Thường khi đọc truyện Stephen King mình luôn sẵn sàng tâm thế truyện sẽ rất sa đà vào lan man, dài dòng, kể chuyện vu vơ. ÔI, 5 sao luôn, xuất sắc nè!
Thường khi đọc truyện Stephen King mình luôn sẵn sàng tâm thế truyện sẽ rất sa đà vào lan man, dài dòng, kể chuyện vu vơ. Nhưng cuốn này, trông dày vậy mà đọc siêu nhanh ấy, mà đã đọc thì cuốn luôn không dứt ra được. Giống Stephen King, Holly cũng trở thành nhân vật yêu thích của mình. Mình thích tính cách vững vàng, làm gì ra nấy, rất rõ ràng rành mạch của Holly và cũng vì thế mà yêu luôn sự lập dị của cô. Ngay từ khi đọc Tên sát nhân Mercedes, sự xuất hiện của Holly đã khiến mình cảm thấy hào hứng hơn với câu chuyện. Holly trong cuốn này đi điều tra một vụ mất tích, và không ngờ là cô đã khám phá cả một đường dây mất tích liên hoàn, dù giữa các vụ cách nhau một khoảng thời gian khá lâu, và có vẻ như không có điểm chung gì giữa các nạn nhân. Nhưng có lẽ chỉ có Holly mới có thể bóc tách ra điểm kì lạ, chỉ có cô mới có thể nhìn ra được điều mà người khác không để ý (cần phải nhắc đến là Holly cũng làm tương tự vậy trong cuốn Kẻ Song Trùng). Lần này, Holly là nhân vật chính, nhân vật trung tâm trong truyện, chúng ta chỉ đi theo điểm nhìn của Holly để điểu tra, thu thập thông tin và manh mối. Bên cạnh đó là điểm nhìn của kẻ phản diện. Không ai nghĩ được bọn nó là những kẻ giết người tàn nhẫn nhất và đáng kinh tởm nhất. Mình thấy kinh hoàng vì số phận thảm thương của các nạn nhân, họ không chỉ đơn giản bị bắt cóc, bị nhốt mà còn bị..... tồi tệ hơn cả cái chết, đến khi chết rồi cũng chẳng còn gì. Và có vẻ như chuyện đó xảy ra khi họ còn nhận thức, hoặc tuỳ từng nạn nhân. Nghĩ lại thật quá rùng mình và kinh tởm. Một sự bất ngờ nữa là ở đoạn cao trào, giải quyết, thường thì sẽ là cuộc đụng độ giữa phe thiện và phe ác, phe thiện chiến thắng với những mất mát đau đớn. Nhưng lần này, cuộc đụng độ diễn ra khá nhanh và suôn sẻ, rất ngắn gọn - mình rất thích vì như vậy thường ít kiểu hành động đánh nhau, đuổi bắt. Nhưng có lẽ phần kinh khủng nhất là sau đó, sau khi đã rõ ràng phe ác bị đánh bại, mà Holly vẫn chưa thực sự thoát được. Đấy là sự chờ đợi trong kinh hoàng, khi nhận thức được cái chết đang dần dần đến. Và sau đó nữa là sang chấn tâm lý, sự bàng hoàng khi nhận ra cái ác thật sự ác đến thế nào. Khi mọi người nhận ra trong kinh hoàng chuyện gì đã xảy ra với các nạn nhân, và kẻ giết người lại dễ dàng lừa người khác thế nào, đó là lúc mình nhận thức được cái mức độ tàn nhẫn và ác độc của vụ án. Mình cứ ngỡ sẽ có yếu tố siêu nhiên liên quan, thường các vụ của Holly đểu vậy, mà không ngờ được là thế lực ác độc ở đây không gì ngoài con người và bản tính con người, sự ngu muội, sự ảo tưởng, sự thù ghét lấn chiếm hết cả sự tỉnh táo. ...more
I found this story very challenging to read, mainly because of its slow pacing :))) 30% of the book is very dull, because the story focuses on Daisy nI found this story very challenging to read, mainly because of its slow pacing :))) 30% of the book is very dull, because the story focuses on Daisy narrating her falling in love with James, then having a wedding with him, then a honeymoon - it's so long! I wish I didn't have to read all those chapters just reminiscing boring memories of Daisy and James's loving each other. The fun part starts at about 30% mark, when James disappeared. Okay, now it became dull again. Daisy is so passive, so dull, so innocuous, so bland, so boring. There is nothing happening! Then we are introduced Oliver, who seemingly is James' college friend, I guess. Then Daisy continues to act stupidly. In general, I was frustrated at Daisy because she was so stupid a lot of times and just purely ridiculous. The twist is a bit out of nowhere with Daisy doing nothing, but I still think the twist kind of fun, but then we have the ending that really ruins the whole story, making the story less transparent and more ambiguous as nothing is confirmed.
