beriboo's Reviews (411)

This was a bit of a rollercoaster read for me, in an up-and-down kind of way. There were moments where I was completely absorbed in the story, intrigued by the atmosphere and the intertwined lives of the characters. But then, just as quickly, I'd find myself losing interest, as the narrative dipped in and out of engagement throughout the book.

The setting is hauntingly beautiful and adds a touch of mystery, but in terms of plot, I found it somewhat predictable. I could see where things were heading, even if all the little details of the revelations weren't immediately clear.

While the book has its charms, the fluctuating pacing and mix of captivating and less engaging moments left me feeling ambivalent overall. It's definitely worth a read if you enjoy a good family saga with a gothic twist, but temper your expectations for a tale that fully grips from start to finish.

A mix of highs and lows for me, it might resonate differently with others. Give it a shot if you're curious about a story with secrets woven into the walls of a grand old house. 

I finally got around to reading *The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,* and I have to say, I was let down after all the hype. With so many rave reviews, I was expecting something extraordinary, but for me, it turned out to be just an average read. I’ve probably stretched the rating up to 3, it might be more of a 2.5.

The representation of neurodiversity was handled with care, in my opinion. Given the vast spectrum of autism, it's understandable that not every portrayal will resonate with everyone. I didn't find anything offensive; Christopher's character seemed like a person experiencing a more intense form of autism. While that representation felt genuine, I struggled to connect with the story and its characters.

The plot didn’t have the gripping twists or emotional depth I was hoping for. I found myself getting bored fairly quickly, and without compelling characters to latch onto, it became more of a chore to finish than an exciting page-turner.

So, while I appreciate the effort and intention behind the book, it just didn’t hit the mark for me personally. If you’re curious, give it a try, but it might be better suited for those seeking a glimpse into a unique perspective rather than a thrilling narrative. 

I recently picked up What You Are Looking For is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama, drawn in by its intriguing title and the idea of finding answers in a library (because, who doesn’t love a good library setting?). It turned out to be a cute read, but not entirely my cup of tea.

This book falls into what I've heard called “healing fiction,” designed to be soothing and introspective. But frankly, I guess I’m not quite in touch with my feelings or personal growth journey enough to fully appreciate it. The narrative aims to gently guide characters—and maybe readers—through their emotional hurdles, which is charming, just not particularly gripping for me.

While it’s a heartwarming read with a soft touch and lovely messages about self-discovery, I found it a bit too subdued for my taste. If you’re into cozy, healing tales that explore inner reflections, you might find more treasure here than I did. As for me, I’ll be keeping an eye out for something with a bit more edge next time around.

So, I decided to dive into this because I was intrigued by the idea of a "female Sherlock Holmes." But, here's the twist—I’m not really a Holmes aficionado to begin with, so perhaps this was doomed from the start for me.

Lady Molly, our brilliant sleuth, was supposed to dazzle with her detective skills and charm. However, I found her cases and deductions didn’t quite ignite the mystery-loving bonfire in my heart. The stories felt a bit dated and lacked the suspense or clever twists I crave in a good detective yarn.

While I appreciate the attempt to bring a formidable female detective to the forefront, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. If you're a Holmes fan, you might have a different take. As for me, I'll be paging through other mystery shelves for my next fix. 

Well, it wasn't quite the crowning glory I hoped for. I love some cozy crime, but this one left me feeling more "meh" than mystery.

Let’s talk about Nell Ward—our leading lady, who should’ve been the Sherlock Holmes in a lab coat! Instead, she felt more like she wandered in from a "How to Be Boring" convention. And trust me, I'm all for smart, strong female leads, especially those who can mix a chemical cocktail in a jiffy, but Nell just didn’t quite resonate with me, something was just missing.

Now, about that love triangle... or should I say love Bermuda Triangle, because all my interest got lost in it. I was here for mystery, not an episode of The Bachelor: Murder Edition. It’s like those romance shenanigans took over the main plot and dunked the actual mystery under the covers—maybe it’ll come up for air in the sequel?

