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3.5 rounded up
This story has multiple POVs but the most important belong to Daisy and Diana. With an alternating past/present timeline we follow the two Diana's until their lives collide in a heartbreaking revelation. Do not be fooled by the title and cartoonish cover. It's not a light and fluffy beach read. This book deals with serious subject matter like sexual assault, manipulation, accountability and revenge. I didn't enjoy this one as much as I did Big Summer. I felt the pacing lagged a bit at times and I did this sped up on audio so I imagine it would have felt even more so if I had been reading the physical book. Still, this is a timely #metoo movement read that Weiner fans will definitely enjoy.
This story has multiple POVs but the most important belong to Daisy and Diana. With an alternating past/present timeline we follow the two Diana's until their lives collide in a heartbreaking revelation. Do not be fooled by the title and cartoonish cover. It's not a light and fluffy beach read. This book deals with serious subject matter like sexual assault, manipulation, accountability and revenge. I didn't enjoy this one as much as I did Big Summer. I felt the pacing lagged a bit at times and I did this sped up on audio so I imagine it would have felt even more so if I had been reading the physical book. Still, this is a timely #metoo movement read that Weiner fans will definitely enjoy.
4.5 stars - I’m conflicted about this book. Emotionally - I loved it! It was everything I wanted for Simon and Baz’ relationship. On the other hand, as a reader, I felt like so much was left unexplored and unanswered and the actual plot was just lackluster in comparison to the events of book 1 & even book 2. Not that everyone needs to be in danger ALL the time but I loved these characters and I hate being left with an unfinished feeling. Still, this was by far my favorite book of the trilogy. Rating on emotion obviously wins out for this one. Simon
Loved this sequel to The Henna Artist! Intrigue, danger, love and !
Joshi's writing is as beautiful and engaging as ever. You feel absolutely transported to India in the 1960s. What I loved most about this series is Lakshmi, a strong, independent and resilient woman. We saw her overcome so much in The Henna Artist. The Secret Keeper of Jaipur picks up years later and we get to see her settled, happy and doing the type of work that she loves. But, fear not - she hasn't lost any of her edge! She is still as much of a force to be reckoned with as ever!
This book also prominently features Malik who was definitely another standout character for me in The Henna Artist. I love how this book gives us more of both of these beloved characters while also revisiting many of the major players from The Henna Artist. The Secret Keeper of Jaipur is emotional, adventurous and even has a bit of steam. The storyline is one that will have you hooked with dangerous gold smuggling and a major scandal involving a theater collapse.
This series has been optioned for TV by Paramount and I couldn't be happier for Alka Joshi! I have had the pleasure of chatting with her for both books as part of the #diversebuddyreads and she is such an enigmatic person and just truly a kind soul. Thank you Alka for chatting with us. I can't wait for book 3 and the TV series!
Joshi's writing is as beautiful and engaging as ever. You feel absolutely transported to India in the 1960s. What I loved most about this series is Lakshmi, a strong, independent and resilient woman. We saw her overcome so much in The Henna Artist. The Secret Keeper of Jaipur picks up years later and we get to see her settled, happy and doing the type of work that she loves. But, fear not - she hasn't lost any of her edge! She is still as much of a force to be reckoned with as ever!
This book also prominently features Malik who was definitely another standout character for me in The Henna Artist. I love how this book gives us more of both of these beloved characters while also revisiting many of the major players from The Henna Artist. The Secret Keeper of Jaipur is emotional, adventurous and even has a bit of steam. The storyline is one that will have you hooked with dangerous gold smuggling and a major scandal involving a theater collapse.
This series has been optioned for TV by Paramount and I couldn't be happier for Alka Joshi! I have had the pleasure of chatting with her for both books as part of the #diversebuddyreads and she is such an enigmatic person and just truly a kind soul. Thank you Alka for chatting with us. I can't wait for book 3 and the TV series!
4.5 ⭐️ A dark, gritty and emotional standalone about the bond of sisters that’s not for the faint of heart!
