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natreviews's reviews
417 reviews
Lady Killers: Deadly Women Throughout History by Tori Telfer
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
3.75
I liked the writing in this book. All of the cases apart from the first one I had never heard of before, so it was an interesting read. I do wish there was more of a variety of methods explored (as the majority of them were poisonings), but I guess that was the majority of murders by women back in the day.
Hex by Thomas Olde Heuvelt
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
So, this was better then Echo. I found this book to be a mix of The Blair Witch Project, Cabin in the Woods, and Pet Semetary. It starts out as light as it can be, and then just gets darker until the end.
The only major things I noticed was that sometimes what was written didn't really make sense. For example, something happens in the stable in one sentence, but then it turns out takes place in the house on the second floor. Little things that switch like that. You can tell it was written to take place at one location, but then the next sentence has it taking place at a different one, and the witch was never caught in editing. Or things just not really connecting or making sense.
The most shocking thing is this book could be considered a good for her book at the end in a weird way?
The only major things I noticed was that sometimes what was written didn't really make sense. For example, something happens in the stable in one sentence, but then it turns out takes place in the house on the second floor. Little things that switch like that. You can tell it was written to take place at one location, but then the next sentence has it taking place at a different one, and the witch was never caught in editing. Or things just not really connecting or making sense.
The most shocking thing is this book could be considered a good for her book at the end in a weird way?
Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke And Other Misfortunes by Eric LaRocca
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Another knock out from LaRocca! I went into this completely blind, and I think everyone should. Three macabre tales, each one really good. I know I need to read more of their work, and hopefully soon.
The Boatman's Daughter by Andy Davidson
Did not finish book. Stopped at 9%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 9%.
The wording is a bit much atm. Will try again later.
The Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
So... wow. This book was an amazing read. I've known the Bundy case and have looked into it several times (I read Conversations With A Killer: Ted Bundy a couple of years ago), but this is one of the more emotional readings. It is amazing to see a book written when these things were happening, and that it wasn't intended to be a Ted Bundy book. Originally, Ann was tasked to write a book about a string of murders dubbed the "Ted" murders, and it would turn out her friend was the suspect.
I also liked the inclusion of all of the epilogues and updates. There are about 4-5 added chapters that came out with updated versions of each book. The latest update was in 2021 written by her daughter (Ann passed away in I think 2015). In those she updates about the crimes, victims, and her preconceived notions. Although it adds about 150 pages to the original book, it is worth it.
I highly recommend reading this with Conversations (mentioned earlier in this review) as they work really well as companion books. This will be one that I keep on my shelves, and I may have to check out some of Ann's other books one day.
I also liked the inclusion of all of the epilogues and updates. There are about 4-5 added chapters that came out with updated versions of each book. The latest update was in 2021 written by her daughter (Ann passed away in I think 2015). In those she updates about the crimes, victims, and her preconceived notions. Although it adds about 150 pages to the original book, it is worth it.
I highly recommend reading this with Conversations (mentioned earlier in this review) as they work really well as companion books. This will be one that I keep on my shelves, and I may have to check out some of Ann's other books one day.
The Salt Grows Heavy by Cassandra Khaw
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Such a cute little story about two monsters falling for each other. I loved the mention of lesser known mythological beings (i.e. the mention of the huldra, that's from Scandinavian folklore). I have read Cassandra Khaw's Nothing But Blackened Teeth before this, and I can see the improvement in her writing. This is one I know I will keep for a very long time.
Taaqtumi: An Anthology of Arctic Horror Stories by Thomas Anguti Johnston, Cara Bryant, Gayle Kabloona, Ann R. Loverock, K.C. Carthew, Repo Kempt, Jay Bulckaert, Rachel Qitsualik-Tinsley, Aviaq Johnston, Richard Van Camp, Sean Qitsualik-Tinsley
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
I really liked these collection of short stories. Each one had their own tone and vibe to them. I also loved how there was a glossary is the back that had both meaning and pronunciations in it, although I probably still butchered those words.
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I really liked this book. I thought the twist at the end made sense (got the character wrong, but that the perp would be a character we knew right). I thought it could've been a bit more fleshed out, and the last part was a bit rushed, but otherwise it was a really good read. I saw that the author also wrote The Maiden, which I've seen, but haven't read yet. Will need to add that onto the list!
Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen
emotional
informative
fast-paced
5.0
A story I really enjoyed and could relate to (being diagnosed with anxiety and depression myself). Obviously a classic. Sometimes I wish we got more details about her time spent there, but at the same time I think it would sort of ruin the flow of the book.