Scan barcode
rgoth's reviews
365 reviews
The House of Mirrors by Erin Kelly
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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
4.5
I thoroughly enjoyed this book; it captivated me from the very first page. The storyline is one of the most intriguing I've encountered in quite some time, weaving a rich tapestry of characters whose diverse narratives kept me eager for more.
One of the elements I especially appreciated was the shifting point of view between the mother and daughter. This dynamic allowed for a deeper understanding of Alice's journey as she grapples with the tumultuous history that has shaped her childhood. Alice herself is a wonderfully crafted character, and I found myself enchanted by her vintage clothing shop—a charming endeavor that resonates with my personal style.
However, my instincts were on high alert when it came to Alice's boyfriend; there was an underlying sense of distrust that suggested his intentions were far from honorable.
While the plot was engaging, there were a few moments that stretched believability a bit too far. For instance, the idea that one could listen to a podcast about strangulation and then execute it flawlessly seemed a bit far-fetched. There is a stark difference between studying a technique in theory and actually committing such an act in reality.
Nevertheless, the author’s writing skills surpassed my expectations, and I found myself eagerly turning the pages. I am definitely looking forward to exploring more of her works in the future.
One of the elements I especially appreciated was the shifting point of view between the mother and daughter. This dynamic allowed for a deeper understanding of Alice's journey as she grapples with the tumultuous history that has shaped her childhood. Alice herself is a wonderfully crafted character, and I found myself enchanted by her vintage clothing shop—a charming endeavor that resonates with my personal style.
However, my instincts were on high alert when it came to Alice's boyfriend; there was an underlying sense of distrust that suggested his intentions were far from honorable.
While the plot was engaging, there were a few moments that stretched believability a bit too far. For instance, the idea that one could listen to a podcast about strangulation and then execute it flawlessly seemed a bit far-fetched. There is a stark difference between studying a technique in theory and actually committing such an act in reality.
Nevertheless, the author’s writing skills surpassed my expectations, and I found myself eagerly turning the pages. I am definitely looking forward to exploring more of her works in the future.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Miscarriage
The Secret of Crickley Hall by James Herbert
dark
mysterious
tense
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? It's complicated
3.0
I came to this author a bit later than most, having first discovered their work through the captivating Rats series, which I absolutely adored. Therefore, I approached this new book with high hopes and eager anticipation.
Regrettably, it fell short of my expectations. The premise had great potential, filled with intriguing concepts that initially drew me in. However, as I delved deeper into the story, I found the suspense to be lacking—something I was particularly looking forward to.
I didn't really care for the main characters either. I didn't jel with their story, and although I can't even begin to imagine how they felt losing a son, they just didn't seem fully rounded as characters.
Additionally, I couldn't help but be put off by the term used for Golly dolls; it's not that they aren't P.C. as the book said. It's that the word itself is a racist term.
Regrettably, it fell short of my expectations. The premise had great potential, filled with intriguing concepts that initially drew me in. However, as I delved deeper into the story, I found the suspense to be lacking—something I was particularly looking forward to.
I didn't really care for the main characters either. I didn't jel with their story, and although I can't even begin to imagine how they felt losing a son, they just didn't seem fully rounded as characters.
Additionally, I couldn't help but be put off by the term used for Golly dolls; it's not that they aren't P.C. as the book said. It's that the word itself is a racist term.
The Last Remains by Elly Griffiths
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
4.25
This series has been a rollercoaster ride for me and I've definitely enjoyed some books more than others. But this was such a fantastic way to end. I was so scared that Griffiths was going to kill off my favourite character though. So I was on the edge of my seat throughout the storyline, more so than in the previous few books in the series.
The Locked Room by Elly Griffiths
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- 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
3.0
The Night Hawks by Elly Griffiths
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
Britain's Ghosts: A Spine Chilling Tour of Our Most Haunted Places by Anna Groves
dark
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
3.0
This book offers a solid overview of some ghostly legends, primarily those tied to National Trust properties, which makes sense since it’s published by the National Trust. It’s a nice collection for anyone curious about haunted sites associated with the organisation.
That said, I feel the title is a bit misleading. It’s not truly a collection of Britain’s most famous ghosts—there are so many well-known legends left out for it to earn that claim. For instance, notable spots like the Skirrid Inn, Cardiff Castle, National Museum Wales, St Fagans, and Llandaff, to name just a few in and around Cardiff, don’t make an appearance. Expanding that to cover all of Britain, many significant ghostly tales are noticeably absent. A more accurate title might be Britain’s Ghosts: Notable Legends from the National Trust and Beyond.
That said, the sections are short, sharp, and well-written, which makes the book accessible to readers who may be new to these stories. I enjoyed it overall, and the accompanying artwork adds a lovely visual touch. I could easily imagine this book on display in a National Trust property, and I’d definitely pick up a copy if I spotted it there.
Thank you to the author, publishers and Netgalley for the ARC of this book. The review is my own.
That said, I feel the title is a bit misleading. It’s not truly a collection of Britain’s most famous ghosts—there are so many well-known legends left out for it to earn that claim. For instance, notable spots like the Skirrid Inn, Cardiff Castle, National Museum Wales, St Fagans, and Llandaff, to name just a few in and around Cardiff, don’t make an appearance. Expanding that to cover all of Britain, many significant ghostly tales are noticeably absent. A more accurate title might be Britain’s Ghosts: Notable Legends from the National Trust and Beyond.
That said, the sections are short, sharp, and well-written, which makes the book accessible to readers who may be new to these stories. I enjoyed it overall, and the accompanying artwork adds a lovely visual touch. I could easily imagine this book on display in a National Trust property, and I’d definitely pick up a copy if I spotted it there.
Thank you to the author, publishers and Netgalley for the ARC of this book. The review is my own.
The Lantern Men by Elly Griffiths
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
The Stone Circle by Elly Griffiths
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
While the book offers a generally enjoyable read. I find myself increasingly frustrated by the implausibility of the storyline. The on-again, off-again dynamic between Ruth and Nelson has begun to wear thin, becoming really monotonous. Despite this, there’s an undeniable allure that makes me still want to read the next instalment. Griffiths undoubtedly possesses a remarkable talent for crafting a narrative that compels readers to keep turning the pages, leaving us hungry for more.
The Dark Angel by Elly Griffiths
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The Chalk Pit by Elly Griffiths
adventurous
challenging
dark
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
4.0
I found this instalment far more enjoyable than the previous two. For some reason, the narrative resonated with me on a deeper level. I appreciated the exploration of the lives of the rough sleepers, as the author skillfully crafted their backstories, transforming them from mere labels of “the homeless” into complex, multifaceted characters with rich histories. While I still believe that certain elements of the plot stretch believability, and I wouldn’t want to reside anywhere near Ruth and her entourage, I couldn’t help but be captivated by the story's brisk pace. It’s an engaging mystery that kept me turning the pages, making it the perfect companion for my cosy autumn evenings.