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Avenger of Blood: A Thrilling Tale of Vigilante Justice Questioning Revenge vs. Redemption, Vengeance vs. Vindication, and Choice vs. Consequence
How do you go from poster child of All-American-Girl-Next-Door to Calculating-Killer-on-a-Murderous-Rampage? Try discovering a houseful of your family's bloody corpses.
Anna Croix's life was perfect, until suddenly it wasn't.
Amazing family? Check. Doting Fiancé? Check. The career she's always wanted? Almost check. And then there was nothing ...
Nothing but a gaping hole longing to be filled. Question is, does she fill it with peace and acceptance or bitterness and a burning drive for revenge?
The latter, of course. Because it's not every day your entire family gets slaughtered.
But first, she needs to know why ... and by whom.
Then there's the issue of finding them and what to do once she has.
Will she really be able to commit murder?
Most definitely.
Not a problem.
Her problem is knowing when to stop.
Anna Croix's life was perfect, until suddenly it wasn't.
Amazing family? Check. Doting Fiancé? Check. The career she's always wanted? Almost check. And then there was nothing ...
Nothing but a gaping hole longing to be filled. Question is, does she fill it with peace and acceptance or bitterness and a burning drive for revenge?
The latter, of course. Because it's not every day your entire family gets slaughtered.
But first, she needs to know why ... and by whom.
Then there's the issue of finding them and what to do once she has.
Will she really be able to commit murder?
Most definitely.
Not a problem.
Her problem is knowing when to stop.
335 pages, ebook
Published February 28, 2023
147 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 4, 2023
Anna Croix is a young woman who seems to have it all: loving family, adoring fiancé, great education, and is about to begin work on the job of her dreams. Then tragedy strikes; Anna returns home to Georgia to visit her beloved family and to show off the massive diamond engagement ring Cole recently gave her when he proposed. So excited to visit her Mom, Dad, and brother Eric that she is blissfully happy on the drive and filled with anticipation. What she found at her family home was diabolical and devastating: her entire family has been slaughtered. She is found near catatonic by the police, and once her hospital stay is completed, she’s sent to a “resort” to treat mental illness. She tires of her drugged stupor, and decides to take matters into her own hands because the police are getting nowhere, and the only thing that matters to her now is hunting down everyone responsible and seeking revenge. Once she actually finds those responsible, she has to decide their fate. Can she commit murder? Turns out she can indeed. Her new issue is how to stop committing murder…
This is a very fast-paced, twisty, can’t-take-my-eyes-away-from-the-page thriller, but be forewarned that it is very graphic in detail and not for the faint-hearted! The scenes are set beautifully, and you can picture everything perfectly in your mind’s eye, smell the smells, hear what the characters hear, and use your imagination for the rest. It starts off well and stays very intense right up until the ending. There are some typos and grammar errors (uncorrected ARC) which prevented me from giving it five stars, but they did take me out of the story several times; once they are corrected, the novel will be brilliant. I can only imagine the pain that takes a soon-to-be doctor about to marry the man of her dreams from nervous breakdown to killing spree, but in the context of the story, it becomes believable. Her “sidekick” Spike is a wonderfully drawn character who is in love with Anna and proves he will do anything and everything for her. I believe he is her redemption. I highly recommend this book to all readers of thrillers, especially psychological thrillers, that can tolerate the very gory details of the murders committed, and I would gladly read more from author S.M. Reeve.
I’d like to thank BookSprout and E.M. Reeve for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
This is a very fast-paced, twisty, can’t-take-my-eyes-away-from-the-page thriller, but be forewarned that it is very graphic in detail and not for the faint-hearted! The scenes are set beautifully, and you can picture everything perfectly in your mind’s eye, smell the smells, hear what the characters hear, and use your imagination for the rest. It starts off well and stays very intense right up until the ending. There are some typos and grammar errors (uncorrected ARC) which prevented me from giving it five stars, but they did take me out of the story several times; once they are corrected, the novel will be brilliant. I can only imagine the pain that takes a soon-to-be doctor about to marry the man of her dreams from nervous breakdown to killing spree, but in the context of the story, it becomes believable. Her “sidekick” Spike is a wonderfully drawn character who is in love with Anna and proves he will do anything and everything for her. I believe he is her redemption. I highly recommend this book to all readers of thrillers, especially psychological thrillers, that can tolerate the very gory details of the murders committed, and I would gladly read more from author S.M. Reeve.
