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inirac's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Vomit, Child death, and Death
Moderate: Murder, Gaslighting, Alcoholism, Pedophilia, Sexual assault, Injury/Injury detail, Gore, Rape, and Blood
azalya01's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Stevenson crafted an excellent story that made me both burst out laughing and gasp from suspense on multiple occasions. Stevenson's unique protagonist as a writer who writes about how to write mystery novels is a humorous and charming aspect of the book.
I couldn't put this book down! I really loved how all of these new characters were introduced. They all were fleshed out well and were able to make sense without feeling like the story is just a mess of strangers with confusing backstories. I did feel like the mystery was more confusing this time, so honestly I didn't solve much on my own. The denouement did have to do some heavy lifting to get me to understand everything, but I still enjoyed it. I look forward to what comes next from Benjamin Stevenson!
Graphic: Death, Murder, and Suicide
Moderate: Alcoholism, Drug use, Addiction, Grief, Car accident, Drug abuse, Alcohol, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Rape, and Violence
Minor: Gore, Gun violence, Sexual assault, and Sexual harassment
jillkaarlela's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
These mysteries are just such a delight to read! I love Ernest Cunningham and his whacky group! I liked how this book focused on changing genres instead of changing author inspirations (like book one). This was a whacky, kitschy murder mystery comedy that actually kept me guessing until the end! It breaks the “fourth wall” quite a bit, where the author directly addresses the reader, which I really enjoy. This is just a quick, fun mystery comedy, and I highly recommend!
There is an authors note at the beginning that mentions the triggering subjects that are touched on throughout the book.
Moderate: Death, Murder, Gore, and Violence
Minor: Sexual violence and Rape
The sexual violence is not on page, it is just mentioned as something that happened in the past.emetrock's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.5
Moderate: Blood, Violence, Gore, Death, Murder, and Alcoholism
Minor: Child abuse and Rape
bibliomania_express's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
There were some things that I guessed, wondered if I was wrong, and then was vindicated. But that just enhanced my enjoyement of the story. There were also a lot of things I didn't guess, and I loved the whole denoument scene. And it's so fun thinking back to all the "spoilers" in the first chapter and seeing what they mean once you know.
I also really enjoyed the setting and how vivid the Australian countryside is. The bit about opal mining was particularly interesting. I also appreciated that the book has a map of the train, which made it clearer to see where everyone was in specific moments.
This book does deal with some heavy topics. In line with the fourth wall breaking, Ernest lists all the crimes committed in the first chapter.
Graphic: Gore, Vomit, and Murder
Moderate: Sexism, Blood, Alcoholism, Violence, Suicide, Injury/Injury detail, Grief, and Death
Minor: Rape, Car accident, Pedophilia, and Child abuse
persephonefoxx's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Gore, Murder, and Death
Moderate: Alcoholism, Rape, Injury/Injury detail, and Vomit
Minor: Gun violence, Child abuse, and Pedophilia
christygsp's review against another edition
5.0
Just as witty and interesting as the first, but with a new feel and plot.
I missed Ernest but didn’t realise until I started reading.
Story was clever enough to keep me engaged and throw me a lot of curveballs that fit into reliable narrator, with some fun windy roads.
Loved it
Graphic: Murder and Death
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Rape and Gore
thumbeleia's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Car accident, Child abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Suicide, Addiction, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Suicide attempt, Child death, Grief, Sexism, Alcoholism, Blood, Body horror, Bullying, Gore, Gun violence, Alcohol, Drug abuse, Gaslighting, Misogyny, Murder, Death, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Pedophilia, Suicide, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Stalking, Rape, Incest, Pregnancy, and Vomit