(view spoiler)[ So Daisy and Oliver, although James doesn't like Oliver. The way Oliver wants to get close to Daisy is so obvious but Daisy doesn't realize that? Daisy wants to keep the cottage because of memories although she has no money and now is pregnant. Good job, Daisy. You even had a fight with your mother about this. Well done! Why Daisy keeps being attracted to Oliver? He's a creep. It turns out Oliver is James' half brother and a really bad brother. The family disowns Oliver.
This is my first entry to Lucinda Berry's work. And I was really amazed at how easily I can ease into her writing. It's very easy to read.
At first3.5
This is my first entry to Lucinda Berry's work. And I was really amazed at how easily I can ease into her writing. It's very easy to read.
At first, I thought oh my, this is a mom group, and I hate mom group motif. But well, another surprise that I kind of like this book.
Though there is a murder happening, the story is not actually revolved around the investigation or the process to find out who the killer is. The story focuses on the perspective of 3 people: Jade, Whitney and Brooke. And I must say, what Brooke did at the end of the story really took me by surprise - brutal and insane. There are also many twists along the way, like what Whitney did for a living, as well as Jade, and the truth about Jade - what a shocking reveal.
I must say, this book could have been shorter. Yes, some parts are a bit longer than needed - it's like the author tried to lengthen them.
Spoiler:
Jade accidentally kills Kiersten because Kiersten found out that Jade and Colin (Whitney’s husband) were having an affair. It turns out that Colin just tricked Jade into getting money from Whitney. Jade faked her son’s sickness so that Whitney was moved and helped Jade. Jade stole money from Whitney’s establishment (escort service) Brooke has nothing to do with the murder but she is mentally unstable. She finally kills her partner for not letting her see her son....more
My first nearly 5 star of 2024. Wow, wow, wow, wow
I love Gilly's writing!!!! It's so easy to read, so to the point. I just love this writing style 4.75
My first nearly 5 star of 2024. Wow, wow, wow, wow
I love Gilly's writing!!!! It's so easy to read, so to the point. I just love this writing style so much.
And the story, wow, it's so different and so into psychology. This is a slow-burn psychological thriller, really mess with your mind. I say, "really". It's really surprising with so many twists and so many reveals that at the first glance, I cannot see the whole thing. It's so malicious. Yes, reading this book reminds me of The maid's diary. Oh my god.
Spoiler
Sasha and Olly are scammers and parasites. Kitty, the maid, is actually Anna, the owner of the Manor house. The real Kitty was killed by her nephew, Olly. Olly, Kitt and Sasha together planned to take over The Manor House, but things turn and now Anna becomes Kitty. Sasha and Olly are virtually the owners.
They plan to take over The Glass house as well because of Tom and Nicole's newly-found wealth (lottery winners). Tom loves Nicole very much. Olly and Sasha killed Tom.
Olly also killed Patrick, Tom's old friend. Because Olly and Sasha is spooked by Anna revealing that she knows Kitty's body is hidden, they moved Kitty's body to other places and Patrick saw. Patrick blackmailed Olly and Sasha, so Olly killed Patrick. ...more
This book is very similar to Verity but much better, much much better.
What I like: 1. The writing: I really enjoy the writing. It doesn't bore me a3.75
This book is very similar to Verity but much better, much much better.
What I like: 1. The writing: I really enjoy the writing. It doesn't bore me and hook me into the story. The author doesn't waste time narrating unnecessary details, really takes me to the point, so I don't feel much redundancy in the wording and the phrasing.
