Sindhu K N
Suspens in Karen's books are no doubt the best but I would have given the book 5 stars if it had a little more character building. Other than that it was a great thriller
I went into Better Than Movies hoping for a good enemies-to-lovers story, but that aspect fell flat for me. The tension between Lis and Wes felt half-hearted and never quite reached the level of real conflict or animosity that makes that trope so fun.
Lis, our leading lady, was a real piece of work. She's got that whole “I'm not arguing, I'm just explaining why I'm right” energy, and sometimes it was hard not to roll my eyes at her. But, honestly, I did get where she was coming from most of the time. Her stubbornness made her a bit irritating, but it also gave her a certain relatability, saving her from being a totally unbearable character.
Now, Wes? He was a total charmer. His sweetness really balanced out Lis's prickly side, and he's the kind of character you can't help but root for.
So while the book was still enjoyable in its own way, I couldn't help but wish the author had leaned harder into that trope. It could have added a lot more complexity and fun to their dynamic.
At this point, I'd consider myself a pro when it comes to Riley Sager's books, having read every single one. Unfortunately, the last few just haven't hit the mark for me, and this one was no different. It aimed to create a suspenseful, high-energy story—fast-paced and action-packed—but it just didn't land. The main character felt flat and unrelatable, and the plot stretched believability to its limits.
It started with promise, reminiscent of the clever, dark tones, but somewhere along the way, it lost its edge. The ending especially felt rushed and cobbled together, like Sager needed to pull a twist out of nowhere, and it didn't quite gel. And the whole “movies playing in her head” gimmick? It felt more like a distraction than an effective narrative device. I wanted something that dug deeper, but instead, I got a story that felt like it was playing pretend.
The story had a good ending. Too much of a drama though. You can get all the elements of CB books...
I'm so sad that this book got over. this was so good. The story was funny, heartfelt and relatable. I wish I could read it for the first time all over again.
“People We Meet on Vacation” might not be flawless, but it's undoubtedly the best romance I've ever experienced.
Not really a great thriller I guess. It was mostly drama is what I thought with bit suspence at the end.
I just blew through this book! The dark and suspenseful plot had me hooked from the start, and the pace was so fast I could hardly catch my breath. I was totally obsessed with the story. The writing was so gripping. If you're looking for a read that'll keep you up all night, this is the one!
“Finlay Donovan is Killing It” - and I'm not just talking about the bodies piling up around her! I'm giving this book 4 stars because it was a ridiculous, hilarious ride that had me giggling and snorting my way through.
Finlay herself? Not exactly relatable (I mean, who gets caught up in a murder plot and still manages to worry about their hair?). But reading about her misadventures was an absolute blast! As she says, “I was a hot mess, but I was a hot mess in a minivan, so I was still a responsible adult, right?”
I loved how the author leaned into the absurdity of it all, with Finlay's inner monologue providing some of the best laughs. Like when she's trying to sneak around a crime scene and thinks, “I was basically a ninja, if ninjas wore yoga pants and had a perpetual wine headache.”
The writing is witty, the pacing is quick, and the characters are quirky and fun. Even if Finlay's antics drive you crazy (and they will), you can't help but root for her. As she says, “I was a terrible person, but I was a terrible person with a good heart.”
Overall, “Finlay Donovan is Killing It” is a fun, lighthearted read perfect for when you need a laugh and a break from the seriousness of life. Just remember, if you're going to get caught up in a murder plot, make sure you're wearing clean pants. Priorities, people!
Such a Melodramatic book! Avery is the queen of overthinking. I wanted her thoughts to just shut up so I can read the book peacefully. The book did not do justice to the plot which is also quite lacking in the mystery element. The games were the main fun element of the book and also the part that hooked you to the story.
The story was made very complicated which felt unnecessary at times. It didn't have the same feel as other Karen's books.
Quite a boring start to 2024 I must say. The story was good but I did not enjoy the writing it was very slow paced for me.
I expected more action during ski trips which was not delivered here. It was very easy to guess the killer because of the way she was portrayed.
I enjoyed the book thoroughly. This was a very thrilling ride. This is a must read if you want a mystery experience without having a hint of what's going to happen next.
I'm torn about “The Hawthorne Legacy”. On one hand, I adored the Hawthorne brothers - Jameson, Xander, and Grayson - and loved seeing more of their complexities and dynamics. Xander, in particular, stole the show for me!
On the other hand, I struggled with the protagonist, Avery. Her self-obsession and constant need for validation made it hard for me to connect with her. I found myself rolling my eyes more often than not.
Unfortunately, the supporting characters didn't get as much attention or development as they did in the first book, which was disappointing. It felt like they were relegated to the background, and I missed seeing more of their stories and growth.
Overall, it was an okay read, but my love for the Hawthorne brothers kept me invested. I hope the next book gives the supporting cast more love and balances out the character development.
It wasn't a bad book. The plot was good but the characters, I wasn't able to love any character and there wasn't enough character development as such. The book also felt slow paced and sometimes I felt there was too much unnecessary information which could have been cut short.
Snooze-Fest: “Sundown Motel” Falls Flat!
“Warning: if you're looking for a horror book that'll keep you up all night, trembling with fear, keep looking! ‘Sundown Motel' by Simone St. James is a ghostly disappointment that'll put you to sleep faster than a glass of warm milk.
The characters? Meh. The plot? Basic. But hey, at least the ghosts... wait, nope! They're just as boring as everything else in this book! I mean, what's the point of having ghosts if they're not going to do anything remotely spooky or interesting? It's like they're just there to decorate the pages with their eerie presence, but ultimately, they're about as scary as a kitten with a ball of yarn.
I was expecting a chilling tale of murder, mayhem, and supernatural shenanigans, but what I got was a snore-fest that failed to deliver on even the most basic horror elements. If you're a fan of predictable, unengaging stories with boring characters and ghostly no-shows, then ‘Sundown Motel' might be the book for you! But if you're looking for actual scares and excitement, keep searching. This one's a dud!”
I just don't know how I feel about this book. Was the ending unexpected? Totally!
Did I like the ending ? No, not at all.
