Reviews

Criminals by Margot Livesey

laila4343's review against another edition

4.0

Sort of like Ruth Rendell - not as gruesome, but just as page-turning. A literary psychological thriller. Great author.

nekreader's review against another edition

3.0

I liked this book, although I kept hoping that at least one of the essentially unsympathetic characters would start acting like a grown-up. I enjoyed the interwoven stories that show how our lives, whether because of misguided good intentions, temporary (or chronic) mental instability or other reasons, give us the opportunity to make poor decisions that start us down a path of unintended consequences and unwanted outcomes. The ending felt a bit flat.

mimika9's review against another edition

2.0

This is a bizarre mean-spirited book. Two stars is generous, actually. I almost abandoned it in the middle and I am pretty sorry I finished it. There is something disjointed and incomplete about the character development; it is impossible to feel for anyone but Joan and even there, it strains credulity to imagine her passivity. The way in which the characters interact and respond to each other makes no sense. I’ve rather liked other books by Margot Livesey this one is just nasty.

brmills's review against another edition

tense medium-paced

• 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

3.0

Quick gripping read

amturlington's review against another edition

4.0

This book is full of cringe-y, awkward situations. It was an unexpected page turner--I never could figure out what the heck was happening until it was all said and done. I read it in about 24 hours--good book for a long plane/train ride.

icz's review against another edition

4.0

A good psychological novel with interesting, if not always likable, characters.