beriboo's Reviews (411)

"Grant me patience!" said Manfred, "will this wench never come to the point?"

I can totally relate because I found myself asking the same question while wading through a lot of the dialogue! While The Castle of Otranto is like the great-great-grandparent of Gothic literature, it's clear why it isn’t as popular as its descendants. Its overly dramatic plot twists and cardboard characters just didn't stand the test of time for me. So, let's give it 1 out of 5 stars for being the awkward Medieval ancestor at the literary family reunion.

This is a beautifully crafted novel that swept me off my feet. Set in 17th century Amsterdam, the story follows young Nella Oortman as she navigates the complexities of her new marriage and becomes entranced by a mysterious miniaturist whose creations seem to predict the future.

What really sets this book apart is Burton's enchanting writing style. Her vivid descriptions bring the historical setting to life, immersing you in a world filled with intrigue and secrets. The pace is just right, keeping you engaged while gradually unraveling the mystery at the heart of the story.

The characters are wonderfully fleshed out, especially Nella, who evolves from a naive girl into a strong, independent woman. The novel tackles themes of power, freedom, and identity with a subtle touch, making it thought-provoking without ever feeling preachy.

I found myself completely absorbed in the narrative, eager to see how the intricate plot would unfold. While some questions lingered even after the last page, the ambiguity only added to the novel's allure for me.

Overall, this is a captivating and elegantly written tale that I highly recommend to anyone looking for a historical fiction with a touch of mystery and the supernatural.

I really struggled to get through this one, I should have DNF’d because it never got better.

I thought there was something wrong with my copy at first because you would jump forward mid paragraph, but it’s just the odd writing style. Felt sloppy and a little like a child’s way of telling a story.

I did not like the characters. Let’s be clear, it is never stated that Art is autistic or Neurodiverse in the book, and there is a reason for that. Art isn’t written well so if they had labelled him I’m sure it would have been pretty offensive to ND individuals. He made me so uncomfortable, his relationship with Mimi is odd and borderline abusive, but it’s meant to be that they are “bonded” or a bit quirky.

I also didn’t like Mimi, she was a weak character and her decisions were frustrating. 

I don’t like romance books and didn’t go into this thinking I was reading a rom-com, because it isn’t. It’s a book about friendships, sibling relationships, trauma etc. 

It just isn’t written very well.

This is a delightful foray into the world of cozy crime, capturing the essence of small-town charm and clever mysteries. Robert Thorogood crafts an engaging tale with a fantastic protagonist, Judith Potts, whose wit and determination light up every page. The story is a perfect blend of intrigue and humor, ensuring you're entertained while unraveling the intricate plot. It's a wonderful escape that offers just the right amount of comfort and suspense, making it a solid choice for anyone looking to relax with an engaging and heartwarming mystery.

Review: Motherthing by Ainslie Hogarth

Rating: ★★★☆☆

I'm not entirely sure what I just read with Motherthing by Ainslie Hogarth, but it certainly left an impression. I avoided content warnings after seeing a review that said they gave away the ending, and yeh, did not see that coming!

The main character is deeply unlikeable, and I'm still unsure if that's part of the point. The narrative is fairly easy to read, though it wasn’t exactly what I was expecting when I picked it up. Despite the character's off-putting nature, the story kept me engaged enough to keep going.

The book is described as a horror, and it does have some graphic bits, but it's not the traditional sort of horror story I was expecting. The unsettling atmosphere and psychological tension are more prominent than outright scares, making it a different kind of horror experience.

The last 50 pages were an experience in themselves. I was lying in bed feeling a bit sleepy when I reached this part, but I quickly bolted upright, had to double-check what I was reading was real, and then stayed up thinking about it long after I'd finished. The ending hit me out of nowhere and left me pondering the entire book.

Overall, Motherthing is a strange, intriguing read that keeps you guessing. It's not perfect, but if you're in the mood for something different that will leave you thinking, it might just be worth picking up.

Review: The A.B.C. Murders by Agatha Christie

Rating: ★★★★☆

As a devoted Agatha Christie fan (one of my cats is even named after her!), The A.B.C. Murders holds a special place in my heart. This re-read brought back a flood of memories, as it was the first "adult" book I picked out for myself as an 11-year-old in the new school library.

Christie's ingenious plot and masterful storytelling are on full display in this classic Hercule Poirot mystery. The methodical and suspenseful unravelling of the A.B.C. murders kept me just as engaged now as it did all those years ago. Poirot's clever deductions and the unique structure of the crimes make for a thrilling and satisfying read.

