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rgoth's reviews
365 reviews
Chicken Scratch by Becki Willis
challenging
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.0
This was simply not for me! The vivid descriptions of the chicken houses were particularly distressing. Having rescued ex-caged hens myself, it breaks my heart to reflect on the suffering these poor creatures endure during their short lives.
However, the cruelty doesn't end there; the book also exposes us to other forms of animal suffering. There’s a scene where one of the main characters runs over a dog. Additionally, the mentions of cockfighting, despite being illegal, are presented so casually that it feels as if this barbaric practice is just accepted as part of life.
Furthermore, the portrayal of the townspeople, who are described as nice but casually racist, did not sit well with me at all.
If you manage to push through the heavy emotions evoked by these depictions, the mystery itself unfolds at a painfully slow pace. By the time the truth about the killer is finally revealed, I found myself so disengaged that I no longer cared about the outcome. While the book is quite fast-paced, it focuses more on the main character's crush and family dynamics than on the mystery itself.
However, the cruelty doesn't end there; the book also exposes us to other forms of animal suffering. There’s a scene where one of the main characters runs over a dog. Additionally, the mentions of cockfighting, despite being illegal, are presented so casually that it feels as if this barbaric practice is just accepted as part of life.
Furthermore, the portrayal of the townspeople, who are described as nice but casually racist, did not sit well with me at all.
If you manage to push through the heavy emotions evoked by these depictions, the mystery itself unfolds at a painfully slow pace. By the time the truth about the killer is finally revealed, I found myself so disengaged that I no longer cared about the outcome. While the book is quite fast-paced, it focuses more on the main character's crush and family dynamics than on the mystery itself.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, and Racism
The Echo Man by Sam Holland
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I genuinely enjoyed this book, and it would be unfair to suggest otherwise. The short, sharp chapters kept the pacing tight, and I loved the constant twists, turns, and moments of blood-soaked horror. There are so many trigger warnings that it’s hard to list them all!
For a debut novel, it’s impressively well-written, and I particularly enjoyed the dynamic between certain characters—especially Griffin and Jess. One of the most fascinating aspects of the story was Jess’s genetic condition, which prevents her from feeling pain. Initially, it seems like a gift, but the novel does a brilliant job of exploring how this is far more of a curse than a blessing.
That said, there were a few plot holes that niggled at me, and I just can’t let them go. We’re led to believe that
the entire investigative team is completely overworked—exhausted, running on fumes, skipping showers, barely going home, and racking up ridiculous amounts of overtime. Yet, somehow, we’re also supposed to accept that the killer(s) repeatedly managed to vanish for long stretches, undetected, to commit these elaborate crimes. The level of planning, preparation, and prolonged torture involved—not to mention the meticulous clean-up afterward—would have required serious time and effort. How is that even plausible? And why aren’t any of the other detectives questioning this?!
Another issue that stuck with me is the plausibility of one key character’s background. Is it truly possible for someone to commit a double murder, be institutionalised in a mental health facility, and still go on to become a police officer? Even if they were able to change their name and obscure their past, I’d like to believe that stricter safeguards would be in place to prevent this. Although, I could be wrong?
Overall, despite these frustrations, I really did enjoy the book, and I’m excited to see where the series goes next. Holland clearly has a talent for gripping storytelling, and I have a feeling even better things are on the horizon!
For a debut novel, it’s impressively well-written, and I particularly enjoyed the dynamic between certain characters—especially Griffin and Jess. One of the most fascinating aspects of the story was Jess’s genetic condition, which prevents her from feeling pain. Initially, it seems like a gift, but the novel does a brilliant job of exploring how this is far more of a curse than a blessing.
That said, there were a few plot holes that niggled at me, and I just can’t let them go. We’re led to believe that
Another issue that stuck with me is the plausibility of one key character’s background. Is it truly possible for someone to commit a double murder, be institutionalised in a mental health facility, and still go on to become a police officer? Even if they were able to change their name and obscure their past, I’d like to believe that stricter safeguards would be in place to prevent this. Although, I could be wrong?
