Scan barcode
rgoth's reviews
365 reviews
And Away... by Bob Mortimer
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
Rating biographies can be quite challenging, as they often present a deeply personal journey through an individual’s life experiences. However, this particular biography stands out for its exceptional writing and unwavering honesty. The author skillfully captures the complexities of life, blending humour with moments of sadness, tension, and hope, creating a rich tapestry of emotions.
I chose to listen to the audiobook version, and I highly recommend it to anyone considering this title. Bob himself narrates the story, which adds a delightful and witty edge to the narrative. His unique voice and delivery bring the text to life, making the listening experience not just enjoyable but also immersive. The combination of his personal touch and the engaging content truly enhances the overall impact of the story.
I chose to listen to the audiobook version, and I highly recommend it to anyone considering this title. Bob himself narrates the story, which adds a delightful and witty edge to the narrative. His unique voice and delivery bring the text to life, making the listening experience not just enjoyable but also immersive. The combination of his personal touch and the engaging content truly enhances the overall impact of the story.
Meltdown in Christmas River by Meg Muldoon
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Let’s begin with the positives. This book is a whirlwind of activity, moving at a brisk pace that makes it incredibly easy to digest. It's the kind of read you can pick up when you need a lighthearted escape from deeper, more intense novels. As a cosy mystery, it offers a familiar structure peppered with a few twists. Interestingly, I stumbled upon this book as part of a promotion, which is why I jumped in at book 10 of the series. Fortunately, the narrative stands alone well enough; while there are nods to events from earlier instalments, prior knowledge isn’t necessary to enjoy the story.
However, numerous aspects left me feeling disappointed. The main character, Cinnamon, embodies an excessively sweet disposition that feels painfully one-dimensional. Rather than endearing her to me, her overtly sugary nature quickly became grating. Her relationship with her husband teeters on the edge of saccharine overload, and by the book's conclusion, I found myself cringing at their nauseatingly sweet exchanges, almost feeling the need for a sugar detox.
The author really loves similes—an abundance of them, to be precise—which added an overwhelming layer of description that I found more distracting than delightful. In terms of plot, the improbabilities piled up: in this small town, do really all the residents indulge in pies to such an extent that it raises questions about their health? It felt hard to believe that an entire community would be so obsessed with Cinnamon’s baked goods. Moreover, the outrageous situations Cinnamon finds herself in stretch realism to its limits, especially considering there’s a distinct lack of genuine tension throughout the story. Just as the narrative starts to build any suspense, it evaporates far too swiftly.
In the end, I can appreciate why some readers find comfort in this series; it simply doesn’t resonate with me. Though I have cherished many cosy mysteries in the past, this one didn’t quite hit the mark for my tastes.
However, numerous aspects left me feeling disappointed. The main character, Cinnamon, embodies an excessively sweet disposition that feels painfully one-dimensional. Rather than endearing her to me, her overtly sugary nature quickly became grating. Her relationship with her husband teeters on the edge of saccharine overload, and by the book's conclusion, I found myself cringing at their nauseatingly sweet exchanges, almost feeling the need for a sugar detox.
The author really loves similes—an abundance of them, to be precise—which added an overwhelming layer of description that I found more distracting than delightful. In terms of plot, the improbabilities piled up: in this small town, do really all the residents indulge in pies to such an extent that it raises questions about their health? It felt hard to believe that an entire community would be so obsessed with Cinnamon’s baked goods. Moreover, the outrageous situations Cinnamon finds herself in stretch realism to its limits, especially considering there’s a distinct lack of genuine tension throughout the story. Just as the narrative starts to build any suspense, it evaporates far too swiftly.
In the end, I can appreciate why some readers find comfort in this series; it simply doesn’t resonate with me. Though I have cherished many cosy mysteries in the past, this one didn’t quite hit the mark for my tastes.
Stardust by Neil Gaiman
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This wasn't my cup of tea, unfortunately.
Bleeding Heart Yard by Elly Griffiths
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
medium-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? No
3.5
I would rate this book 3.5 ⭐, which I ultimately rounded up to a 4.
This instalment felt like a departure from the previous two books in the series, and unfortunately, it lost some of the magical charms that drew me in earlier. While DI Harbinder Kaur’s transition to London is a significant change, it wasn’t solely that shift that affected my engagement with the story. The plot, while still intriguing, didn’t possess the same level of complexity and suspense that I had come to expect from the earlier instalments.
I also found myself struggling with the numerous points of view presented throughout the book. It took me quite some time to get into the flow of the narrative, and I was well into the story before I could keep track of all the characters’ perspectives. This was particularly challenging because several of the viewpoints belonged to people who were students together and whose experiences overlapped, creating a bit of confusion.
Despite these drawbacks, the mystery itself is well-crafted and engaging. I managed to piece together some clues, but I still misidentified the killer, which speaks to Griffiths' skill as a storyteller. Her ability to weave a complex narrative is commendable, and the characters are notably well-developed and realistic, which adds depth to the story. I have a strong affinity for DI Kaur, and despite my mixed feelings about this book, it hasn't deterred me from wanting to continue reading the series. I'm looking forward to seeing where Griffiths takes the characters next!
