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morganjanedavis's Reviews (396)
Fun! Gross! I’m not sure where it was going some of the time but the imagery was fun nonetheless
I say this every time but I am a sucker for Grady Hendrix. His writing style is unique and always leaves me feeling something, to which I can't say the same of every author. This book of short stories that is very loosely based on real events was so fun to read! With the 1800's jargon and general rapport between the characters I felt like I was transported back to this time period. The social commentary on political figures and events during the time felt perfect to read during 2021, when the world feels still slightly ablaze from the shit show that was 2020. My favorite aspect of the stories was the unabashed racism, sexism, exploitation, and white privilege the main characters utilized to reach their goals. Augustus is extremely open with his tools used to oppress others and get what he wants while William seemingly feels worse about it but continues on with any and all plans despite a nagging conscience. V on brand for American history as a whole. This is different from any Hendrix work I've read in the past but if your a fan of him, history, and/or books that call out terrible white folks on their terrible actions, read this!
When Mary Lee Hastings goes missing, all of Orson is concerned. Orson is a small town, this (
Amber has been kidnapped. She's come to terms with her fate, realizing she's going to become the next victim, left at the mercy of the Pokemon Go Killer. Aside from the crushing reality of death being on the way...like, RIGHT NOW, it's especially disheartening since she's done everything she could to rebuild her life. Her sordid past is all but behind her and she was so close to finishing up her degree, living her new life. Until she's saved. A mysterious woman swoops in, freeing Amber. But why is she chasing serial killers? Why did she choose to save Amber? Either way, the cops are involved and Amber has not choice but to flee, choosing Vegas to lay low and dodge the law. She can run but, she can't hide: someone far more sinister is hot on her heels.
Killing Me has a different energy than typical thrillers, perfectly meshing action and giggles, resulting in an over-the-top story that is consistently in motion. The foolery reeled me in immediately. I internally cackled at the Pokemon Go killer, Amber's thoughts, literally every conversation between Dot and Jess. The imagery is exciting, the text lit up in neon, I can't imagine another setting but Vegas for the plot to unfold.
Every character and relationship glows, their strength not inherently stated but, shining through nonetheless. I'm a sucker for women-centric works, and even more so when they're unabashedly themselves. There's no question each of the main characters here are bold and brazen in their own rite, a force when put together.
While some of the plot points are far fetched, the absurdity works. If Amber, Dot, and Marcella weren't depicted in the way Gagnon did, I wouldn't have believed the situations they got into (and Dot got them out of) throughout but, because of how daring they are, I didn't question it. This allowed for insane twists that had me guessing until the last 90% of the book, questioning all I'd learned up until that point.
Reminiscent of the setting itself, every story element is abuzz and over the top: campy characters, colorful dialogue, inconceivable situations. Does some of it seem unimaginable? Yes but, who cares! It's FUN! Highly recommend this when you're in a silly goofy mood but make it murder.
Killing Me has a different energy than typical thrillers, perfectly meshing action and giggles, resulting in an over-the-top story that is consistently in motion. The foolery reeled me in immediately. I internally cackled at the Pokemon Go killer, Amber's thoughts, literally every conversation between Dot and Jess. The imagery is exciting, the text lit up in neon, I can't imagine another setting but Vegas for the plot to unfold.
Every character and relationship glows, their strength not inherently stated but, shining through nonetheless. I'm a sucker for women-centric works, and even more so when they're unabashedly themselves. There's no question each of the main characters here are bold and brazen in their own rite, a force when put together.
While some of the plot points are far fetched, the absurdity works. If Amber, Dot, and Marcella weren't depicted in the way Gagnon did, I wouldn't have believed the situations they got into (and Dot got them out of) throughout but, because of how daring they are, I didn't question it. This allowed for insane twists that had me guessing until the last 90% of the book, questioning all I'd learned up until that point.
Reminiscent of the setting itself, every story element is abuzz and over the top: campy characters, colorful dialogue, inconceivable situations. Does some of it seem unimaginable? Yes but, who cares! It's FUN! Highly recommend this when you're in a silly goofy mood but make it murder.
A fun collection of short stories! Perfect for anyone looking for spooky reads for the upcoming fall months. Highly recommend!
I loved the characters in the book and how fast-paced yet low-stakes and impactful the storyline was. The insights to privileges some don’t ever consider were eye opening and presented through the lenses of the characters entertaining and made me think about my life outside of the book. Would recommend.
One of my favorite books of the year, my favorite work of Hendrix's to date. I binged this book in a day and finished it through fits of crying. The female friendship in this book steals the show for me, right up until the very end. The thematic demonic elements only make the story better, and I love the darkness of this story intertwined with the heavy sappy theme of BFF's. I do not like to reread things and I seriously may have to reread this one.
Reid's best work to date. I love the characters, the way the story is told, and how the plot only gets better and better as the book progresses. Multiple storylines tugged at my emotions and sucked me in! If you are going to read any of Reid's works I suggest this one, I loved the variety of relationships that were portrayed and how Reid held all of them to a high significance, all an equal part of the story.