Reviews with content warning for Gaslighting - Appointment with Death

This book is split into two distinct parts; the events leading up to the murder and then the investigation. That first part read somewhat like a prologue, but in reality that first part was over 40% of the book's length. However, because it read like a prologue the considerable size of that first section made the book flow rather odd to me. In other circumstances, this odd flow would be a small matter. But given the painful emotions of the book's first section, the length and breadth were nearly unbearable.

The murder victim of this book is a large and sickly old woman with several children and step-children. Throughout the first section, it becomes clear that she is a type of sadist and has been systematically breaking down, abusing, and controlling these children for their entire lives. There are graphic examples of mental abuse and even more graphic examples of the effects that abuse has had on the now adult children. It is explicit and painful. Had I not been determined to read this entire series I would have DNF'd the book. Upon reflection, I still should have DNF'd it, and taken the loss.

This may just be a matter of trigger warnings, so I'm trying not to affect my rating too harshly. The book is well-written, the crime is artful, and the mystery reveal is satisfying. I would though, advise caution when you consider reading this because the book hit my emotions far more than I was expecting.

There is also a lot of very casual racism toward the Arab characters in the book. I am sure this was standard speech for the time frame, but it is uncomfortable with modern sensibilities.

Content Warnings

ran_sophia's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-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? No

5.0

The story is excellently elaborate. The plots are well written and placed. I enjoyed the style of writing and storytelling a lot. The pace of writing was nicely quick and the book was read well.

Content Warnings

mossybeds's review

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DNF about a third of the way through; the relentless fatphobia was too much for me! We're told over and over again that Mrs Boynton, the villain, is fat, but also that her body is disgusting and a part of her villainy. Other characters armchair diagnose her with a range of mental illnesses (the mundanity of human cruelty not being exciting enough, I guess) and talk about how grotesque she is constantly. Another heartbreaking example of a disabled person being portrayed as powerfully evil, to contrast with the fact that it's usually the opposite in real life where disabled people are vulnerable to familial abuse.

All to say, I found it distracting / upsetting to the point where I DNF.

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