natreviews's reviews
413 reviews

Not the book I hoped for

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Honestly, a book that any true crime fan should read. It helps bring back reality into these crimes by showing you actual photographs of the bodies. Definitely a disturbing read, but a necessary one. 

Really didn't love the whole "a women can't be r@ped because she's over 300lbs" bit.

Just a nice fast read about cursed objects. Pretty much what the title promises. There are fun bits of humor scattered throughout the book while giving a quick overview of each object. It doesn't promise a deep dive into each object, but more of an overview which I like. I think it's a good starting off point for those who want to learn more about these objects.

So... I really don't know what I just read. Like... what? To be honest, I wouldn't have finished it if I didn't have to tick off a reading challenge prompt.

Firstly, the story is really kind of out there. There are plot points that are abandoned, things that I felt were inserted that lead no where, and overall just as really confusing. Things aren't explained well, while other things are explained in way too much detail. Now this could be because it's a translated work, or it could be because the book is just written that way, I'm not 100% sure.

Going in, it's important to note how the book was originally published. Originally this was three separate books. Books 1 and 2 were published at the same time while Book 3 was published a year later. This is important because the ending of Book 1 isn't really an ending. The story pretty much just stops halfway through and gets picked up again in Book 2. I imagine this is because they didn't want to publish one 700 page book, but it really throws off the groove. 

Overall, this was a beast to complete, but wasn't worth it.