beriboo's Reviews (411)

I read this in one day while relaxing in the sunshine. It’s exactly what you want in a cozy crime book. (Although I would like the married main characters to divorce their useless husbands!! The men are written as being selfish and ungrateful yet the woman release how lucky they are!)

It was left on a bit of a cliffhanger, but not for the murder mystery, for the personal lives of the main characters. I’m glad about that though, because it means there will be another book!

I do really enjoy this series. It’s light hearted, had a central group of funny, smart and kind women, and murder to solve is a sleep English village. 

I read it in two sittings over two days and it was a nice easy read, nothing spectacular, nothing offensive, pretty much what you want out of a cozy crime book. 

The characters are all unlikeable, and are meant to be. It has quite a build up to the murder, and then a load of suspects trapped on an island waiting for the police, all suspecting each other. 

I do give a little side-eye to people who say “oh I knew who the killer was straight away”, the writing is meant to make to you think it’s each of the characters at some point, so yes, you probably did think it was them. But also someone else at a different point of the book.

Anyway, it’s not meant to be a great mystery of the ages, it’s just a fun read, so don’t take it too seriously and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. 

I really struggled with this book and only continued reading it because I couldn’t find any full summaries with spoilers online.

Not that I needed to, the entire thing was so predictable and a tale as old as time.

I enjoyed the miniaturist, but this book did not need to exist and it feels like the author didn’t really know what to do with this story either. Paragraph after paragraph of just waffle and words without actually saying anything.

I couldn’t stand any of the characters, especially Thea, her bitterness towards Nella was so unnecessary and yet she is made out to be the misunderstood victim of the tale. She was nothing short of selfish and ungrateful.

Nothing happens in the book, just a lot of dialogue between the same characters about the same thing, money / marriage “you don’t know what it’s like for me” well no, they don’t because no of you actually speak to each other despite being locked away together for 18 years. 

There is no point to the miniaturist at all, three items delivered that mean nothing and have no involvement in the story. The atmosphere is lacking too, the descriptions of Amsterdam and the society that made the previous book so lifelike have been completely missed out. 

Overall, I’m a little grumpy that I wasted so much valuable reading time on this, feels like a cash grab off the popularity of The Miniaturist, nothing else.

A captivating journey through folklore and mysticism, wrapped in Gleeson's beautifully poetic prose. The story skilfully interweaves the magical with the mundane, creating a hauntingly immersive atmosphere that draws you right into its enchanted world. 

While the narrative occasionally feels uneven in pacing, it's a rewarding read if you appreciate lyrical storytelling and the subtle art of weaving folklore into a contemporary setting. For those who love a touch of the mystical mingled with deep introspection, it offers a thoughtful escape that lingers in the mind.

This is a unique and whimsical tale centered around a quaint café where time travel is possible, but only for the brief duration of a cup of coffee. Many readers describe it as "healing fiction," offering gentle soul-searching and heartwarming narratives about love, loss, and reconciliation. While the concept was undeniably cute and the stories were crafted with care, I found it didn't quite resonate with me personally. If you’re someone who enjoys introspective and comforting reads, you might find a warm solace here. For me, it just didn’t hit the exact emotional note I was hoping for, but it certainly holds potential for those looking for a gentle, reflective escape.

This is a beautifully written epic that follows the multi-generational story of a Korean family living in Japan. The novel shines with its rich, vibrant characters who embody resilience and hope in the face of adversity. Lee's narrative masterfully intertwines historical events with personal stories, offering a profound look into themes of identity, belonging, and cultural heritage. While the pacing can feel a bit slow at times, the depth and emotional impact of the story make it a truly rewarding read. If you're in the mood for something that combines history, family drama, and a heartwarming exploration of life's struggles, this book is absolutely worth your time. 

I wasn’t sure what to expect with this given all the hype. I read someone saying they had seen a woman  at an airport who had such a dramatic reaction to "that bit" that they had to backtrack and re-read it to make sure they weren't dreaming! So, I was all set for a big reveal, but nothing really caught me off guard. So I’m not sure what “that bit” actually was. 

Still, the book is a pleasant read, perfect for lounging by the pool. Evelyn’s glamorous Hollywood tale, with its ups and downs, kept me entertained, even if it didn't deliver the plot twist I'd anticipated. If you're seeking an engaging story with a touch of old-school glamor for your vacation reading, this one is worth checking out.

Delightful continuation of the adventures of the Marlow Murder Club, and I thoroughly enjoyed it as much as the first book. Robert Thorogood does a fantastic job of bringing the charming Marlow ladies to life, infusing the narrative with warmth, humour, and a good dose of intrigue. The mystery is engaging, filled with twists and turns that keep you guessing while showcasing Thorogood's knack for blending cozy crime with entertaining character interactions. If you enjoyed the first book, this sequel is sure to keep you just as entertained as the Marlow ladies unravel another intriguing case.

*The Darkness* by Ragnar Jónasson gets 2 out of 5 stars from me. The plot dragged, but the unexpected twist at the end was a standout moment.

I had high hopes diving into this one, but, regrettably, I found myself struggling to stay engaged. I really wanted to enjoy this book, knowing Whitehead’s reputation for brilliant storytelling, but it just didn’t click for me this time around.

One of the main issues I had was keeping track of the sheer number of characters and the somewhat scattered timeline. The narrative jumped around enough that I found myself losing concentration more often than not, which made it difficult to get fully invested in the plot.

There are definitely glimmers of Whitehead’s exceptional writing throughout—his portrayal of Harlem and the intricacies of the 1960s offer a vivid backdrop—but I just couldn’t keep up with the overall rhythm of the story.

It’s a real shame because I know there's a great story hiding in there for someone who can follow the flow better than I could. If you’re a fan of character-rich, multi-layered narratives, you might find it more rewarding than I did. For me, though, it was just a bit too hard to follow. 

Maybe I will try again when I’m not so burnt out