2. The premise sounds really good and I love the setting! The big mansion, the weird room, the creepy portrait, the suspicious housekeeper, the missing journals. All the things that I love for a potential engaging plot.
3. I love Olivia's journey when she is trying to trace back the original story of Rebecca and investigate the truth, during which Ash always tries to brush her off with his nonchalant replies and deflection. I sometimes fear for Olivia's life during her stay at the mansion with the creepy Ash.
What I don't like:
1. The character: they are, well, not that well developed, except for the main protagonist Olivia. The reclusive billionaire Ash to me is kind of disgusting, and that's what he is. He is snobberish, greedy and entirely disgusting. Clara, the housekeeper, is insensitive and not that interesting to follow. Noah, the trustworthy friend, who, clearly, is infatuated with Olivia, is smart and caring. That's it. The characters are one dimensional, giving obvious signs that show them who they really are, what they can be scheming, et cetera. Despite all the warning red flags from Ash, Olivia still remains with him and even feels attracted to him. Ew, what a disgusting man, he's so sleazy to me.
2. The reveal: it's not that shocking, to be honest. You can even guess the twist miles away before the true reveal because of all the tell-tale signs. They are so obvious!
3. The pacing is slow at times, which results from a lot of repetition. It also leads to the anti-climatic ending. Really! I was so let down by the ending. I thought I would have been blown away. Despite all the foreboding notion of something bad might happen, nothing turns out like what is expected. There is no hidden agenda, and all because of Ash's childish intention. (yes, Ash is so childish) ...more
Wow I didn't imagine this book could be so wholesome, with sprinkle of a murder mystery. This book gives off dark academia vibe and I really love 3.75
Wow I didn't imagine this book could be so wholesome, with sprinkle of a murder mystery. This book gives off dark academia vibe and I really love the stifled atmosphere around the chalet, in addition to the weird old clock that seems like has supernatural ability (which is not, obviously!). The setting also adds to the mystery of the story.
The pacing is a bit too slow for me at times but I still enjoyed most of the story. Although there is no actual investigation into the murder itself, I was still pulled into the psychology of the main protagonist, Emily. There is a group of suspects, however, it is not clear aout the motive of each person. I like the characterization of each character, they seem really alive and has complex personalities. In this remote setting, huddled together like this, the tension is slowly built up to the finale. I enjoyed the author's writing style that gradually creates a sense of unease amongst the characters, making the story vibrant with deep conflicts and eeriness.
The ending is a bit rush and tight-knit, but it's not a big problem.
Spoiler:
Peter is the one who tries to sabotage Emily's laptop. Nick has proof that Peter's invention already exists.
Jana is the person who pushes Sofi to the edge of the cliff to kill Sofi. Sofi and Will (Jana's husband) has an affair, which threatens every thing Will and Jana has built. So Sofi must go.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. This book is so much different from the author’s debut.
The familiar tropes/ - isolated setting - group of 3.25
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. This book is so much different from the author’s debut.
The familiar tropes/ - isolated setting - group of close knit friends who are bound by secrets and past trauma - Someone lures them to the island to get revenge
It is the writing style that really hooks me in the story, creating an engaging narrative that can tell a lot without giving much details. However, I was astounded by the way the author can lengthen this simple story to a long novel. To be honest, this book is chock full of fillers. The details are so few, and it pained me to read all the parts where the characters keep repeating the same stuffs over time without actually revealing anything important to the progress of the story. Details of action are also included but not that interesting to me.
The characters are deeply flawed, which also contributes to keeping me reading till the end. This book, to me, doesn’t promise any surprising twist, so my expectation is met. I love how well the characters are developed and how the secrets of the murder mold them into the people they are now. It is interesting to observe the dynamics of this group as they all have something to protect.
Like I said, there is nothing surprise about the twist or the reveal. We just go along with the narrative and trust the characters. It seems a bit pointless, though. But I still find the writing quite engaging.
Additionally, this book reminded me of The only survivor by Megan Miranda. In truth, The only survivor is much better.
Spoiler
Emily’s brother and Ruthie (the online friend of Brendan - the person committed suicide) work together to make this trap. But Emily’s brother is more malevolent and kills many people.
