Reviews tagging 'Murder'

The Family Remains by Lisa Jewell

73 reviews

annie_brewer's review

mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

Read via audiobook (Penguin Audio)

This follow up was a slower pace and had less intrigue, but a nice easy read with good writing.

There does seem to be a few too many plot points for the novel to have gripped me, and the main quest to find out what happened to Birdy was buried amongst Lucy's backstory. I think I was mostly engaged to see how Phinn had grown up and the impact his childhood had on him and was dissappointed that when he was found any tension was automatically resolved. A lot of conveniences for all characters.

Mostly an unnecessary sequel, with the new character additions not adding much. Enjoyable as a cozy mystery rather than a thriller.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, and Emotional abuse

Minor: Suicide, Murder, and Rape

izzyfreeman's review against another edition

dark medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

Rachel/Michael's back story felt a bit unnecessary, although it wrapped up the Lucy/Michael issue

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Rape

Minor: Murder

ryendnae's review against another edition

mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse, Death, Gaslighting, Murder, and Rape

Moderate: Alcohol, Domestic abuse, Stalking, and Toxic friendship

Minor: Child abuse, Confinement, Death of parent, Violence, Adult/minor relationship, and Blood

sare1125's review

dark medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death of parent, Murder, and Death

Moderate: Domestic abuse and Stalking

stephaniezd's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Bang up job on the sequel to The Family Upstairs! Excellent storytelling and woven together just so. Loved it. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Murder, Rape, and Addiction

Minor: Pedophilia

Body dysmorphia

bryelle's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Really good sequel to the first book. It was cool seeing different people’s lives intertwining. For a little while it was hard with the time skips. But it really comes together in the last chunk. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Murder and Rape

Moderate: Suicide and Child abuse

loonysaurus's review

dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Alcohol, Child abuse, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Blood, Drug use, Misogyny, Body horror, Physical abuse, Confinement, Cursing, Gaslighting, Pedophilia, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, and Death

Moderate: Addiction, Injury/Injury detail, Panic attacks/disorders, Classism, Violence, Alcoholism, and Murder

Minor: Abandonment, Animal cruelty, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Body shaming, Pregnancy, Animal death, Miscarriage, and Gun violence

ashwatever98's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Toxic friendship and Stalking

Moderate: Confinement and Murder

Minor: Suicide and Adult/minor relationship

This book ties in so well with the first one. The story flows through flawlessly and everything just meshed well together. This book is probably one of my personal favorites.

cassiefowler's review against another edition

dark funny hopeful mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Been on somewhat of a Lisa Jewell tirade since I read None of This is True for book club earlier this year, and this has been my favorite so far. I’m a sucker for the tying of loose ends, and I can always count on Jewell to do it in a way I didn’t predict. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, and Murder

tuckedwithinpages's review against another edition

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Rape

Moderate: Child abuse

Minor: Suicide and Murder