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che1seak's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
karenjanee's review against another edition
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
maryroeloffs's review against another edition
5.0
“The Killing Lessons” was one of the most well-written thrillers I’ve ever read. Often mystery novels can turn into tawdry reads, sacrificing world building for a cheap thrill, but Black manages to build a terrifying and realistic world the reader can’t escape. There is no doubt this one is psychological (and not for the weak-stomached), but it borders of literary in a way not often seen in the genre. Black’s ability to capture characters was mesmerizing - it reminded me of Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues.” In the song - Cash is able to understand what makes a prisoner fundamentally human - even when facing death, all he wants is a cup of coffee. That intricacy and realism is echoed in every character Black introduces and she wastes no time with unimportant detail. Plus it’s just a hell of a thriller! Can’t wait to read “LoveMurder.”
lmannatchpl's review against another edition
3.0
As a psych thriller reader, this one hits the mark for character development of Valerie, San Fran homicide detective, victims, and even the killers. It is brutal though- in language and situations, more realistic than many that may allude to abductions and experience without as much graphic detail. Not a 'cozy' thriller.
I do like the variety and tenacity of the female characters, from the homicide detective to a 10 year old daughter to adult captive.
I do like the variety and tenacity of the female characters, from the homicide detective to a 10 year old daughter to adult captive.
sarahnaomars's review against another edition
4.0
A successful 21st Century literary crime novel: it can be unbearably repulsive and yet I remained addicted. Worryingly, this is the second crime novel about a serial killer who puts objects inside their victim's corpse that I've enjoyed.
marciamarciamarcia's review against another edition
4.0
Great thriller/mystery book. It kept my heart racing as they closed in on the killers. The only fault I had with this book was the British spelling of some of the words. I found it a bit distracting since the setting was in the United States. It made me need to regroup my thinking.
inkdrinkersanon's review against another edition
2.0
The plot was pretty good but I felt there were parts that really dragged on. It took all of my will power to finish it!
abradleyhole's review against another edition
3.0
2.5 stars
Never has a book with so much promise disappointed me so greatly.
First, the good stuff. This book is a page-turner, with plenty of thrills and suspense and horror. It's not nearly as graphic as has been claimed, so don't let that scare you off.
But the potentially good storyline falls victim to really lousy writing. There are way too many coincidences, inconsistencies, and clichéd tropes. There are tangential plots that go nowhere. The worst part is how the author devotes tons of time to inner monologues and wannabe deep-thoughts that serve no purpose in advancing the plot, but then he completely leaves out major details that are integral to understanding the story.
Read this if you're a die-hard fan of the genre, knowing you'll be slightly entertained but overall disappointed. If you aren't really into the genre, skip it. There are much better choices if you want to be thrilled and chilled.
Never has a book with so much promise disappointed me so greatly.
First, the good stuff. This book is a page-turner, with plenty of thrills and suspense and horror. It's not nearly as graphic as has been claimed, so don't let that scare you off.
But the potentially good storyline falls victim to really lousy writing. There are way too many coincidences, inconsistencies, and clichéd tropes. There are tangential plots that go nowhere. The worst part is how the author devotes tons of time to inner monologues and wannabe deep-thoughts that serve no purpose in advancing the plot, but then he completely leaves out major details that are integral to understanding the story.
Read this if you're a die-hard fan of the genre, knowing you'll be slightly entertained but overall disappointed. If you aren't really into the genre, skip it. There are much better choices if you want to be thrilled and chilled.
kathleenied331's review against another edition
4.0
The book was pretty good, moved along at good clip in parts. The description of Angelo and Nell in the cabin was agonizingly boring, and I also thought that the bridge was the only way to access his cabin, so toward the end, that threw me off.
I have to say, though...does literally EVERYTHING have to be so disgusting to read and get through? It's not enough to have people die a violent death, you have to go in to graphic detail of how they die? Lots of shocking events in this story...if that's your thing, you'll like it.
I have to say, though...does literally EVERYTHING have to be so disgusting to read and get through? It's not enough to have people die a violent death, you have to go in to graphic detail of how they die? Lots of shocking events in this story...if that's your thing, you'll like it.