Will and Cassie killed Emily (it is Cassie who drowned Emily to truly killed her). Then Alex wanted to confront Brendan about Emily’s death, so he, Will and Jake bullied Brendan to tell the truth, accidentally pushing him to the edge and he fell....more
This book is decent about the first 70%. However, there is nothing happening, no big reveals in the first 70%. This book can shorten the first 70%1.75
This book is decent about the first 70%. However, there is nothing happening, no big reveals in the first 70%. This book can shorten the first 70% because it is full of Madeline's reminicence of the past, which is totally unnecessary. What is the most important part here is Madeline and the podcaster Harley should have worked together to find the clues, not Madeline keeps telling about her past with Evan Handy, not Harley keeps doing nothing - is he a real true crime podcaster/writer? If he is, there is nothing to prove him as he is claimed - I think that he is the most redundant character in this book. Without him, well, the book would have been better - at lease, Madeline would have something to do, instead of rambling about her traumatic past.
The remaining 30% is very rushed and so unreasonable. It seems like the author is out of deadline to finish the book. Like I said, because there is nothing going on in the first 70%, the author must cram a lot of details and reveals in the final 30% without actually building up the tension and piecing all the puzzles. Suddenly, they found out who the killer is! What is a turn of events! Then suddenly, we know why the killer did it. And yes, that person is there, all along! Wow wow wow, what a stupid twist, if it can be called a twist.
In conclusion, the writing is fine, the first 50% is alright, the pacing is okay. Yet, the characters are so one-dimensional and useless, especially the true crime podcaster. The reveal is ridiculous and out of nowhere. The explanation is bullshit.
I recommend you should read "What Lies In The Woods" by Kate Alice Marshall, using the same trope (traumatic past, final girl, podcaster, false convict) but is more logical and interesting.
spoiler:
Chet, Badger's brother is the person behinds the abduction and killing. But Even Handy truly stabbed Madeline because he is evil. Evan and Chet had the same desire so they talked to each other a lot. ...more
This book is hilarious :))))) I mean, thinking this Everett guy is a vampire? What a ridiculous thought! I know the author intentionally tried to 2.75
This book is hilarious :))))) I mean, thinking this Everett guy is a vampire? What a ridiculous thought! I know the author intentionally tried to make this character appear like a vampiric figure in Twilight, with a lot of scenes to suggest to the readers that Everett can be truly a vampire... but I didn't fall to that trap, and I laughed when Ruth, the protagonist, actually thinks Everett is like Edward Cullen. Oh my god, how nonsense it sounds!
The mystery is not that mysterious. To be honest, it is completely uninteresting. I was very let down by the reveal, it doesn't offer any surprises or requires any deduction to make that conclusion. The involvement of a drug gang doesn't improve the plot at all - since I really hate any things related to drug crimes, organized crime, and this book, unfortunately, is about that topic, though not really that focused. The string of old murders is supposed to be interesting, but unluckily, they all go downhill as there is no decent investigation. Ruth can be more active, but intertwined with present chapters are past chapters that are bit boring and longer than necessary. I something lost patience during reading as there are a lot of philosophical remarks made by Ruth... Ruth, please, stop, I know you are a true reader, but you don't need to think philosophically.
The religious aspect of the book is kind of interesting, but I feel like it is not delved too deeply in this book. I wish the author could explore more about morality, religion, the conflicts between individual needs and religious beliefs - they would make quite an interesting combination to the plot. However, the drug thing and the vampire thing are a bit too much, so the religious/cult thing is not explored carefully.
The confrontation between Ruth and her father is also not very climatic and well, like tell not show. Just all the talking, Ruth with her accusations and her father with denial, it goes on and on until one of them dies :)))
Ohhh, I must talk about the final scene, it reminds me of them movie Thelma and Louise - but... this scene is very cringey and I don't think it fits with this modern story....more
What a stupid book, stupid annoying characters, a stupid story, stupid twists! Who on earth nominates this book for Goodreads Choice Award? Forced,WTF
What a stupid book, stupid annoying characters, a stupid story, stupid twists! Who on earth nominates this book for Goodreads Choice Award? Forced, repetitive, predictable, underdeveloped, boring, bland story and characters.