The nostalgic connection I have with this book only adds to its charm. Revisiting it reminded me why I fell in love with Christie's work in the first place. The characters are well-drawn, and the interplay between Poirot and Hastings is as delightful as ever.

While I might be a bit sentimental, The A.B.C. Murders genuinely deserves its accolades. It's a testament to Christie's enduring genius and her ability to craft a mystery that remains compelling through the years. If you're a fan of classic whodunits, this one is a must-read.

Review: Small Worlds by Caleb Azumah Nelson

Rating: ★★☆☆☆

I recently finished Small Worlds by Caleb Azumah Nelson, and I have to say, it was a bit of a letdown for me. I'd give it 2 stars.

While Nelson's prose is undeniably beautiful and rhythmic, it often leads to a lot of repetitiveness. The meticulous attention to detail and the need to describe everything in such depth made the narrative feel bogged down at times. This focus on description came at the expense of character development, which left me feeling disconnected from the story.

I struggled to get to know the characters on a deeper level. Despite the rich, lyrical language, they remained distant and somewhat flat. The emotional connection that I was hoping for just never materialised, making it hard to fully invest in their journeys.

Overall, Small Worlds is a book that shines in its use of language but falls short in creating engaging, well-developed characters. If you're a fan of poetic prose, you might appreciate this one more than I did. However, if character depth and development are what you're after, this book might not hit the mark.

Review: Mrs Sidhu's 'Dead and Scone' by Suk Pannu

Rating: ★★★☆☆

I recently read Mrs Sidhu's 'Dead and Scone' by Suk Pannu and I'd give it a solid 3 stars. Although I hadn't heard of Mrs Sidhu before picking up this book, I ended up enjoying both the character and the story.

The plot is filled with twists and turns that kept me guessing, and I was often wrong with my predictions, (but then so were Mrs Sidhu's!!) which made the mystery all the more engaging. The guessing game added an element of fun, even though some of the twists felt a bit contrived at times.

Mrs Sidhu is a delightful character. Her wit, charm, and unique approach to solving mysteries made the book a pleasurable read. Pannu has created a memorable protagonist who stands out in the crowded field of amateur sleuths.

While the story had its ups and downs, and some parts felt a bit predictable, overall it was an enjoyable read. If Suk Pannu decides to write more Mrs Sidhu adventures, I'd definitely be interested in following her escapades. This book is perfect for anyone looking for a light, entertaining mystery with a charismatic lead.

Review: Moon Tiger by Penelope Lively

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆

I recently finished Moon Tiger by Penelope Lively, and I have to say, it was a major disappointment for me. I’d give it just 1 star.

The narrative structure was confusing and disjointed, making it difficult to follow the story. The constant shifts in time and perspective felt more like a gimmick than a meaningful literary technique, and it left me feeling disconnected from the characters and their experiences.

Speaking of the characters, I found them hard to relate to and unengaging. The protagonist, in particular, came across as aloof and unlikable, making it challenging to invest in her journey or care about her outcomes. The emotional moments that were supposed to resonate fell flat because I simply didn't care enough about the people involved.

The writing style, while occasionally beautiful, often felt pretentious and overdone. It seemed like the author was more focused on showcasing her prose than on telling a compelling story. As a result, the book felt more like a chore to read than an enjoyable experience.

Overall, Moon Tiger didn’t work for me at all. It lacked the narrative drive and character depth that I look for in a good novel. If you’re considering picking it up, I’d recommend looking elsewhere for a more satisfying read.

Review: The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman

Rating: ★★★★☆

The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman is a fantastic read that left me deeply moved, earning it a well-deserved 4 stars. This book not only kept me engaged from start to finish but also managed to bring me to tears, which is no small feat.

Osman’s writing is as sharp and witty as ever, with a plot that twists and turns in all the right places. The characters are richly developed, each with their own quirks and depths that make them feel incredibly real. The mystery at the heart of the story is compelling and kept me guessing, but it's the emotional undertones that really set this book apart.

The moments of genuine human connection and the exploration of loss and resilience hit home in a way that few books manage. There’s a depth to the storytelling that goes beyond the typical mystery novel, making it a truly memorable read.

While it has its lighter, humorous moments, The Last Devil to Die doesn’t shy away from the heavier themes, and it’s this balance that makes it so powerful. If you're a fan of well-crafted mysteries with a heart, this one is definitely worth picking up. Just keep some tissues handy—you might need them!