I started the book as it was small and recommended by a fellow reader.
The beginning was gripping with a dry tone and light touches of dark humor. The short chapters with interesting titles added to the charm. The story goes back and forth, giving us glimpses of the past.
Does this explain the situation? Yes. In fact, it tells us a lot more than what has been written. We see many things that have been hidden (in plain sight).
But why only 3 stars?
The characterization was very good. Even the inconsequential ones had some scope. So what does the writer do? Nothing. She keeps them just as they are. The story is a big loop within a loop that could go on for another 200 pages and still remain the same.
If that was hinted I wouldn't have minded. But, at many stages, the writer shows conflict, gives readers a promise of some action, some mega twist, and when the time comes, she douses it with routine.
The conflict is never really resolved. There is no actual ending to the book. Nothing changes from the first page to the last.
And this annoyed the hell out of me. I like my characters to do something. Not accept things for what they are.
Korede and Ayoola are portrayed very well. Each has their negatives and positives. But we feel nothing for either of them. Do we feel for the smitten doctor? Nope.
We feel (a little) for Femi, the dead man, and Muhtar (the coma patient). This book as potential. But it just doesn't make it to the top.
Oh, by the way, the first three tiny paragraphs had around 4-5 adverbs and the tenses jump as and when the narration moves between past, relative past, and present.

So I read Verity. It's a good thing to not have a fixed TBR. Anyway, coming to the story, not sure if I should say it was good or okay. The opening was gruesome yet detached, and that set the tone for the rest of the book. I was involved in the story, even thought about it during the sleep. But somewhere towards the end, I began to lose the involvement. Maybe I was looking for a twist, so the ending wasn't a surprise. Or rather I'd say the last chapter. The ending isn't an end. It stops at a place where the author can start a sequel if she wishes to.
It is dark and comes with a lot of trigger warnings. I admire the writing style of Verity's personal story. Lowen, not a much. She sounded like a teenager or someone in the early 20s. I could see traces of the heroine from It Ends With Us in her.
As a writer, I tried to relate to Lowen, but that didn't happen either. She talks about it only in the beginning. Her world seemed to revolve around Jeremy. The characters are all gray, and despite that none of them feel real.
This is a brave attempt. The last chapter is a favorite for the reason that it does talks about the writer's mind and how others don't seem to be able to understand that a writer is different from their writings.
I've read quite graphic stuff before, but it did get boring after a while in this book. It felt as if Hoover was trying to cover the lack of depth in characters by using sex as a diversion tactic.
Another thing that irked me was the abundance of adverbs. (I'm kinda obsessed). But when you read 4 adverbs in a 5-line paragraph at the beginning of the book, it leaves a bad taste. At least as the story progressed, I could focus less on them. Overall, Verity is the only interesting character in the book (and Crew, of course). 3.5- 3.7 stars.

3.8 stars

This is a well-researched book with the right amount of suspense and action. Be it the protag or any other character, we see them as real people rather than silly caricatures to fit into the time frame. Everyone has flaws. The system is shown for what it is; no sugarcoating or giving the readers a perfect conclusion (which isn't possible).
The story has undertones of cynicism, sarcasm, dark humor, a conflict between right and wrong, self-doubt, and restlessness coupled with the predictions of the result of the independence movement.
The flow is steady and doesn't waver. I did guess the killer and a few other things, but it didn't decrease my interest in the book.
I'll probably pick the next book in the series to see how the characters progress from hereon.

This was a good book to read. Mysteries have been my favorite for a long time and this doesn't disappoint. Each character has a few flaws that make them more realistic. There was some cheeky humor, bonding with family and friends, growth of the MC, and a decent mystery.

An entertaining read with all kinds of characters. I haven't read book 1 but I could follow this pretty easily. The vulnerability of Amber made her more relatable and real as a narrator.
It neither too emotional nor too bland, the balance was almost right when it came to the narration.
I think I'm going to read other books in this series.

I have begun reading Sue Grafton's books only after her death and that is indeed sad. I enjoyed reading this one, though I did have an idea as to who the killer was. (She has a subtle way of giving us hints as we read).
Next in line is the book 2 and I have a feeling I will enjoy that as well..
Kinsey's no-nonsense attitude makes reading definitely easier and the descriptions of the settings are charming.

To tell the truth, I haven't enjoyed this one as much as A & B. One, because the paperwork stuff, etc got repetitive and boring. Two, there wasn't much steady progress. The end literally leaped (excuse the pun) into the story. A few ore character revelations would have been nice.
Maybe the next one will be better again.

After reading the Book 1, I knew I had to read this one as well. As a recent reader of Sue Grafton's books, I have no preconceived notions.
I like how short the sentences are when Kinsey talks about herself but the descriptions of the setting are long and detailed. I can exactly picturize how the houses or locality looks.
Kinsey's attitude and restlessness make me want to read faster to see what happens next.
Another thing I like is that she gives the subtle hints about the culprit and all we have to do is pay attention.
The reason I gave it 3 stars is I am a huge fan of Christie and any other works fall a touch low in comparison.
Overall, it is an enjoyable read and I will continue reading the other works in the series.

So, this is my first book by Ruth Ware. I heard rave reviews and decided to read it. I wouldn't say I loved it, but, it was good.
The descriptions gave me chills, especially of the house. The story held melancholy throughout and once or twice I wanted something to lighten up the situation.
The mystery was almost clear to me in the middle of the story. There were quite a few hints scattered around.
Hal was undoubtedly the strongest character along with Maud who despite being dead made her presence felt in every page.
I had some apprehensions about Mitzi, but she turned out to be such a genuine person. Nothing fake about her.