bookswithlydscl's Reviews (639)

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

short, bittersweet and leaves you with chills at the end. Angel of Death/Final Destinationesque vibes.
adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Really enjoyed this one, probably my favourite novella from Mira Grant so far. Gothic, monstrous, supernatural horror. Very effective.
adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

1980s suburban supernatural horror.

Loads of POVs - took a whole to get into and made it difficult to care about people but it all comes together for an ending that is has some true horror with gory descriptions and the knowledge that no one is safe, not even the kids. 
adventurous challenging dark mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Really enjoyed this one and think it's my favourite T Kingfisher story so far. Creepy, dark and unsettling with a good cast of characters. Highly enjoyable even with.the body horror elements!
adventurous challenging dark reflective tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Solid novella, very Cabin In the Woods/ Black Mirror style
adventurous challenging dark funny lighthearted mysterious tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

4.5*

My favourite instalment in the Ernest Cunningham series so far! This time Ernest aims to save Christmas by clearing the name of ex-wife Erin after she’s accused of murdering her husband. With its trademark wit, fourth wall breaking and truly intriguing mystery this novella edition of the series is fun, and fast paced with clever and intricate plotting. 

A highly recommended Christmas themed murder mystery that will be going into my annual holiday reading rotation!

Thank you to Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House and Netgalley for inviting me to read an eArc of "Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review. 
adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

These definitely feel of an era now. Current YA horror is definitely better plotted with better characterisation is seems. I'll always keep a soft spot in my.heart for these though, especially this one.
adventurous dark funny lighthearted mysterious tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Absurdist satire, really enjoyed it, very different to James (my only other book read written  by the author).

Reminded me of Starter Villain which I read earlier this year, really enjoy the humour led villain story.

Has certified that I really like Everett's writing style and voice. Will be reading more especially The Trees and Erasure.
challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative reflective sad tense fast-paced

powerful, raw, lyrical

Memoir as performance art, utilising horror, literature, and culture to articulate in snapshots personal growth, an abusive relationship and the aftermath
adventurous challenging dark funny mysterious tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

fantastic audiobook and overall really enjoyed this story. Very different to Ring Shout but also with similar themes and tone.