SarahKat’s Comments (group member since Jan 11, 2017)

SarahKat’s comments from the 2025 Reading Challenge group.

I finished. I rated it 3.5 stars. Review

Through the end: (view spoiler)[I sort of stopped liking it when they arrive at The Peak and things just start getting weirder and weirder. Then the ending itself fell a little flat. Ashley had cancer, which is a fine twist, but the way Scott figures that out with just a whole monologue from Inez was a little meh. (hide spoiler)]

Dominique, do you have a preference on month for One of Us Is Lying?

Charlotte, I'll put all of your suggestions on November for now with a note you're open. Darker Shade of Magic will be confirmed for December of course.

Updated

Hi Beth! starting this one tonight

I will also join The Alice Network

Updated

Through Chapter 24: (view spoiler)[I am not really liking the letters anymore at all. I would rather figure out the history in a different way now that new Myfanwy is more familiar with her surroundings. It's alright though.

We just figured out Gestalt is the traitor. Was he the one who tried to kill her too? I'm not sure we should trust Shantay. They keep mentioning "The Americans" but I think she's really the only one we've seen. Her partner was sick at the hotel when they first met. Her entourage wasn't mentioned/there. When Bronwyn shows up it's like "hey don't trust this person right away, it could be a Grafter!" But, so could Shantay?
And just recently they are all sitting around the table looking at each other suspiciously like anyone could be a Grafter. I don't know! (hide spoiler)]

Welcome Alex!

I finished. Here is my review.

I'm through Chapter 16 and I agree. (view spoiler)[I like the world and the whole Checquy system. I also like the main character, though I wish I could spell her name without looking... Myfanvwy?
I do not like how heavily the story relies on the exposition in the letters. I tend to zone out during the longer ones, which is unfortunate since I'm sure I'm missing some important things.
She is much more honest and outgoing than I would be if I didn't know what I was doing. She really doesn't spend a lot of time quietly observing. I'm also surprised she told Dr. Crisp that she interfered with the interrogation. She still has no clue who betrayed her, maybe play things a little closer to the chest. (hide spoiler)]

Through Chapter 80: (view spoiler)[We found out Hopper's connection with Ashley, which is much deeper than he originally said. The camp thing with Orlando dying was very sad.
We also got a little of Nora's background who also had a rough go of it. The guy who takes her bird and the scene in the bathroom was very hard to read. How much have we actually figured out about Ashley though? There is a lot of talk but we don't really *know* more. Do we think the whole witchcraft/devil stuff is real/true? It seems more and more likely that it is. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 92: (view spoiler)[I haven't really been a huge fan of Scott but this chapter where he takes his small child to meet with a potentially dangerous man, embroiled in an already-murdery plot, NO. NO YOU DO NOT TAKE YOUR KID.
She even had her school uniform on so the guy could just find her easily after the visit. So at this point I guess I relate the most to Scott's ex-wife. (hide spoiler)]

Me too! I have a hold at the library. It will probably be a few weeks before I get to this one.

Hi Lorraine! Sounds good! I will try to get to the library today or tomorrow to get my copy.

It's my first time with this author as well. I've had it on my list for a while!

I've started this.

I joined because I listened to the first book last summer and liked it enough to continue, just never got around to it!

I just finished Marble Hall Murders by this author as well and I think I like that series a little more.

I'm not a huge fan of Horowitz writing himself as a character in this series, but I like the Sherlock-esque vibe and the mystery itself! I just try really hard to pretend Horowitz isn't himself. (view spoiler)[I am wondering if Richard Price is based on the author of the same name, but I'm not sure who the ex wife of Adrian would be if she's a real person? (hide spoiler)]

I'm in for all 10

🐇 A book that starts a series or sends you on a journey
🌹 A book with red on the cover or in the title
🍔A book where characters gather, dine, or drink
🔍 A book that’s a mystery or made you say “what is going on?!”
🐛 A book with a wise, strange, or philosophical character
👭 A book with a mirror, reflection, or doppelgänger theme
👑 A book featuring royalty, powerful leaders, or fierce femmes
🎩 A book you chose for no logical reason at all
📖 A book that’s fantasy, surreal, or speculative fiction
⏱️ A book that’s been on your TBR for far too long

Update to Message 22: 9/15

9/15

The Fury by Alex Michaelides

Wow have I never updated my progress on this challenge?? Oops

Update to message 22: 30/30 complete!!

Update to Message 16: 8/12

July & August
Focus your reading on European authors and/ or settings.
📗1. The Paris Express by Emma Donoghue (France)
📗2. Ivan's War: Life and Death in the Red Army, 1939-1945 (Russia)

Update to Message 18: 24/30, but only 2 in the "how" category, so still whatever that level is.

Update to Message 36: 23/40

Update to Message 8: 12/12 Complete!

I have some unpaired things that I may end up pairing before the year is out but I'm not going to increase my goal.

Update to Message 18: 24/30

Update to Message 36: 23/26