Natasha

DNF at 25%. It's not you, it's me.

An eerie old mansion; a quick-tempered ageing hoarder; a missing girl; a funny, likeable narrator who sees saints; an agoraphobic trans magician's assistant - what is not to love about this mystery?!

Loved this so much! I felt completely immersed in this world and invested in the characters. It was so believable. The ending felt a bit abrupt, but that was probably because I wanted more. One of my favourites of 2018.

I enjoyed it, but I think I went into it with sky high expectations (that's the trouble with hype!) so was slightly underwhelmed. Still worth the read though.

I'm rounding this up to 5 stars from a solid 4.5. This will not be for everyone. It is deeply disturbing and makes for an uncomfortable read. Trigger warnings galore. Yet, I was riveted, I had to know what happened. Thera is such an intriguing character, and while some of her actions are far fetched, I have a feeling she will stay with me for a while yet.

3.5 stars. I kinda liked Joe in the beginning- but then things got very dark, very quickly (which I kinda liked 😂). Beck was not likable at all, yet I was still rooting for her.

4.5 stars! It's times like this that I really wish Goodreads had that elusive half star rating. This book is so good. It is heartwarming and funny, angry (rightfully so!), heart wrenching and incredibly sad. How she does all of this in a seemingly effortless way is a true mark of a gifted writer.

Another great historical fiction (mystery?) from Jessie Burton. I loved Odelle, but the characters in the 1930's timeline felt a bit flat. However, still really enjoyable and I will definitely be reading Burton's next novel (whenever that may be - no pressure Ms Burton).

Oh, Ferrante is good. This was one of the most raw and honest portrayals of marriage and motherhood that I have ever read. The series just keeps getting better and better.

Very eerie and atmospheric. I may increase my rating upon reflection. I was reading it alone at home one windy afternoon when a door blew shut. I nearly 💩 myself!!

4.5 stars. I was so pleasantly surprised with this book. I noticed it only had a 3.5 rating and did not expect much. But I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved the characters, the mystery and even the way some big issues were dealt with. Yes, Burton probably tried to do too much, but I appreciated that Nella wasn't always this fierce heroine, I liked her growth and her flaws.

DNF - nope. No more Fiona Barton for me.

4.5 stars. Yes! That was the remedy for my slump. Snappy writing and finally a mystery that I couldn't solve myself. Or maybe I just didn't want to because I was enjoying the ride too much :)

I've hit a reading slump and just couldn't make myself finish this (it's for a book swap so I kinda feel bad). It's just so bleak and hopeless, I need something more upbeat (?) uuurrggg, hate being in slumps!!!

This is a beautiful, sorrowful, devastating read. And that last page... wow. The imagery was haunting and the characters vivid and real.

I loved everything about this. Definitely one of my favourite books of the year.

I went into this with low expectations and was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed the writing and the characters. It felt like a different take on the domestic thriller, not so formulated and predictable.

3.5 stars. I listened to this audiobook, and I didn't really like the narrator. Think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read it.

DNF @ 50% No, I just can't. This reads like Jurassic Park fan fiction, with all the usual tropes - beautiful yet damaged (only slightly) heroine who somehow manages to pull an Indiana Jones and saves her little party from some ferocious creatures hell bent on human blood. There is zero character development, dialogue reads like a very cheesy movie script and the story line is basically the same scene on repeat. Dragon-EEk-RUN-Fight/Hide-Phew-that was a close one! Oh dear Mr X didn't make it (insert cheesy throwaway line here).

Very one dimensional - very not for me. But hey, I don't think Mr. Reilly cares too much what I think, he sells and laughs all the way to the bank. And good for him i say...

Kristin Hannah - the queen of emotional manipulation - has done it again. I cried. Congratulations Ms Hannah on making me feel the feelings. I was going to give this 5 stars, but then it went on... and on.. and then it went on some more. There was a perfect ending to this novel and it should have stopped there. But all in all a lovely story with big heart.

3.5 stars. I went into this expecting to be blown away, and in this case it was the high expectations that probably led to disappointment. It was a page turning, easy read, but I feel more could have been done with ‘the haunting presence.' I also wish more time was spent with the Idlewild girls because I found them fascinating. It was nothing I hadn't seen before. I fear I am becoming a jaded thriller reader. Maybe a break from the genre?

I loved the vast majority of this book. It wasn't really about a killer clown, it was about childhood and friendship and adventure. It was about facing your fears and retaining your innocence. The magic is real.

It would have been five stars if not for a really disturbing and totally unnecessary part near the end - the way out (if you have read it you will know of which I speak).

4.5 stars. “I don't know what's worse: to not know what you are and be happy, or to become what you've always wanted to be, and feel alone.” - that sums this up perfectly. So glad I finally got around to reading this classic.

Merged review:

4.5 stars. “I don't know what's worse: to not know what you are and be happy, or to become what you've always wanted to be, and feel alone.” - that sums this up perfectly. So glad I finally got around to reading this classic.

3.5 stars. Well that was dark and disturbing.

1.5 stars. I feel quite icky after reading that. I thought this was supposed to be a ‘feminist novel' but honestly all it does is perpetuate the idea that women hate each other and need to tear each other down in order to succeed. The characters were awful and shallow, only concerned with their image and how skinny they are. I'm tempted to one star it because it made me so angry, but I did finish it. Just, no.