I’d like to thank BookSprout and E.M. Reeve for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
March 1, 2023
A Chilling and Edgy Read!
Avenger of Blood, by S.M. Reeve, was truly a gruesome and gory tale of vengeance and retribution. Reeve wastes no time in drawing the reader into this diabolical novel of retaliation and revenge.
When we first meet Anna Croix she has discovered the bodies of her family massacred by a masked gunman. The horror of the death of her entire family sends Anna to a mental health facility where unfortunately, she is severely over medicated. Eventually, Anna leaves the facility with revenge on her mind and a determination to avenge her family. This is where it gets a bit tricky with semantics. The word avenge is a verb meaning to punish a wrong doing with the intent of seeing justice done. Revenge is a noun or a verb, meaning retaliation and inflicted pain for real or perceived wrong doing. The question the reader has is this: does Anna want to avenge her family by bringing the killer to justice or does she just want revenge and to inflict as much pain as possible on the devious killer.
Anna goes undercover and changes her name as she prepares herself with guns, physical training, and the help of a young man who is truly besotted with her. It is important to note that Anna has a medical degree and uses it to send an ultimate message in a truly shocking and macabre way to her family’s murderer, but does she go too far? The reader understands Anna’s intense need for revenge however; she becomes entirely brutal and sadistic.
This novel is multi-faceted riveting tale of deception. It’s graphic, chilling, and disturbing all at the same time. I found this to be an unsettling novel with an ending that certainly sets up for the next installment of this series. I received this ARC from BookSirens and I am leaving an honest and voluntary review. I rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars.
Avenger of Blood, by S.M. Reeve, was truly a gruesome and gory tale of vengeance and retribution. Reeve wastes no time in drawing the reader into this diabolical novel of retaliation and revenge.
When we first meet Anna Croix she has discovered the bodies of her family massacred by a masked gunman. The horror of the death of her entire family sends Anna to a mental health facility where unfortunately, she is severely over medicated. Eventually, Anna leaves the facility with revenge on her mind and a determination to avenge her family. This is where it gets a bit tricky with semantics. The word avenge is a verb meaning to punish a wrong doing with the intent of seeing justice done. Revenge is a noun or a verb, meaning retaliation and inflicted pain for real or perceived wrong doing. The question the reader has is this: does Anna want to avenge her family by bringing the killer to justice or does she just want revenge and to inflict as much pain as possible on the devious killer.
Anna goes undercover and changes her name as she prepares herself with guns, physical training, and the help of a young man who is truly besotted with her. It is important to note that Anna has a medical degree and uses it to send an ultimate message in a truly shocking and macabre way to her family’s murderer, but does she go too far? The reader understands Anna’s intense need for revenge however; she becomes entirely brutal and sadistic.
This novel is multi-faceted riveting tale of deception. It’s graphic, chilling, and disturbing all at the same time. I found this to be an unsettling novel with an ending that certainly sets up for the next installment of this series. I received this ARC from BookSirens and I am leaving an honest and voluntary review. I rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars.
May 18, 2023
Avenger of Blood by S.M. Reeve (Anna Croix Series # 1)
The story telling in this book is seriously good. The concept is a fresh take on many vigilante type stories out there and for the most part it works. It is a graphic, brutal tale and not for the faint hearted. This would be a great choice for a Book Club reading.
Anna went from a person in her mid-twenties from a loving family who is studying to become a medical doctor to a kick ass vigilante.
After a couple of months in a health facility after experiencing a mental breakdown, brought on by the discovery of her murdered family, Anna sets in motion her plan of getting revenge whatever the cost.
Anna becomes proficient in fire arms, sets up her ninja style obstacle course from scratch on her 150 acres in deliverance country, gets instruction in close contact fighting, fixes up her off-grid ramshackle barn to make it into a comfortable living space, collates information about the potential killers of her family, all on her own with no outside help in the 2 years since the murder took place. The timeline of about 2 years is a bit overly optimistic in my mind. Along the way she picks up a side kick, Spike, who may not be as clueless as she thinks he is. If you go to the author's website www.smreeve.com you will get the free short story of Spike's Point of View.