Sao cuốn này được đề cử vào Goodreads Choice Award????? Căn cứ vào đâu để đề cử cuốn này? Một cuốn sách vô danh mình chưa nghe tên bao giờ và nội dung thì ngu ngốc không chịu được. Đọc synopsis đã đoán được twist rồi, nhưng vì thấy được đề cử nên nghĩ là có thể nội dung cũ nhưng cách triển khai thú vị sẽ bù lại được nhưng KHÔNG. Đọc cuốn này mình không trầy trật mà skip vô số chương để đến được cái cao trào, nhưng cái cao trào đó ngớ ngẩn không kém gì cả truyện và dĩ nhiên có một cái twist. Twist này còn tệ hơn cả cuốn Verity của Colleen Hoover.
Joanne, bà vợ ngu ngốc, ngớ ngẩn, sao Joanne có thể để con khốn nạn Chloe đó nói chuyện và đối xử với mình như thể nó mới là bà chủ của cái nhà này chứ không phải Joanne? Đã thế, thấy Richard (gã chồng) lúc nào cũng bênh vực Chloe và coi mình như một con mụ điên rồ cuồng loạn, mà vẫn yêu Richard và vẫn cố nịnh Richard để theo phe mình. Có bà vợ nào ngu si đần độn như Joane không? Đến cả điều tra về Chloe và có thể Chloe giết mẹ và em gái mình thì Joanne cũng phải nhờ người khác làm thay vì tự mình đi điều tra. Đi gặp mẹ vợ cũ của Richard mà phải đến tận cuối truyện mới gặp là sao? Ngu thế hả trời? Sống trong nhà mình mà lúc nào cũng phải rón rén sợ hãi con Chloe kia, để nó nói chuyện bất lịch sự như vậy, sao không nghĩ đến việc ghi âm mà cho Richard nghe? Quan trọng là, sao có thể vẫn chấp nhận một gã chồng thích sở hữu, mù quáng và cho là mình điên?
Đọc cuốn này làm mình phát điên mất. Nhân vật nào cũng quá là tệ, xây dựng một chiều, hoàn toàn không có một sự phát triển tâm lý dày dặn. Tình tiết truyện đều đều, lặp đi lặp lại mà không có một tiến triển nào giúp câu chuyện được đẩy đi. Phần cao trào quá dễ đoán nhưng lại cũng vô lý khi bị đặt vào tình huống không có những dấu hiệu báo trước, vì vậy trở nên thiếu thuyết phục. Và lẽ dĩ nhiên, vẫn còn vài chương nữa sau cái "twist" dở hơi đó cho thấy là tác giả định lật lại một lần nữa (chính là nhờ cuộc gặp của Joanne với mẹ vợ cũ của Richard) - và cú lật cuối cùng cũng dễ đoán không kém, nhưng vẫn rơi vào tình cảnh là thiếu thuyết phục và vô cùng gương ép vì tác giả cho thêm vào với mục đích là có twist lật chứ chả phải là câu chuyện ngay từ đầu vốn vậy....more
I'm surprised. Very surprised. I didn't love her first book (Rule for vanishing) so I didn't have any high expectation.
This book uses so many familiaI'm surprised. Very surprised. I didn't love her first book (Rule for vanishing) so I didn't have any high expectation.
This book uses so many familiar thriller tropes and twists that you can easily guess some of them if you are a fan of psychological thrillers. This book reminds me a lot of Megan Miranda books and the book by Stacey Willingham (A flicker in the dark). The small town vibe, everyone has a secret, the town keeps everything in the dark, no one is safe. However simple and common those tropes may be, I still like this book, just because of its simplicity but still intriguing plot. I don't like the main character much, she's a bit annoying at times (she always pretend to be strong when in fact, she's not). The emotional depth in this book is not that profound (really similar to Megan Miranda books), perhaps because of the familiarity of the tropes and the way to use them (a bit predictable). The characters are decently developed (not too well but I can accept). Of course, the motive behind the murder is a little fat-fetched, but still, acceptable to me.
I don't like some flashbacks - they are not much, and are intertwined while we are in the present. Well, there is a podcaster in this book, and obviously, the main character slept with this podcaster - their relationship develops rather quickly.
Spoiler:
Naomi was stabbed by Liv, who is very mentally unstable and is manipulated by Cass. (Cass and Liv and Naomi are best friends). So Liv's parents and Cass's parents tried to convice Naomi to recognize Stahl as her killer, not Liv.
