Shadows in the Woods by Frank Thilliez
A Bummer of a First Impression with Frank Tillery's Work
summarizeEditor's Summary
I was super stoked to dive into Frank Tillery's detective novels, but 'Shadows in the Woods' left me feeling totally underwhelmed. I'd heard great things, but the writing style and plot twists just didn't deliver. I'm a total sucker for a good dark detective story, but this one felt like it was phoning it in. I started strong, but the more I read, the more I felt like I was reading the same old tropes over and over. Maybe I just didn't connect with the characters, but it's hard to care about David Miller when he's not really developed. The setting's cool, but it's not enough to save this lackluster read. I was expecting a lot more from Frank Tillery, but unfortunately, 'Shadows in the Woods' just didn't live up to the hype.
settingsSpecifications
live_helpFeatured FAQ
What's the main plot of 'Shadows in the Woods'?
The story follows David Miller, a writer who's hired by a wealthy client to create a novel based on a real-life serial killer. As they spend more time in the client's isolated mansion, things start to take a dark turn.
Is this book part of a series?
Yes, 'Shadows in the Woods' is one of Frank Tillery's earlier works, and it's a great starting point for readers who want to dive into his detective series.
What's the tone of the book?
The tone's dark and suspenseful, with a focus on the thriller aspects of the story. It's a great read for fans of Agatha Christie-style mysteries.
Are the characters well-developed?
The characters are somewhat developed, but it's hard to care about them. The main character, David Miller, feels like a bit of a blank slate.
Is the book worth reading?
It's a decent read, but it's not particularly memorable. If you're a fan of dark detective stories, you might enjoy it, but it's not a game-changer.
What's the setting like?
The isolated setting of Arthur's mansion is creepy and immersive. It's a great backdrop for the story, but it's not enough to save the book from its overall lackluster feel.
Are there any graphic details?
Yes, the book contains graphic details of the murders, which might be off-putting for some readers.
Is the book part of a larger series?
Yes, 'Shadows in the Woods' is part of Frank Tillery's detective series, which has a few more books in it.
What's the main theme of the book?
The main theme's the concept of bringing a serial killer back to life and the consequences that follow.
Is the book easy to follow?
The book's not particularly complex, but it does have some twists and turns that might be hard to follow for some readers.
Are the characters relatable?
The characters are somewhat relatable, but it's hard to care about them when they're not well-developed.
Is the book worth the read?
It's a decent read, but it's not particularly memorable. If you're a fan of dark detective stories, you might enjoy it, but it's not a game-changer.
check_circlePros
- •The isolated setting of Arthur's mansion is seriously creepy and immersive
- •The concept of bringing a serial killer back to life has some serious potential
- •The book's dark and suspenseful atmosphere is engaging, if a bit clichéd
- •The writing's not bad, but it's also not particularly memorable
- •The plot's got some twists, but they're not super surprising
- •The characters have some interesting dynamics, but they're not well-developed
- •The pacing's pretty good, and it keeps you guessing
- •The themes of morality and justice are thought-provoking
cancelCons
- •The main villain's underwhelming and doesn't feel like a real threat
- •The graphic details of the murders are gratuitous and off-putting
- •The plot's predictable and relies on overused tropes
- •The ending's a total letdown and feels rushed
- •The atmosphere's trying too hard to be spooky and it falls flat
- •The characters are somewhat developed, but it's hard to care about them
- •The dialogue's a bit cheesy at times
- •The plot holes are pretty glaring