At the end of this book there are enough questions waiting to be answered in the next book, such as what is the story with Cole, Anna's fiancé at the time of the murders, what is the story with Aiden, the detective who sent her flowers when she was admitted to hospital after finding her family murdered, and who wants to date her even if he thinks she is somehow involved, how will Anna and Spike's relationship change, what makes Spike tick OR has this whole book been just a hallucination inside Anna's head while she is in the facility for her mental break down.
In the kindle version I read in May 2023, there are some issues with grammar, sentences not making sense etc which took me out of story, but hopefully these will be fixed in future editions. This is an interesting read.
The story telling in this book is seriously good. The concept is a fresh take on many vigilante type stories out there and for the most part it works. It is a graphic, brutal tale and not for the faint hearted. This would be a great choice for a Book Club reading.
Anna went from a person in her mid-twenties from a loving family who is studying to become a medical doctor to a kick ass vigilante.
After a couple of months in a health facility after experiencing a mental breakdown, brought on by the discovery of her murdered family, Anna sets in motion her plan of getting revenge whatever the cost.
Anna becomes proficient in fire arms, sets up her ninja style obstacle course from scratch on her 150 acres in deliverance country, gets instruction in close contact fighting, fixes up her off-grid ramshackle barn to make it into a comfortable living space, collates information about the potential killers of her family, all on her own with no outside help in the 2 years since the murder took place. The timeline of about 2 years is a bit overly optimistic in my mind. Along the way she picks up a side kick, Spike, who may not be as clueless as she thinks he is. If you go to the author's website www.smreeve.com you will get the free short story of Spike's Point of View.
At the end of this book there are enough questions waiting to be answered in the next book, such as what is the story with Cole, Anna's fiancé at the time of the murders, what is the story with Aiden, the detective who sent her flowers when she was admitted to hospital after finding her family murdered, and who wants to date her even if he thinks she is somehow involved, how will Anna and Spike's relationship change, what makes Spike tick OR has this whole book been just a hallucination inside Anna's head while she is in the facility for her mental break down.
In the kindle version I read in May 2023, there are some issues with grammar, sentences not making sense etc which took me out of story, but hopefully these will be fixed in future editions. This is an interesting read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2023
Anna is a newly graduate Medical Doctor going through her rotations.
On her way home to celebrate with her family that she has not seen
them in quite a long time. In fact, she is coming home for
the week-end and that she hopes that her little brother, now grown,
will be there as they are so close.
Arriving at her parents house in Georgia, Anna marches up to the door to
find it unlocked and, pushing the door open, she finds a scene so
horrific that she pukes all over the place and faints while knocking her
head on the floor, losing consciousness. Her entire family is dead,
apparently murdered.
Weighted down by the pure shock of the situation, she is placed in a
psychiatric facility where she is to be pumped with drugs that will
supposedly help her cope with the after effects of the tragedy.
The author has created a masterfully well written story touching certain
actual subjects such as shock, loss, murder, revenge, danger associated
with surveillance and kidnapping and a variety of twists and turns that
will keep the reader turning pages wondering who the mysterious man,
behind all the violence of what happens, is. Some, like me, might think
it is someone close to the family while others might defer in their
opinion and this author does not provide any clue in either.
I found the story and plot very interesting. I recommend the book and rate it 5 stars.
On her way home to celebrate with her family that she has not seen
them in quite a long time. In fact, she is coming home for
the week-end and that she hopes that her little brother, now grown,
will be there as they are so close.
Arriving at her parents house in Georgia, Anna marches up to the door to
find it unlocked and, pushing the door open, she finds a scene so
horrific that she pukes all over the place and faints while knocking her
head on the floor, losing consciousness. Her entire family is dead,
apparently murdered.
Weighted down by the pure shock of the situation, she is placed in a
psychiatric facility where she is to be pumped with drugs that will
supposedly help her cope with the after effects of the tragedy.
The author has created a masterfully well written story touching certain
actual subjects such as shock, loss, murder, revenge, danger associated
with surveillance and kidnapping and a variety of twists and turns that
will keep the reader turning pages wondering who the mysterious man,
behind all the violence of what happens, is. Some, like me, might think
it is someone close to the family while others might defer in their
opinion and this author does not provide any clue in either.
