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hpuphd's review
Has a great story (“Swaj”) that builds on Peter Benchley’s novel Jaws. The people who want to keep open the beach on the holiday weekend in spite of the shark attacks use arguments similar to anti-vaxxers. Also another great subtext to the story.
smatthew459's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
kylerooney's review
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
petrange77's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
lou_1440's review
This was a bit of a let-down. Stories were slow-moving, which I expect from mystery stories, but the pay off at the end was not there in any of the four or five that I read. It got to the point where I was just dreading picking up this book so I stop reading it.
tri_lo_bite's review
dark
slow-paced
3.0
Read for the Read Harder 2022 prompt: 26. Read a “Best _ Writing of the year” book for a topic and year of your choice. Could also fill the prompt: Read an anthology featuring diverse voices, but I have another book picked for that one.
I guess that this was a fine anthology. There were stories that were great and stories that were not. But my main gripe with this is that very few of them were actually mysteries. Sure, it’s mystery and suspense, but the suspense stories weren’t all that suspenseful either. A lot of them read just as contemporary fiction. So pretty disappointed.
I guess that this was a fine anthology. There were stories that were great and stories that were not. But my main gripe with this is that very few of them were actually mysteries. Sure, it’s mystery and suspense, but the suspense stories weren’t all that suspenseful either. A lot of them read just as contemporary fiction. So pretty disappointed.
fionahawkins's review
dark
mysterious
tense
3.0
I loved some of these stories but some were boring. Probably would not have continued this if it wasn't for the read harder challenge. I was hoping that I would find some new authors to check out with this, but that didn't really happen.
whrohala's review
dark
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
As is often the risk with anthologies, this book had its good aspects and not-so-good aspects.
ALL of these stories were wonderfully written and engaging, there were just a handleful that didn't have quite the payoff I would have hoped for from the best mystery and suspense of the year (my own expectations may have set this book up for failure though, so take that into consideration).
Of the 20 stories, I marked 8 of them for revisiting in the future, which is a win in my opinion. Those that ranked above for me, where most because of how resolved the story felt by the end, or the physical reaction I had to the climax or twist (chills, gasping, etc.). Ultimately, I think the writing styles of those authors, the way they told their story, just resonated with me more.
Highly recommend, as I think that anyone who likes mystery and suspense will find something for them in this book, and get to read some amazing writing in the process.
ALL of these stories were wonderfully written and engaging, there were just a handleful that didn't have quite the payoff I would have hoped for from the best mystery and suspense of the year (my own expectations may have set this book up for failure though, so take that into consideration).
Of the 20 stories, I marked 8 of them for revisiting in the future, which is a win in my opinion. Those that ranked above for me, where most because of how resolved the story felt by the end, or the physical reaction I had to the climax or twist (chills, gasping, etc.). Ultimately, I think the writing styles of those authors, the way they told their story, just resonated with me more.
Highly recommend, as I think that anyone who likes mystery and suspense will find something for them in this book, and get to read some amazing writing in the process.
Content Warnings
Be aware that there are themes of death, murder, racism, sexism, abuse, and more to varying degrees in all of these stories.