Overall, despite these frustrations, I really did enjoy the book, and I’m excited to see where the series goes next. Holland clearly has a talent for gripping storytelling, and I have a feeling even better things are on the horizon!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Pedophilia, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Torture, Violence, Blood, Murder, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
The Woman in Black by Susan Hill
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The Woman in Black is, without a doubt, one of the most captivating and chilling stage productions I’ve ever seen—and I’ve watched it multiple times.
Despite having never read the book before, I went in with high expectations, knowing its reputation as a classic ghost story. I was slightly apprehensive that it might not live up to the tension and terror of the play, but I needn’t have worried—Susan Hill’s writing is utterly mesmerising. Her prose weaves an unsettling, slow-burning dread that seeps into every page, drawing the reader into a world thick with mist, isolation, and an ever-present sense of unease.
While it’s not horror in the modern, jumpscare sense, its eerie build-up and gothic storytelling are masterful. The creeping suspense, the ominous silence, and the gradual revelation of the Woman in Black’s tragic, vengeful presence make for a deeply unsettling read. And that damn rocking chair? The way it creaks ominously in the darkness, an unseen force setting it in motion—it’s an image that will haunt my mind forever.
Despite having never read the book before, I went in with high expectations, knowing its reputation as a classic ghost story. I was slightly apprehensive that it might not live up to the tension and terror of the play, but I needn’t have worried—Susan Hill’s writing is utterly mesmerising. Her prose weaves an unsettling, slow-burning dread that seeps into every page, drawing the reader into a world thick with mist, isolation, and an ever-present sense of unease.
While it’s not horror in the modern, jumpscare sense, its eerie build-up and gothic storytelling are masterful. The creeping suspense, the ominous silence, and the gradual revelation of the Woman in Black’s tragic, vengeful presence make for a deeply unsettling read. And that damn rocking chair? The way it creaks ominously in the darkness, an unseen force setting it in motion—it’s an image that will haunt my mind forever.
The Night Watch by Neil Lancaster
adventurous
challenging
reflective
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
While this book isn’t bad at all, it does feel slightly underwhelming compared to the others in the series. Having enjoyed the previous instalments, I found myself hoping for a bit more depth and excitement in this one. Despite this slight disappointment, I still found pleasure in the storytelling and characters, but I couldn’t shake the longing for a more captivating experience.
Our Hideous Progeny by C.E. McGill
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This book is absolutely gorgeous! It puts a cool spin on the classic Mary Shelley novel and really nails the gothic vibes throughout.
I totally fell in love with the main character, and you can tell how much research went into this. The author shines a light on how women were treated in science during this period and details how their husbands often took credit for their work. Plus, it tackles how society looked at anyone who wasn’t straight, white, and male. The paleontology parts are accurate too, which just made me enjoy it even more.
It’s definitely a slow burn, like most gothic tales, so if you go in knowing that, you’ll appreciate the buildup. The writing is gorgeous, and the queer elements in the story are a delightful touch.
I truly can’t wait to see what this author comes up with next!
I totally fell in love with the main character, and you can tell how much research went into this. The author shines a light on how women were treated in science during this period and details how their husbands often took credit for their work. Plus, it tackles how society looked at anyone who wasn’t straight, white, and male. The paleontology parts are accurate too, which just made me enjoy it even more.
It’s definitely a slow burn, like most gothic tales, so if you go in knowing that, you’ll appreciate the buildup. The writing is gorgeous, and the queer elements in the story are a delightful touch.
I truly can’t wait to see what this author comes up with next!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Child death, and Gaslighting
Confessions of the Dead by James Patterson
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and it was entirely different from what I had anticipated. From the very beginning, I sensed there would be some intriguing otherworldly explanations woven into the narrative, yet the storyline kept me guessing at every turn.
