Reviews

The Pale House Devil by Richard Kadrey

jenibus's review against another edition

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adventurous dark fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

2.0

ghosty_mcghosterson's review against another edition

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2.0

This book was really corny and not well written tbh it was fun in parts and it was so short I didn't mind finishing it but I don't think I'll read anything more by the author and I will probably never think about this book again

loandbeholdx's review against another edition

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fast-paced

4.0

dracobatreads's review

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5.0

This horror comedy was a very quick read, and I loved every second of it. I did not know what I was getting into when starting this book, I don't believe I've read any of this author's books, but I will definitely be coming back for more. (The little plot twist made the story even more interesting too)

Ford and Neuland's banter was my favorite thing about this book. Their back-and-forth dry humor really sold it for me. I loved the supernatural elements and the horror/gore descriptions, they really painted such a vivid picture in my head. I absolutely loved Tilda, her growth and how easily she fit with Ford and Newland.

While this was only a little over 100 pages the pacing was great, and it left just enough room open to continue this story while simultaneously giving you closure of this chapter. Overall, this was a pleasant surprise, and I will be coming back to read this in the future. And if the author is up to it, I would love to see more of these characters in the future.

Thank you to Penguin Random House and Titan Books for the print ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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leandrathetbrzero's review against another edition

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

4.25

justahorse's review against another edition

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dark lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Impressive with how much is achieved in such a short novel.  No individual part of a good story is left out, just condensed.  There is character set up, pretty surface level explanation of the way that the world is, character growth, and a satisfying ending.  This is the quickest you can come to like/dislike characters and want more of them.

There is nothing lacking and leaves only want of more.  It’s short, dive in and enjoy the most complete and well rounded novella around.

arsilyn's review against another edition

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dark funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

giraffe9377's review

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4.0

Interesting story where some people are dead and looked down upon, but it’s not their fault they were brought back to life. Two detectives, one dead, one alive, hired to clear out a haunted house… but just what is in that house, and who summoned it?!!?

genevievep2's review

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5.0

Ohh I would read more of this trio, please write more :)

agathe_athena's review against another edition

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3.0

Ford and Neuland are guns for hire, one living and one undead, but they have their own rules for who they will and won’t kill. After a job in NYC turns sour, they decide to head to California, but once there they have trouble finding anyone that will hire them. Until a young woman comes to hire them for her rich great-grandfather, who dabbles in the occult. He has a devil living in his family home that he wants them to kill. But there is more to the story than he’s telling them.

An interesting idea for a horror story about supernatural hitmen that stumbles in the telling. The world-building is interesting and so are the character, but the story gets lost in the muddled telling. It feels rushed and drags at the same time. It’s jumpy as it flashes between characters and random flashbacks. Either it needs to be trimmed down to tighten it up as a novella, or expanded out for a novel with better flow. 3 stars because I see the potential.