Admiration:
My initial attraction to this book stemmed from its intriguing premise and the impressive track record of TOR Publishing in producing exceptional literature. As a devoted fan of horror and gore, I was immediately drawn to Find Him Where You Left Him Dead for its ability to evoke emotions of disgust, grime, and suspense in a masterful manner. Author Kristin Simmons proves her prowess in writing as she skillfully crafts a vivid and immersive world, with a particular talent for transforming spiders into truly repulsive creatures. Her meticulous attention to detail and skillful world-building are not easily found in the literary world.
Appreciation:
I found Find Him Where You Left Him Dead to be a captivating read overall. However, to compare it to a Japanese version of Jumanji would be a stretch. While many books retell classic tales, this one delves into folklore, but fails to fully delve into the background of these mythological characters. As someone with a mixed background, I was initially drawn to the promise of Japanese folklore, but was left wanting more. The story also had some plot holes, such as the origin of the mysterious cards and the initial encounter between Ian and Dax, as well as the discovery of the cave. These unanswered questions left me feeling somewhat unsatisfied.
Evaluation:
In conclusion, I found Find Him Where You Left Him Dead to be an enjoyable read. The story was gripping and the incorporation of Japanese folklore was intriguing. However, I do believe that the book could benefit from a deeper exploration of this folklore and a more thorough explanation of the plot holes. As a result, I would recommend reading a Japanese folklore book either before or after delving into this one for a more comprehensive understanding. Nonetheless, this book has sparked my interest in exploring more of Japanese folklore, and I look forward to continuing this literary journey.
Solid three Stars.
Art/Literary/Affiliates 