language in this book is not very accessible. I found myself looking up words constantly and it distracted from the story. However, it is a unique narrative. I’d recommend it as long as you are okay with plenty of gore.

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The Widow's House by Carol Goodman

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

4.0