Wow! Karin Slaughter never fails to grab you in a vice grip that doesn’t let go until you’ve turned the last page of one of her books. This standalone definitely held up to the hype for me. I was all in from the violent, stomach turning opening scene through to the emotional conclusion.
I absolutely loved the unflappable bond between sisters, Leigh and Callie. The way Slaughter explores both their reactions to coping with trauma felt visceral. When I say this book isn’t for the faint of heart - I mean it. There were so many moments that made my stomach churn, gave me goosebumps and even made me feel queasy. She didn’t sugar coat addiction or abuse. She puts it out there and makes you feel its ugliness, despair and emotion.
This book is written to reflect our current state i.e the pandemic. I didn’t feel it overpowered the storyline, but I know some people would rather not see this reality in books yet. I personally did not have a problem with the pandemic being a part of the storyline because it wasn’t its focus. It was simply a part of the characters reality, as it is ours. Slaughter addresses her reasoning for including the pandemic in her author’s note. Be sure to check it out - I definitely found it interesting
It almost feels wrong to say that I enjoyed this book based on its subject matter - but I did. It was dark, complex and explicitly violent yet it was also emotional. It’s rare to find a thriller that truly makes you feel like this.
The only reason this wasn’t a full 5 stars for me is because it was a
Wow! Karin Slaughter never fails to grab you in a vice grip that doesn’t let go until you’ve turned the last page of one of her books. This standalone definitely held up to the hype for me. I was all in from the violent, stomach turning opening scene through to the emotional conclusion.
I absolutely loved the unflappable bond between sisters, Leigh and Callie. The way Slaughter explores both their reactions to coping with trauma felt visceral. When I say this book isn’t for the faint of heart - I mean it. There were so many moments that made my stomach churn, gave me goosebumps and even made me feel queasy. She didn’t sugar coat addiction or abuse. She puts it out there and makes you feel its ugliness, despair and emotion.
This book is written to reflect our current state i.e the pandemic. I didn’t feel it overpowered the storyline, but I know some people would rather not see this reality in books yet. I personally did not have a problem with the pandemic being a part of the storyline because it wasn’t its focus. It was simply a part of the characters reality, as it is ours. Slaughter addresses her reasoning for including the pandemic in her author’s note. Be sure to check it out - I definitely found it interesting
It almost feels wrong to say that I enjoyed this book based on its subject matter - but I did. It was dark, complex and explicitly violent yet it was also emotional. It’s rare to find a thriller that truly makes you feel like this.
The only reason this wasn’t a full 5 stars for me is because it was a
3.5 ⭐️ Ghost hunters, a missing teen, a sinister presence and a haunted town!
This was an eerie, ominous story with supernatural elements. Gould takes fear of the dark and works it in with such creepy tension into this story that you can’t help but feel uneasy as you read. I did this on audio and it was definitely a creepy book.
There was a lot happening here - queer dads, lesbians, ghosts, family secrets, judgmental townsfolk, a town called Snakebite and so much emotion. I’m hesitant to share much of the plot because this is definitely the kind of story best left to unfold naturally as you read. I enjoyed how Gould delves into the topics of grief, family and LGBTQ acceptance, along with the dark paranormal aspects.
An entertaining read but I felt the twists were predictable and things were never fully explained. The vagueness works with the paranormal aspect but I can’t help but want to make sense of things. Still, this would be a fun one to read this fall during Halloween season!
This was an eerie, ominous story with supernatural elements. Gould takes fear of the dark and works it in with such creepy tension into this story that you can’t help but feel uneasy as you read. I did this on audio and it was definitely a creepy book.
There was a lot happening here - queer dads, lesbians, ghosts, family secrets, judgmental townsfolk, a town called Snakebite and so much emotion. I’m hesitant to share much of the plot because this is definitely the kind of story best left to unfold naturally as you read. I enjoyed how Gould delves into the topics of grief, family and LGBTQ acceptance, along with the dark paranormal aspects.
An entertaining read but I felt the twists were predictable and things were never fully explained. The vagueness works with the paranormal aspect but I can’t help but want to make sense of things. Still, this would be a fun one to read this fall during Halloween season!