This instalment felt like a departure from the previous two books in the series, and unfortunately, it lost some of the magical charms that drew me in earlier. While DI Harbinder Kaur’s transition to London is a significant change, it wasn’t solely that shift that affected my engagement with the story. The plot, while still intriguing, didn’t possess the same level of complexity and suspense that I had come to expect from the earlier instalments.
I also found myself struggling with the numerous points of view presented throughout the book. It took me quite some time to get into the flow of the narrative, and I was well into the story before I could keep track of all the characters’ perspectives. This was particularly challenging because several of the viewpoints belonged to people who were students together and whose experiences overlapped, creating a bit of confusion.
Despite these drawbacks, the mystery itself is well-crafted and engaging. I managed to piece together some clues, but I still misidentified the killer, which speaks to Griffiths' skill as a storyteller. Her ability to weave a complex narrative is commendable, and the characters are notably well-developed and realistic, which adds depth to the story. I have a strong affinity for DI Kaur, and despite my mixed feelings about this book, it hasn't deterred me from wanting to continue reading the series. I'm looking forward to seeing where Griffiths takes the characters next!
The Burning Men by Will Shindler
challenging
dark
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? It's complicated
3.0
There were several aspects of this story that I found genuinely enjoyable, while there were other parts that left me puzzled regarding the characters' motivations. Many of the decisions made by the characters seemed implausible, making it difficult for me to fully engage with the plot.
Furthermore, I struggled to connect with any of the characters on a personal level; I found them unlikable and, as a result, I felt indifferent about their fates. Their development did not resonate with me in the way I had hoped, which detracted from my overall investment in the narrative.
Interestingly, even though I didn't foresee the identity of the killer, I could see, in retrospect, that the clues were there and quite evident once revealed. The rationale behind their actions felt far-fetched and hypocritical, which is acknowledged within the story itself.
Despite my mixed feelings about this particular piece, I am open to reading more works by this author in the future. Their writing style has potential, and I believe that perhaps their next story might offer a more compelling and relatable experience.
Furthermore, I struggled to connect with any of the characters on a personal level; I found them unlikable and, as a result, I felt indifferent about their fates. Their development did not resonate with me in the way I had hoped, which detracted from my overall investment in the narrative.
Interestingly, even though I didn't foresee the identity of the killer, I could see, in retrospect, that the clues were there and quite evident once revealed. The rationale behind their actions felt far-fetched and hypocritical, which is acknowledged within the story itself.
Despite my mixed feelings about this particular piece, I am open to reading more works by this author in the future. Their writing style has potential, and I believe that perhaps their next story might offer a more compelling and relatable experience.
After the People Lights Have Gone Off by Stephen Graham Jones
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This book was a great read and I'm glad I read it. As is often the case with short story collections, some resonated more deeply than others. A few felt rather predictable, lacking the spark that keeps a reader engaged, while others stood out vividly in my mind, leaving a lasting impression with their unique plots.
The PostScript Murders by Elly Griffiths
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
fast-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 is yet another fantastic book by Elly Griffiths that I thoroughly enjoyed. As I reflect on both books in the series so far, I'm finding it challenging to choose which one I liked best, as each has its unique charm and appeal. While this book is the second in the series, it is crafted in such a way that it can easily be appreciated as a standalone novel.
The pacing is brisk, making it a quick and engaging read, filled with unexpected twists that kept me on my toes. The characters are vividly drawn and well-developed, each bringing their own distinctive qualities and nuances to the story. I found myself genuinely liking all of them, which added to the overall enjoyment of the narrative.
This book is the perfect cosy crime novel that invites you to immerse yourself deeply in the plot, making it hard to put down. It's a delightful blend of intrigue and character-driven storytelling that is sure to captivate any mystery lover.
The pacing is brisk, making it a quick and engaging read, filled with unexpected twists that kept me on my toes. The characters are vividly drawn and well-developed, each bringing their own distinctive qualities and nuances to the story. I found myself genuinely liking all of them, which added to the overall enjoyment of the narrative.
This book is the perfect cosy crime novel that invites you to immerse yourself deeply in the plot, making it hard to put down. It's a delightful blend of intrigue and character-driven storytelling that is sure to captivate any mystery lover.
The Stranger Diaries by Elly Griffiths
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? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
When I first began reading this book, I found myself feeling a bit uncertain about what to expect. It was a significant departure from Elly Griffiths' other series, which made me question whether I would be able to immerse myself in the story. However, as the plot unfolded and the action escalated, I was completely hooked!
