First Impression:
Wait.. How many POV’s?
First, I want to thank Goodreads Giveaways for giving me the opportunity to read and review this ARC copy of Marie Rutkoski’s ‘Real Easy,’ it’s publication date is expected to be January 18, 2022.
Second, I wouldn’t normally review a DNF book but.. with this being an advanced reader copy? That changes things a little.
There are two kinds reads that you can’t stop talking about:
The books that are so incredible that you just have to share them with the world..
And the ones that are less complimentary.
Guess which one this was?
I was originally drawn in by the cover but it was the storyline that had me really curious (I love a good murder mystery..) The reality, unfortunately, just didn’t work for me.
Warning: There are most likely spoilers ahead!
Real Easy by Marie Rutkoski
Standalone
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First line: “You’re so pretty it makes me want to go home and punch my wife in the mouth.” – (wtf?)
Samantha works as a dancer at the Lovely Ladies strip club, it’s not her dream job, but it pays the bills. She never meant to get involved with the other dancers.. She has enough on her plate trying to curb her controlling boyfriend’s temper and raising his young daughter. However, when a new dancer continues to make mistake after mistake, something pushes Samantha to step forward and lend a hand.
She should have left well enough alone.
Now Samantha is missing and another girl is dead.
A fellow dancer, Georgia, somehow becomes caught up in the search for answers.
Assisting the grieving detective, Holly, in the investigations.. they might just find more than they bargained for. Will they be able solve the case in time or will Georgia, who’s now a target, also fall prey to this sadistic killer?
Follow these characters through the ever changing POV’s of dancers, suspects, detectives, and the killer, to find out.
There is nothing original about what men want to do to women.
– Real Easy
Annd.. Nope!
I’m out!
I can’t do it anymore, guys, I’m sorry.
The sometimes less than a page long “chapters” I could get over.
The seemingly constant barrage of pointless and mostly unnecessary information I could probably also get over.
I could even get over the unlikeable, nearly flat characters..
I don’t expect perfection.
But what I cannot ignore are the ridiculous amount of POV’s going on here. What is it.. A dozen? More? Why? Why would you do that?
This isn’t Lord of the Rings.. it isn’t Game of Thrones and in no way did it improve the experience to have to slog through a mess of people, their personal histories, or all the other unrelated crap going on here. This is not a “twisty, page turning thriller..” It’s just plain frustrating.
My apologies. *huffs* *puffs* *calms tf down*
I like a lot of books that utilize multiple POV’s to create diversions, an illusion, or to make you question yourself. This? I’m not a fan of and I can’t continue to push through to the grand finale “just in case” the ending makes up for it.
This author has many other books on my TBR that I have every intention of reading in the future.. I only wish that I had chosen to start with one of those.
Would I recommend it? Probably not.
I could see this book being popular with some among the crime fiction fans and mystery lovers but, sadly, it’s not to my taste.
Thank you for taking a moment to read this unfortunate review!
I hope it was helpful.. At least that way something would have come from all of this besides a few hours wasted.
Happy reading!
Do you review DNF ARC’s?
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I’ve only read one book from this author so far and was so curious about this title! Sorry it didn’t work out for you – mysteries are a hit or miss for me, so I’ll probably pass on this book. Great review!
Thank you! I’m usually a big fan of mysteries but they have been pretty love or hate lately.. I am still curious about The Winner’s Curse though so I’ll probably check that out some other time.
Which one did you read, if you don’t mind my asking?
You had me out at the first line :-))) I think it’s a fair review- you had very valid arguments for dnf-ing this one. Hope your next one is better!
Thank you.. that helps. These reviews are always hard to write. Books are like kittens.. I want to love them all!
Fingers crossed! Are you enjoying your latest read?
Excellent review Sheri. Valid comments. I will avoid. Thanks for your honesty. ❤📚
Thank you.. It’s a shame I didn’t care for it more, myself, but I’m sure there will be many who will.
You’re welcome!
Yeah, this definitely sounds like an understandable DNF. Especially with a first line like that and the ridiculous number of pointless POVs! I’ve absolutely DNFd ARCs in the past, but only if they’re really bad or completely unreadable. In this case – I don’t blame you at all.
And I can’t tell you how relieved it makes me to hear that. 😅
I still have times where I don’t know what the rules are.. and DNF’s suck either way.
Thank you, Leah!
There aren’t any rules! If you really aren’t enjoying a book – you don’t have to finish it. You aren’t in school and there’s no test 😂
Lol, that part I know, thank you.. but the ARC’s are a little different.
I know – I usually try harder not to DNF those.
Lol, I do feel like I tried.. but when I start coming up with elaborate and questionable scenarios to avoid finishing a book? It’s best to let it go.
Yeah, that’s so true. Sometimes DNFing is the best option.
Sometimes.. Just hopefully never very often.
Stay safe, Leah, and have a great weekend!