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Rating: 
Summary: Not a true mystery or suspense but engrossing
Review: Since you know who committed the murder and why (as described in the editorial review and very early in the book) there is neither a mystery or very little suspense here. But like her other books in the series, Wright focuses more on character study and the relationships among those affected by the murder rather than lay out a typical who-dunit.I frankly found the main character, Zoe Strachan, to be the most fascinating feature of the book because her gross inner imperfections contrasted sharply with her outward stunning beauty. The one fault I find with this book, however, is that Zoe is perceived by others and perhaps Wright herself as evil, when in fact many of her actions are driven by acute mental illness. The former has you rooting for the character's demise; the latter has you hoping she gets treatment. All-in-all, a very good read.
Rating:
Summary: Not a true mystery or suspense but engrossing
Review: Since you know who committed the murder and why (as described in the editorial review and very early in the book) there is neither a mystery or very little suspense here. But like her other books in the series, Wright focuses more on character study and the relationships among those affected by the murder rather than lay out a typical who-dunit. I frankly found the main character, Zoe Strachan, to be the most fascinating feature of the book because her gross inner imperfections contrasted sharply with her outward stunning beauty. The one fault I find with this book, however, is that Zoe is perceived by others and perhaps Wright herself as evil, when in fact many of her actions are driven by acute mental illness. The former has you rooting for the character's demise; the latter has you hoping she gets treatment. All-in-all, a very good read.
Rating:
Summary: moody, evocative
Review: This is my first taste of Edgar Award winner Ms. Wright's fiction and, if this book is any indication of her talent, then I am certainly going to seek out her other novels. Her spare yet descriptive prose perfectly evokes the gothic tone of the deeds that connect the various characters. The surprises come not in the plot but in the motives and backgrounds of the characters. If there is any criticism, it is that she holds back too much, so that some scenes don't have quite the impact that they should, but this is a minor peeve. I read this right after reading McGrath's SPIDER, and the two novels share a vague similarity in tone and subject matter. Worth checking out.
Rating:
Summary: moody, evocative
Review: This is my first taste of Edgar Award winner Ms. Wright's fiction and, if this book is any indication of her talent, then I am certainly going to seek out her other novels. Her spare yet descriptive prose perfectly evokes the gothic tone of the deeds that connect the various characters. The surprises come not in the plot but in the motives and backgrounds of the characters. If there is any criticism, it is that she holds back too much, so that some scenes don't have quite the impact that they should, but this is a minor peeve. I read this right after reading McGrath's SPIDER, and the two novels share a vague similarity in tone and subject matter. Worth checking out.
Rating:
Summary: a chill rain in january
Review: this was an excellent book. i enjoyed reading this book so much. it was supsense full if you like mystery books you'll enjoy reading this.
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