But I’ll be honest, I’m in no rush to read the next instalment of the series

This is a compelling and thought-provoking read that I thoroughly enjoyed. It dives into contemporary issues with both nuance and sharpness, making it both relevant and engaging. Adegoke’s writing is insightful, tackling themes of social justice, media influence, and the complexities of modern relationships.

The story is driven by its strong, well-developed characters, which kept me invested from start to finish. Adegoke deftly explores the impact of "the list"—a controversial document that disrupts the lives of those involved—in a way that's both gripping and reflective of real-world dynamics.

What I particularly appreciated was the way Adegoke balances the intensity of the subject matter with moments of wit and humanity. This blend keeps the narrative engaging without feeling heavy-handed.

Overall, this is a resonant and timely read that poses important questions about accountability and truth in the digital age. If you're looking for fiction that challenges you to think and reflects on today's societal challenges, this book is definitely worth picking up.

This is another solid entry in this entertaining cozy crime series. I've been enjoying these books, and this one didn’t disappoint. It's the perfect blend of mystery and lightheartedness that makes for an enjoyable read.

The plot is cleverly woven and keeps you guessing with its twists and turns. While it doesn't break new ground, it delivers exactly what you'd expect from a cozy crime tale: intriguing puzzles, charming characters, and a satisfying whodunit. The setting adds its own charm, making it an irresistible part of the experience.

As expected, Thorogood’s writing is engaging and fun—ideal for curling up with on a lazy afternoon. I'm already looking forward to the next installment, excited to see what mysteries will unfold next.

If you're a fan of cozy mysteries, The Queen of Poisons is a delightful addition to your reading list. It’s just the kind of book you want for some light, escapist reading. 

Conjure Women by Afia Atakora is a beautifully crafted narrative that captivated me from the beginning. Spanning two timelines, both before and after the Civil War, it skillfully explores themes of freedom, identity, and the intricate bonds between mothers and daughters.

The story follows Rue, a midwife and healer, as she navigates a world filled with both mystery and challenge. Atakora's talent for creating vivid and compelling characters, particularly the resilient women at the story's center, is truly exceptional. Rue's journey is detailed and poignant, pulling you into her world full of both traditional knowledge and survival.

I particularly appreciated the historical context, which delves into a part of history that isn't often highlighted. Through Atakora's storytelling, I gained a deeper understanding of the cultural practices and transitions of the time. The book effectively illustrates the shift from traditional spiritual practices to the Christianized influences among Black communities in America during this period.

The atmospheric setting and rich prose make this a novel to savour. I found myself engrossed in both the historical aspects and the supernatural elements, which Atakora balances beautifully. While some sections are slower-paced, the depth and complexity of the story kept me engaged throughout.

Overall, Conjure Women is a haunting and powerful read that offers an engaging perspective on a significant historical era. It's a highly recommended read for those interested in a story that is both enchanting and thought-provoking. 

While I enjoyed it, I did feel it lacked some of the warmth and charm that made the Thursday Murder Club series so special. However, I appreciated the strong female characters that Osman consistently writes so well. They added depth and provided a fresh perspective to the story, making it compelling in its own right.

The plot is engaging and well-crafted, keeping me hooked with its twists and turns. While it may not have fully captured the cozy camaraderie of Osman's previous books, it was an interesting setup for the series, leaving me curious about what might happen next.

Overall, it is a solid mystery with Osman's signature humour and knack for storytelling. Though it may not reach the heartwarming heights of the Thursday Murder Club, it's an intriguing first step in the series that has piqued my interest for what’s to come.

Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz was an interesting ride, especially once I realised it was a book within a book! Initially, I couldn't help but chuckle at how much it felt like a Poirot rip-off. 😂 The homage to classic detective stories is clear, but I was relieved when the narrative cleverly split into two intertwined mysteries.

Horowitz does a great job of crafting an engaging puzzle, and I enjoyed the meta aspect of having a mystery about a mystery writer. The two-layered storytelling kept things fresh and intriguing, even when some parts felt a tad familiar or predictable.

While it didn’t completely blow me away, it was entertaining enough to keep me turning the pages. If you’re a fan of classic whodunits with a modern twist, this one’s worth picking up. Just be ready for some serious Agatha Christie vibes!