Clare, the protagonist, emerged as an intricate and multifaceted character. There were moments when her decisions frustrated me to no end, making it difficult to empathise with her. Yet, there were also instances where I genuinely found myself cheering for her, showcasing the complex nature of her personality. Despite my mixed feelings about Clare, my absolute favourite character was Detective Kaur. With her sharp wit, intelligence, and unwavering determination, Kaur brought a refreshing energy to the narrative that I thoroughly enjoyed.
The use of multiple POVs added an interesting dimension to the storytelling. While there were a few moments when this technique felt a bit jarring, overall, it served to enhance the plot and the motivations of various characters. Each perspective contributed to a richer, more nuanced narrative that kept me engaged.
Now, I am genuinely looking forward to diving into the subsequent books in this series! The intriguing twists and the depth of character development have piqued my interest, and I can't wait to see where the story goes from here.
Clare, the protagonist, emerged as an intricate and multifaceted character. There were moments when her decisions frustrated me to no end, making it difficult to empathise with her. Yet, there were also instances where I genuinely found myself cheering for her, showcasing the complex nature of her personality. Despite my mixed feelings about Clare, my absolute favourite character was Detective Kaur. With her sharp wit, intelligence, and unwavering determination, Kaur brought a refreshing energy to the narrative that I thoroughly enjoyed.
The use of multiple POVs added an interesting dimension to the storytelling. While there were a few moments when this technique felt a bit jarring, overall, it served to enhance the plot and the motivations of various characters. Each perspective contributed to a richer, more nuanced narrative that kept me engaged.
Now, I am genuinely looking forward to diving into the subsequent books in this series! The intriguing twists and the depth of character development have piqued my interest, and I can't wait to see where the story goes from here.
The Skeleton Key by Erin Kelly
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Initially, I was completely captivated by the first few chapters; the plot had a compelling hook that drew me in with great promise. However, as the story progressed, I found myself struggling with the pacing. It turned into quite a slow burn, and there were moments when I seriously considered putting the book down for good. By the time I reached the 70% mark, I felt that the narrative could have easily wrapped up, and I was sceptical about how the storyline could possibly improve from that point.
To my surprise, the last few chapters completely changed my perspective. They were filled with unexpected twists and turns, revealing layers of lies, betrayal, and deceit that left me genuinely shocked. The complexity of the situations and the characters really elevated the story in those final moments. At its core, the book revolves around two families that are so deeply dysfunctional and unhinged that, at times, they come across as unrealistic. Despite this, I found myself intrigued by the dynamics at play between them.
I enjoy Kelly's writing style, and while this book may not be my favourite of hers, I’m ultimately glad that I persevered. The narrative took me on a rollercoaster ride, and the payoff in the end made it a worthwhile read.
To my surprise, the last few chapters completely changed my perspective. They were filled with unexpected twists and turns, revealing layers of lies, betrayal, and deceit that left me genuinely shocked. The complexity of the situations and the characters really elevated the story in those final moments. At its core, the book revolves around two families that are so deeply dysfunctional and unhinged that, at times, they come across as unrealistic. Despite this, I found myself intrigued by the dynamics at play between them.
I enjoy Kelly's writing style, and while this book may not be my favourite of hers, I’m ultimately glad that I persevered. The narrative took me on a rollercoaster ride, and the payoff in the end made it a worthwhile read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Drug use, Toxic relationship, Abortion, and Murder
The Christmas Killer by Alex Pine
This book is a mixed bag. It’s a quick read that allows you to slip into the story quickly, and I found myself warming up to the characters right from the start. James, in particular, stands out as a refreshing presence; he’s a police officer who defies the typical tropes of being reckless, having affairs or constantly drowning in whiskey. Though he may come across as somewhat mundane, I surprisingly enjoyed his character, as well as that of his wife, Annie.
However, the storyline does have its issues. As certain pieces of the plot fell into place, it became increasingly apparent who the real killer was, which somewhat diminished the element of surprise. I'm also disappointed with how quickly the story wrapped up towards the end and how many lose ends remain. I can't believe how quickly James stumbled on the killer with so many potential kills left!
Nevertheless, I ultimately found it to be an enjoyable read. It perfectly caters to my craving for a light and engaging Christmas thriller, making it an ideal choice for the season.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
This book is a mixed bag. It’s a quick read that allows you to slip into the story quickly, and I found myself warming up to the characters right from the start. James, in particular, stands out as a refreshing presence; he’s a police officer who defies the typical tropes of being reckless, having affairs or constantly drowning in whiskey. Though he may come across as somewhat mundane, I surprisingly enjoyed his character, as well as that of his wife, Annie.
However, the storyline does have its issues. As certain pieces of the plot fell into place, it became increasingly apparent who the real killer was, which somewhat diminished the element of surprise. I'm also disappointed with how quickly the story wrapped up towards the end and how many lose ends remain. I can't believe how quickly James stumbled on the killer with so many potential kills left!
Nevertheless, I ultimately found it to be an enjoyable read. It perfectly caters to my craving for a light and engaging Christmas thriller, making it an ideal choice for the season.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Pedophilia, Dementia, Abortion, and Murder