While I did struggle with many of the characters, who often came across as quite unlikable, I found that this complexity added a layer of depth—especially as the plot thickened towards the gripping conclusion. Their flawed natures became more understandable as the story unfolded.
One aspect that left me a bit disappointed was some of the explanations provided in the conclusion. I find it hard to accept the notion that adultery, while undoubtedly immoral and detestable, could be seen in the same light as heinous acts like rape, murder, child abuse, and torture.
Overall, however, this book was a true page-turner that captivated me from start to finish. I genuinely enjoyed the experience and would recommend it.
While I did struggle with many of the characters, who often came across as quite unlikable, I found that this complexity added a layer of depth—especially as the plot thickened towards the gripping conclusion. Their flawed natures became more understandable as the story unfolded.
One aspect that left me a bit disappointed was some of the explanations provided in the conclusion. I find it hard to accept the notion that adultery, while undoubtedly immoral and detestable, could be seen in the same light as heinous acts like rape, murder, child abuse, and torture.
Overall, however, this book was a true page-turner that captivated me from start to finish. I genuinely enjoyed the experience and would recommend it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Hate crime, Infidelity, Rape, Sexual violence, Mass/school shootings, Murder, and Pregnancy
Cunk on Everything: The Encyclopedia Philomena by Jason Hazeley, Philomena Cunk, Joel Morris
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.0
This book is just pure joy and so much fun! I absolutely love Philomena Cunk; her quirky take on life is absolutely brilliant and has me laughing out loud.
I decided to go with the audiobook because I knew having Cunk narrate would make it even better—and I was totally right! Her funny voice and comedic timing added so much to the experience. I honestly enjoyed it way more than if I had just read it.
In a world where I often take things way too seriously, diving into the hilarity of Philomena Cunk is a refreshing change of pace. It’s important to lighten up and remember to laugh at the absurdities of life, and this book is a fantastic reminder to do just that.
I decided to go with the audiobook because I knew having Cunk narrate would make it even better—and I was totally right! Her funny voice and comedic timing added so much to the experience. I honestly enjoyed it way more than if I had just read it.
In a world where I often take things way too seriously, diving into the hilarity of Philomena Cunk is a refreshing change of pace. It’s important to lighten up and remember to laugh at the absurdities of life, and this book is a fantastic reminder to do just that.
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
The Blood Tide by Neil Lancaster
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-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
4.0
I'm really enjoying this series, more than I expected. I didn't like it quite as much as the first and I did wonder if there are any uncorrupt cops in Scotland!
I enjoyed the suspense and the police protocols, which made it seem more real and again, I was delighted by the Scottish setting.
I'll definitely be reading the next in the series.
I enjoyed the suspense and the police protocols, which made it seem more real and again, I was delighted by the Scottish setting.
I'll definitely be reading the next in the series.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Blood
Dead Man's Grave by Neil Lancaster
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I genuinely enjoyed this book far more than I had anticipated. The main character, Max, felt somewhat clichéd—a former soldier now turned cop grappling with the haunting memories giving him nightmares and living with PTSD. His decision to quit alcohol due to its detrimental effects on his life adds depth to his struggles, especially as he now finds himself living apart from his wife.
Despite this familiar premise, I found myself captivated by the storyline. The intricate connections to the world of gangsters added a thrilling layer of suspense, while the depiction of police protocols felt strikingly authentic and grounded in reality.
The cast of characters was engaging and well-drawn, and the setting in Scotland infused the narrative with a charming ambience that heightened the overall experience.
Despite this familiar premise, I found myself captivated by the storyline. The intricate connections to the world of gangsters added a thrilling layer of suspense, while the depiction of police protocols felt strikingly authentic and grounded in reality.
The cast of characters was engaging and well-drawn, and the setting in Scotland infused the narrative with a charming ambience that heightened the overall experience.