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jlburns's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
wormella's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.5
tinaparnell's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
It was an easy read. Not too strenuous, light-hearted even though it's a murder mystery.
emmasbibliotreasures's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
"You can never tell which one's the bad apple, can you?"
Aberfal High. A sort-after independent school for boys that offers only the highest quality education to the best students. It’s a school parents dream of sending their sons to. Until the day when their Headteacher is found murdered in his office. Rumours swirl and the Year Seven Mums’ WhatsApp Group is brimming with gossip and speculation. Who killed Mr. Newhall?
Tense, twisty and wickedly funny, One Bad Apple was a riveting thriller that exposes the dark secrets lurking in the halls of an eminent boys high school. Skillfully written, cleverly plotted, insightful and Jo Jakeman uses mixed media to tell the story from multiple points of view. The complex characters are ones we will all recognise, especially those of us who’ve braved the gauntlett of the school run and playground politics. Piece by piece she unveils the anxiety, secrets and tensions bubbling beneath the shiny veneer of the perfect lives of the teachers, parents and students of Aberfal High. I was in her thrall, devouring almost all of this book in just one sitting, unable to turn away from the drama and chaos that was unfolding. There was an abundance of suspects and my suspicion vacillated between a couple of them, but I was floored when all was revealed. I fell for all of the red herrings and am still trying to figure out how I missed the signs. Well played, Ms. Jakeman.
So, if you’re looking for an original, funny and riveting thriller that will keep you turning the pages, this is the book for you.
Aberfal High. A sort-after independent school for boys that offers only the highest quality education to the best students. It’s a school parents dream of sending their sons to. Until the day when their Headteacher is found murdered in his office. Rumours swirl and the Year Seven Mums’ WhatsApp Group is brimming with gossip and speculation. Who killed Mr. Newhall?
Tense, twisty and wickedly funny, One Bad Apple was a riveting thriller that exposes the dark secrets lurking in the halls of an eminent boys high school. Skillfully written, cleverly plotted, insightful and Jo Jakeman uses mixed media to tell the story from multiple points of view. The complex characters are ones we will all recognise, especially those of us who’ve braved the gauntlett of the school run and playground politics. Piece by piece she unveils the anxiety, secrets and tensions bubbling beneath the shiny veneer of the perfect lives of the teachers, parents and students of Aberfal High. I was in her thrall, devouring almost all of this book in just one sitting, unable to turn away from the drama and chaos that was unfolding. There was an abundance of suspects and my suspicion vacillated between a couple of them, but I was floored when all was revealed. I fell for all of the red herrings and am still trying to figure out how I missed the signs. Well played, Ms. Jakeman.
So, if you’re looking for an original, funny and riveting thriller that will keep you turning the pages, this is the book for you.
katie_liz's review against another edition
4.0
One Bad Apple is a compelling, cosy murder mystery, in the vein of Big Little Lies.
Set in an elite boys school, rife with scandal and conflict, the perpetual question is - who is here for the boys, and who for themselves?
This story had a gentle but engaging pace, and I enjoyed taking time to get to know the characters and their relationships. The additions of witness interviews and mums chat groups added an interesting dynamic to the story. The ending was satisfyingly twisty, and though I guessed the ending about halfway through, I really enjoyed finding out how all the pieces came together.
Thank you Little, Brown Group UK for a copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.
Set in an elite boys school, rife with scandal and conflict, the perpetual question is - who is here for the boys, and who for themselves?
This story had a gentle but engaging pace, and I enjoyed taking time to get to know the characters and their relationships. The additions of witness interviews and mums chat groups added an interesting dynamic to the story. The ending was satisfyingly twisty, and though I guessed the ending about halfway through, I really enjoyed finding out how all the pieces came together.
Thank you Little, Brown Group UK for a copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.
charreads23's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
espargobookdragon's review against another edition
funny
informative
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
5.0