Hell's Glen

Note: I received this book for free as an ARC from Netgalley.

This was interesting. There's SA of a minor in the first chapter so watch out for that. The author doesn't describe the SA beat for beat, it's more of an ‘off-screen' implied thing. It does have its purpose for being there in relation to the story but it is still upsetting. If partially described SA is too much for you I recommend skipping the first chapter. It's referenced/mentioned enough times during the rest of the book that I don't think you would be missing vital context by skipping it.

Other than that this book is enjoyable. The mystery captured me enough to keep reading. The tech stuff made me giggle at times especially at the end. There were a few steamy scenes that genuinely made me hot under the collar which is a rarity for me. The relationship between the protags was a bit far fetched but that matched the plot so I didn't mind.

My only critical feedback about it (apart from the SA) is the rushed ending because it gets into a bit of deus ex machina territory to resolve a dangerous situation and the loose ends are very rapidly tied up in the last two chapters. The pacing at the end of the book didn't match the pace of the previous chapters. It was a bit jarring and silly (in the laugh out loud sense) to me but I still liked it.

I would recommend this book to others who like lighter reads that focus on mystery elements. The plot doesn't get too bogged down in details which helps it move along at a good clip (until the super speed ending). The protags are nuanced enough that they're not clichés and the mystery piqued my curiosity enough to keep me engaged even when I had minor issues with the plot or characters.

I don't usually re-read books but I could see myself reading this again on my commute or while travelling.

Merged review:

Note: I received this book for free as an ARC from Netgalley.

This was interesting. There's SA of a minor in the first chapter so watch out for that. The author doesn't describe the SA beat for beat, it's more of an ‘off-screen' implied thing. It does have its purpose for being there in relation to the story but it is still upsetting. If partially described SA is too much for you I recommend skipping the first chapter. It's referenced/mentioned enough times during the rest of the book that I don't think you would be missing vital context by skipping it.

Other than that this book is enjoyable. The mystery captured me enough to keep reading. The tech stuff made me giggle at times especially at the end. There were a few steamy scenes that genuinely made me hot under the collar which is a rarity for me. The relationship between the protags was a bit far fetched but that matched the plot so I didn't mind.

My only critical feedback about it (apart from the SA) is the rushed ending because it gets into a bit of deus ex machina territory to resolve a dangerous situation and the loose ends are very rapidly tied up in the last two chapters. The pacing at the end of the book didn't match the pace of the previous chapters. It was a bit jarring and silly (in the laugh out loud sense) to me but I still liked it.

I would recommend this book to others who like lighter reads that focus on mystery elements. The plot doesn't get too bogged down in details which helps it move along at a good clip (until the super speed ending). The protags are nuanced enough that they're not clichés and the mystery piqued my curiosity enough to keep me engaged even when I had minor issues with the plot or characters.

I don't usually re-read books but I could see myself reading this again on my commute or while travelling.