This book has it all: murder, humor, social commentary, culture and history, and discussions surrounding tough topics (parenthood, role of women, love, and more). The characters are so well-developed, the writing is beautiful, and the way the women band together for survival and for friendship, even as there is drama and manipulation, is delightful.  

I expected more from this book after reading The Mystery of Black Hollow Lane. 

Issues I had with this book:

The plot was lackluster.
The ending was rushed (despite being the best part of the book).
Everything was too cleanly "resolved."
All the adults in this book act so irresponsibly. 

I don't know if there is going to be a third book in this series (although it does seem set up for that to happen). If so, I will probably read it because I want to know what happens.

I will refrain from saying this was a hell of a book (even though I technically just did) and instead say that this was creative and interesting and really unlike anything I have read before. Clever wordplay, noir references, experimental narrative structure, and magical realism made this a unique reading experience. The book explores many topics, including what it means to be Black in America, grief, mental illness, crisis, relationships, humor, expectation, and, in some ways, love. 

Dark academia but make it middle grade.

This book instantly had my attention and was a page turner. There were a lot of things to enjoy here: a young girl sent abroad to a boarding school, a mystery surrounding her father, a secret society, evolving friendships. That being said, I wish that there had been more detail/explanation in a few parts. The pacing felt off at times as well. 

The Mystery of Black Hollow Lane's ending is somewhat frustrating - it wraps up some storylines but definitely has some cliffhangers. Fortunately, I had the second book (thank you library) and could start it immediately.

Overall, an interesting look into the history of Sue Black as well as into the world of forensic anthropology. While Black leaned much more heavily into personal memoir than I anticipated, I recognize the importance of how one's early life shapes one's adult life and why it would be included in this book. I would have preferred more anthropology/forensics/crime solving, but was satisfied with the book overall. I found the discussions surrounding death and treatment of the dead fascinating.

This was a reread for me, but it honestly didn't feel that way. I am not sure how, but I forgot basically everything about this story in the two years since I first read it (aside from one "twist" at the end). Solid storyline, decent character development, interesting magic system.

A novel-in-verse about best friends, one of whom finds herself in an abusive relationship. The book has fairly good characterization (for what it is) and a believable storyline. The ending was rushed and there were some plot points that I have a hard time with. Two examples:

the TWO adults not helping when the abuse was reported (although, I imagine that does happen) and Zari's mother's thanking Clare, but in no way apologizing for her earlier behavior

.

A novel-in-verse about a teenage girl pulled into a cult by her mother. Great concept, but there were some issues with pacing (a super rushed ending) and character development (specifically that of the main character and the cult leader). 

I wish that the story had been flushed out a bit more or more detailed or more descriptive or something. 

This was one of those books where I "got it" but also didn't. I think the gap in understanding is cultural, as the expectations put on people/women in every culture varies. There was a good message here, but I think that the book dragged some but also rushed some.

I read this with my son (five years old). He enjoyed the story and the illustrations. I thought that the story was better than some of the young readers books we read last year.

[We started this on December 23rd. We read every night before bed, but sometimes don't make it very far before he falls asleep.]