Twisted Reflections of Self-Awareness

I feel genuinely conflicted in terms of what to say about this book and never wanting to include spoilers you'll probably have to listen to it to understand precisely why. I did find an awful lot to like about it. The idea of using a person's journal or diary to present a story is not new but this is slightly different in that it uses not one but two journals belonging to each of the main characters. As such the idea of dual narrators works very well and both of them do a good job of telling their character's story.

The early stages very much match the publisher's blurb. Creepy and disturbing behaviour building the tension and dread in Siobhan. The mood is lightened though as we also see things from the quite hopeless Alex's side and this dual aspect all felt like a fresh take on the usual stalker scenario. Anyone who has read Luke Smitherd's "How to be a Vigilante" may well find similarities between this Alex and Smitherd's "hero" Nigel. There is humour from both of the main characters in a similar vein.

As the stress on Siobhan reaches a crescendo there is a distinct though gradual change in the underlying chemistry of the book and the relationships of its characters. It's this change and whether one buys it that will likely be the tipping point about which an opinion on Killing Cupid is formed. Both of the main characters display much frailty in the way that they build their self-images and understanding of the impact of their own behaviour. It is these things that the rather unexpected ending are built on. As such they are what the strength or weakness of the story will likely be judged upon.

There is of course frailty in the plot and holes to be picked but aren't there always? Good stories don't occur when everyone does the sensible and logical things all of the time. I, for one, found the book to be entertaining and well worth a listen though I wasn't massively keen on the ending. I will definitely be interested to read other reviews when they come in to see how others saw it with the expectation that I will see some variance.

13 people found this helpful

Absolutely ridiculous

The prologue tricked me into believing this would actually be a good book but as soon as I got into the story I quickly realized I'd just wasted my last credit on a book that would surely only succeed in helping me overcome my insomnia.

My biggest problem with the book is the two main characters using journal entries as a device to tell their stories. Really? Is anyone really keeping detailed journal entries these days that aren't blogs? Do they really talk about murder and stalking so openly? I find it hard to believe and, also a little too convenient for the plot. I accepted the whole diary thing in books like "Gone Girl" and "Sometimes I Lie" because those books were written in a way that made the diaries make sense without feeling forced. This book did not achieve that at all.

It was also completely distracting everytime we went from Alex's journal entries to the other girl. Neither character was very likeable or relatable but also the performances from both narrators were so jarringly different that it always took me a few minutes to get back into the story after each chapter.

Many parts of this book were just laughable and so far fetched I'm actually surprised I got through it. The end was such a let down. Was this a love story or a thriller? I honestly don't get it. I wasn't in suspense nor was I in love so maybe it was an entirely different story altogether.

What really happened here? I'm not sure but I'm starting to feel like the authors are completely overhyped.

1 person found this helpful

Awesome Book, Loved it.

Would you listen to Killing Cupid again? Why?

Yes, definitely. This was a great story with fascinating characters whose behavior was at times baffling, often naughty, with a surprising hint of hilarity. Siobhan is looking for Mr. Right but she knows Mr. Wrong when she sees him...doesn't she? Alex is in love with his dream woman and just won't give up, until he finds a real-life girlfriend and his life is suddenly so...normal? Insight into the human condition of love and romance and the dynamics of the heart was fascinating.

What about Bea Holland and Oliver J. Hembrough ’s performance did you like?

Great narration, perfectly played.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I would listened to it straight through, with breaks for lunch :-)

Any additional comments?

Really enjoyable book with laught out loud moments and plenty of 'what was he/she thinking?' I loved it and highly recommend.

5 people found this helpful

The 2nd overall star is for the narrators...

...who did a great job. But the story? The characters? Are you frigging kidding me? Both characters are so unlikable, so despicable that I can't even begin to understand the favorable reviews in here. That should teach me not to rely so much on star reviews, people who seriously liked this book boggle my mind.

It starts ok, it's a story that's been said many times. But then it gets so weird and stupid I kept rolling my eyes every 5 minutes. And it made me dislike the female character so much more, if I met her in real life I'd seriously kick HER ass rather than Alex's.

And this was the work of TWO writers? Are you frigging kidding me?

Don't bother with this book.

2 people found this helpful

Loved it!

I really enjoyed this book, its quite interesting, the way your perception of the two main characters changes as the book goes on, without giving too much away, its clever how your allegiance shifts. Big fan of Mark Edwards both his own and with Louise Voss. The narration is perfect too!

2 people found this helpful

Very Poor Ending

Storyline was strong and the characters were interesting. However by the time we got to the end we were waiting to hear about the fate of Alex. The book ended abruptly and we’re none the wiser. Very disappointing and can’t recommend the book

Brilliant thriller! Really enjoyed.

Highly recommend! The narrators are really good too. Keeps you enthralled all the way through!

very enjoyable

I really enjoyed this book and the narration was very good, both narrators did a great job to tell the story from their characters point of view. the story at some point gets a little cringey but still, I enjoyed every second of it.

Disappointing

What a miserable story, the girl is nauseating with her wining, and Alex is such a drip. Couldnt finish it, struggled to half way. Very much below Mark Edwards usual standard

A bit bawdy

This book is a bit bawdy but quite funny and very well written. I nearly didn't keep listening to it when I realised the subject matter but I'm glad I did. A few twists and turns makes you stay with it.