mh_books's Reviews (1.12k)

When Things Get Dark

Ellen Datlow

4.5

dark mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Reprieve

James Han Mattson

4.75

adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This is a literary thriller with a horror twist. You spend a lot of time with the characters, wondering how they found themselves together in a horror room in the first place. There are themes about racism, obsessive love, how it makes you selfish etc.

Legends & Lattes

Travis Baldree

3.75

adventurous funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Queen Bee

Ciara Geraghty

4.5

funny hopeful informative lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I loved it - who knew menopause was so funny.

The Truth Must Dazzle Gradually

Helen Cullen

4.5

dark emotional hopeful reflective sad 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: Yes

A wee family epic set mostly on the Aran Islands off the West coast of Ireland. If you like Maggie O'Farrell you almost certainly will love this. Bring plenty of tissues!

Content Warnings

The Stepford Wives

Ira Levin

4.5

adventurous dark informative mysterious reflective relaxing tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

My first time reading this and bloody hell was it fun. I wonder what it would have been like to read it before "Stepford Wife" became a common expression? Also, think of writing a short horror novel that gives rise to a common expression.

Bhí sé go hiontach!

The Butchers

Ruth Gilligan

5.0

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: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I adored this meandering Dark tale even more on the second telling. I am basically jealous of Ruth's storytelling ability and oddly with that the Butchers were a real legend that I could research and read about.