Book Review: The Perfect Place to Die by Bryce Moore
The Perfect Place to Die
Author: Bryce Moore
Published: August 3, 2021
320 Pages
Reviewed By: Kim
Kim’s Rating: 3 stars
Book Description:
Zuretta never thought she’d encounter a monster—one of the world’s most notorious serial killers. She had resigned herself to a quiet life in Utah. But when her younger sister, Ruby, travels to Chicago during the World’s Fair, and disappears, Zuretta leaves home to find her.
But 1890s Chicago is more dangerous and chaotic than she imagined. She doesn’t know where to start until she learns of her sister’s last place of employment…a mysterious hotel known as The Castle.
Zuretta takes a job there hoping to learn more. And before long she realizes the hotel isn’t what it seems. Women disappear at an alarming rate, she hears crying from the walls, and terrifying whispers follow her at night. In the end, she finds herself up against one of the most infamous mass murderers in American history—and his custom-built death trap.
Kim’s Review:
This is simply a murder mystery with a tiny paranormal element. Unfortunately, it turns predictable relatively quickly. It’s also rather slow. I mostly enjoyed it so I’m glad I read it. But I’m not sure I can recommend it. However, that cover though. That cover almost pushed it up to 4 stars. Unfortunately, the “twist” which was actually obvious to everyone but the main character, brought it back down to 3. I just thought that Etta was so unrealistic. Too afraid to stand up to her abusive father, too scared to run away with her sister, too dumb to avoid the con woman her first day in Chicago, but then all of a sudden confident enough to stand up to Pinkertons, cops, the suspected killers … just not believable. So I can’t recommend it. I’m glad I read it, but the pros don’t outweigh the cons.
Purchase Links:
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Friant’s Video Friday: Book to Film Adaption Comparison of The Reader by Bernhard Schlink
Kim is back with her thoughts on the book and film comparison of The Reader by Bernhard Schlink.
The Reader
Author: Bernhard Schlink
Published: June 26, 1997
216 Pages
Book Description:
Hailed for its coiled eroticism and the moral claims it makes upon the reader, this mesmerizing novel is a story of love and secrets, horror and compassion, unfolding against the haunted landscape of postwar Germany.
When he falls ill on his way home from school, fifteen-year-old Michael Berg is rescued by Hanna, a woman twice his age. In time she becomes his lover—then she inexplicably disappears. When Michael next sees her, he is a young law student, and she is on trial for a hideous crime. As he watches her refuse to defend her innocence, Michael gradually realizes that Hanna may be guarding a secret she considers more shameful than murder.
Kim’s Book to Film Adaptation Comparison:
Purchase Links:
Novel
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Film
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Book Review: The Therapist by B.A. Paris
The Therapist
Author: B.A. Paris
Published: July 13, 2021
Audiobook
Reviewed By: Jessica
Dates Read: August 25 -31, 2021
Jessica’s Rating: 2 stars
Book Description:
When Alice and Leo move into a newly renovated house in The Circle, a gated community of exclusive houses, it is everything they’ve dreamed of. But appearances can be deceptive…
As Alice is getting to know her neighbours, she discovers a devastating secret about her new home, and begins to feel a strong connection with Nina, the therapist who lived there before.
Alice becomes obsessed with trying to piece together what happened two years before. But no one wants to talk about it. Her neighbors are keeping secrets and things are not as perfect as they seem…
Jessica’s Review:
**Minor spoilers**
I am a B.A. Paris fan and have really enjoyed all her other books, until The Therapist. This one was just lackluster as it moved very slowly for me. I also did not connect with Alice and she just seemed too caught up in trying to figure out what really happened to the former resident Nina, who was murdered in the apartment. Once Alice found out about Nina’s murder after moving in, she stayed?!?!?! Leo didn’t bother to tell her when he bought the house!?!?! WHAT!?!?!? Yeah, they totally don’t have a good relationship.
Maybe it was that I listened to the audiobook on this one and have actually read the others. Sometimes audiobooks are hit or miss. I just had no feeling of suspense listening to The Therapist and by the time we got to the ending I wasn’t shocked or really cared with this one.
Since I have enjoyed all of her other novels, I will continue to read anything else she writes. I highly recommend her first novel: Behind Closed Doors. Read that one!
Purchase Links
Amazon US
Amazon UK