Ethan, who is the podcaster sleeping with Naomi, is Stahl's son.
Cody, who used to save Naomi from being r.a.p.e.d by Oscar - Cass's brother, loves Jessi (Persephone, the skeletons that the friend group discovered in the cave), and accidentally tripped her, so she fell and injured her head. Cody was too scared so he left her bleeding there.
Cass knew Cody's action about Jessi, so she blackmailed Cody into killing Liv because Liv wanted to tell everyone that she lied about the person who stabbed Naomi.
I finish the year 2023 with this book and wow, what a rollercoaster. At first, I had trouble getting into the story by reading the screenplay form3.75
I finish the year 2023 with this book and wow, what a rollercoaster. At first, I had trouble getting into the story by reading the screenplay format. In actuality, I really don't like mixed media books - I always find it difficult to be completely immersed into the story as my mind cannot digest the different format from the traditional book format.
So yes, it takes time for me to actually engage in the story and the characters. Also, there are a lot of details that I missed. Well, there are too many characters for me to really understand, and because the book is written in the screenplay format, which also makes it harder for me to feel anything towards the characters. It's a big disadvantage when writing a book in a mixed media format - the characters are not well thought out and they appear very plain on the pages. However, I was still able to distinguish who is who, though I really don't give a care to who is talking or who is investigating.
The story, though, is interesting. It's actually a very basic storyline with basic setup, but because written in a screenplay format, the story becomes more complex and gets more thrilling with each episode. Each episode ends with a shocking reveal, towards the end, it becomes more urgent and climatic. I was completely hooked into the story.
The author really brings out the typical sensational way of bringing shocking news and twists to a TV episode, which is very typical to TV show running to have high ratings. I appreciate that aspect, it proves that the author did a good job researching how to run a TV show and how to make it sensational to attract viewers, regardless of morality.
spoiler:
Guy Howard is the killer. Amelia knew Guy is the killer so she covered it up. Maura thought Amelia is the killer so she lied. ...more
This book is so so bad that I can’t believe it is the sequel to The Night Swim. So so bad, from the tone, the pacing to story. The author is trying toThis book is so so bad that I can’t believe it is the sequel to The Night Swim. So so bad, from the tone, the pacing to story. The author is trying to make the book more socially related to the readers, which in turn leads to the book being very forced and unconnected. What is this book really about? Influencers or the wrong prisoners? There is no focus and I feel like the author merges the two very different stories into one single story which is extremely incoherent. The part about influencers and the disappearance of an influencer can be a very joyful separate book, and the part about the wronged prisoner can be a separate book as well.
The characters are nothing like The Night Swim. I have difficulty imagining this Rachel and the Rachel from The Night Swim are the same person. This Rachel is such an annoying person and she acts as if she knows everything and can solve the case. But unfortunately, I just think she’s pathetic when trying to do something she’s not good at but she doesn’t realize that.
Let’s say about the unnecessary romance in this book, what a stupid thing to add to this book. There is a very handsome FBI agent who stupidly involves a civilian into a secret investigation. Of course, this very handsome guy is impressed by the bold and headstrong Rachel. Of course, Rachel defies everything this agent says. And of course, these two fall in love. Oh my god, why on earth adding the stupid romance here??
The podcast element in this book does nothing to the story. You don’t need to read the podcast parts to understand the story....more
This book is like Gone girl but the setting is the workplace. The twist is kind of predictable, but I still do really like Freida McFadden's writin3.5
This book is like Gone girl but the setting is the workplace. The twist is kind of predictable, but I still do really like Freida McFadden's writing style.
Spoiler
Dawn is an old schoolmate of Natalie. Dawn's best friend was driven to suicide because of Natalie and her friend's bully.
Dawn exact revenge on Natalie by working at the same company as Natalie. Then Dawn fakes her death and frames Natalie for her murder. It's convenient that a body of a woman is found, so everyone mistakes it for Dawn's body. (but it's not, it belongs to Natalie's best friend who was killed by Dawn)
Dawn loves her best friend's brother and they together work to make Natalie pay. ...more
QHuong(BookSpy)
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Books:
2023-thriller-releases
(39)
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