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junowo's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
A very enjoyable mystery novel. I liked the use of the “book within a book” framework to create parallels and deepen meaning. Both Atticus and Susan are enjoyable characters to read, and I really loved trying to work things out myself.
I will say that the justification at the end for certain character’s actions fell a bit flat, but I was willing to suspend disbelief for the sake of the climax!
I will say that the justification at the end for certain character’s actions fell a bit flat, but I was willing to suspend disbelief for the sake of the climax!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Child death, Death, Fatphobia, Gore, Terminal illness, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Classism
Moderate: Animal death, Cancer, and Car accident
renyoi's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Really clever take on meta mystery, which is becoming more and more of a popular genre these days. It’s relatively rare to find an author in favor of the “death of the author” philosophy in any real sense, but Horowitz definitely advocates for that position in this book, which is refreshing. Very cozy read. Not as subversive as I would have assumed based on the conceit, but I didn’t mind that much by the end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Chronic illness, Death, Fatphobia, Suicide, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Xenophobia, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Animal death
Minor: Ableism, Homophobia, and Misogyny