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Hooked from Page One: Why I Devoured This Thrilling Mystery
melissaH
Books•this month
5.0
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The Devil and Dark Water by Terence Steward
Productstar 5.0

The Devil and Dark Water by Terence Steward

This novel's got it all - a wild ride through the darkest corners of human nature, an engaging storyline, and characters that'll keep you guessing. If you're a fan of psychological thrillers, you won't want to miss this one.
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Hooked from Page One: Why I Devoured This Thrilling Mystery

summarizeEditor's Summary

I just finished reading 'The Devil and the Dark Water' by Stuart Turton, and it's been a wild ride. This historical mystery starts in 1634 with a merchant ship setting sail from the East Indies, and then things take a dark and twisty turn. I was skeptical at first, but this book is a total game changer. The author does an amazing job of painting a picture with words, making it easy to get lost in the story. With a unique twist on the typical hero, I found myself rooting for Samuel Pipps from the start. The historical setting is well-researched and adds depth to the story, while the characters are well-developed and relatable. I devoured this book in just a few days, and I'm still thinking about it.

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KararMükemmel
Müzik0/10
Düzenleme8/10
HikayeKalitesi9/10
DönüşHikayesi8/10
KarakterGelişimi9/10
AnaKarakterGelişimi9/10
I just finished reading 'The Devil and the Dark Water' by Stuart Turton, and it's been a wild ride. The cover caught my eye, and I'm so glad I took the plunge! As a non-fan of historical mysteries, I was skeptical at first - they can be either super dry or completely implausible. But this one... Wow! It starts in 1634 with a merchant ship setting sail from the East Indies, and then things take a dark and twisty turn. I couldn't put it down, and I ended up going three days without much sleep because I just had to know what happened next. The main character, Samuel Pipps, is a detective, but he's not the typical hero - he's actually under arrest, and the investigation is being led by his bodyguard, Arent Hayes. I love this twist - it's so refreshing to follow a regular person trying to make sense of things instead of a genius detective. The atmosphere on the ship is so vividly described that I felt like I was right there with the characters, trapped in this claustrophobic world with no escape. The author does an amazing job of painting a picture with words - I could almost smell the sea and feel the ship's movements. The mystery itself is a real brain-twister! I love trying to solve the puzzle before the big reveal, but this one had me completely stumped. I was convinced I knew who the bad guy was, but then - BAM! - the author throws you a curveball, and everything changes. The characters are all so well-developed and complex, with their own quirks and flaws that make them feel real. I especially loved Sarah Wesse, a smart and strong woman in a time when that wasn't exactly encouraged. The book can be a bit dark and heavy at times, so if you're looking for something light and uplifting, you might want to steer clear. But if you're in the mood for a gripping mystery that'll keep you up all night, then this is the book for you! I've already ordered another one of Turton's novels, 'The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle', and I'm hoping it's just as thrilling.

live_helpFeatured FAQ

Is this book suitable for readers who aren't fans of historical mysteries?

While the book is technically a historical mystery, it's more focused on the characters and their journey than on the historical details. If you're a fan of character-driven stories, you'll likely enjoy this book.

How long does it take to read this book?

The book is approximately 400 pages long, so it'll take you a few days to a week to finish, depending on your reading speed.

Is this book part of a series?

No, 'The Devil and the Dark Water' is a standalone novel. However, the author has mentioned that he's working on a sequel, so stay tuned for more updates!

What's the book's genre?

The book is a historical mystery with elements of thriller and adventure.

Can I read this book as an e-book?

Yes, the book is available in e-book format on most major platforms, including Amazon Kindle and Apple Books.

Is this book suitable for young adult readers?

While the book is written for adult readers, it's suitable for mature young adults who enjoy historical mysteries and thrillers.

Can I get a refund if I don't like the book?

If you're not satisfied with the book, you can return it within a certain timeframe and get a refund, depending on the retailer's policies.

Is this book available in audiobook format?

Yes, the book is available in audiobook format on most major platforms, including Audible and Google Play Books.

How does the book's historical setting contribute to the story?

The historical setting is well-researched and adds depth to the story, providing a rich backdrop for the characters' journey.

check_circlePros

  • •The author's vivid descriptions of the ship's atmosphere had me feeling like I was right there with the characters.
  • •The unique twist on the typical hero kept me engaged and interested in the story.
  • •The mystery itself is complex and well-thought-out, keeping me guessing until the very end.
  • •The writing style is engaging and easy to follow, making it hard to put the book down.
  • •The historical setting is well-researched and adds depth to the story.
  • •The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy to become invested in their journey.
  • •The book's themes of morality and justice are thought-provoking and timely.
  • •The author's use of language is descriptive and evocative, making it easy to visualize the story.

cancelCons

  • •Some of the historical details may be unfamiliar to readers without a background in the subject.
  • •The book can be a bit slow-paced at times, but the payoff is worth it.
  • •The characters' motivations can be a bit unclear at times, but it's a minor quibble.
  • •The book's tone can be a bit dark and intense, but it's a great fit for fans of historical mysteries.
  • •The ending is a bit abrupt, but it's a minor complaint.
  • •Some readers may find the book's themes of morality and justice to be heavy or disturbing.
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The Devil and Dark Water by Terence Steward

The Devil and Dark Water by Terence Steward

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