I found the story and plot very interesting. I recommend the book and rate it 5 stars.
December 11, 2023
You're coming home from med school and you find your entire family dead. Murdered! This was Anna Croix's reality. The shock is all-consuming. And Anna finds herself at a crossroads. After some time in a psychiatric facility without resolving the dominant emotional issues, Anna decides it's time to take charge of her life and solve the murders.
With information from and the assistance of her Uncle Wes, Anna starts gleaning details (evidence) from a spreadsheet her father kept. That evidence is the base from which Anna operates, slowly uncovering the apparent reasons for her family's massacre.
By now, Anna has assumed another name, Jules, that enables her to operate in a less visible manner. What she discovers unmasks an extensive plot of shady business practices and outright illegal operations that, if discovered, could land Brantley in serious legal problems.
Anna's real problem is her psychotic breaks that turn her into a loose cannon when dealing with anyone associated with Brantley. She's forced to walk a fine thin line between reality and her demon's influence. Her constant anchor, though, is Spike. What he can't stop Anna from doing, he uses his considerable bulk and presence to mitigate her from intended rampage.
A normal person home for the holidays is turned into a revenge-seeking, homicidal maniac only because one prominent businessman wants to keep himself out of jail, no matter the cost.
With information from and the assistance of her Uncle Wes, Anna starts gleaning details (evidence) from a spreadsheet her father kept. That evidence is the base from which Anna operates, slowly uncovering the apparent reasons for her family's massacre.
By now, Anna has assumed another name, Jules, that enables her to operate in a less visible manner. What she discovers unmasks an extensive plot of shady business practices and outright illegal operations that, if discovered, could land Brantley in serious legal problems.
Anna's real problem is her psychotic breaks that turn her into a loose cannon when dealing with anyone associated with Brantley. She's forced to walk a fine thin line between reality and her demon's influence. Her constant anchor, though, is Spike. What he can't stop Anna from doing, he uses his considerable bulk and presence to mitigate her from intended rampage.
A normal person home for the holidays is turned into a revenge-seeking, homicidal maniac only because one prominent businessman wants to keep himself out of jail, no matter the cost.
March 1, 2023
You don't want to piss Anna off. You really don't want to make it the worst day of her life - far worse than anything she could have imagined.
The author brings you into an incredibly sad world for Anna. She is clearly wrestling with her emotions to figure out what they are. They eventually settle on rage and bring out the worst possible person she could be. It is a difficult story to read. The reader will understand her emotions and her motivations but it is not possible to sympathize with the response. Even worse, she pulls another party into her demented behavior, and treats him horribly. Totally unexplainable how he reacts as he does.
The author brings you into an incredibly sad world for Anna. She is clearly wrestling with her emotions to figure out what they are. They eventually settle on rage and bring out the worst possible person she could be. It is a difficult story to read. The reader will understand her emotions and her motivations but it is not possible to sympathize with the response. Even worse, she pulls another party into her demented behavior, and treats him horribly. Totally unexplainable how he reacts as he does.
March 3, 2023
This book is a MUST read. It has everything: trauma, violence, pain, bada**ery, and did I mention violence? Avenger of Blood was so well written, I couldn’t help but stay up way too late reading it. The characters are so authentic, gritty, driven, and honest with themselves. The humour sprinkled in just brought everything to the next level, and I was both amazed and impressed with the detail given to the plot. This book deserves way more than five stars, so if you are thinking of reading this book, DO IT. You will not regret getting to know Anna Croix and the lengths she will go to avenge the blood of her family.
March 1, 2023
The sign of a good writer is a story that sticks in your head well after reading.
The sign of a great writer is a story that you wished never ended.
This great writer has created a story line that wants to go on for ever.
The characters are developed in an ever increasing manner and you fell that you almost know them as neighbors.
The story is light and then dark, humorous and then chilling, bright, cheery then twisted.
I want more.
You have created a great team of characters and an interesting cliff hangar.
The sign of a great writer is a story that you wished never ended.
This great writer has created a story line that wants to go on for ever.
The characters are developed in an ever increasing manner and you fell that you almost know them as neighbors.
The story is light and then dark, humorous and then chilling, bright, cheery then twisted.
I want more.
You have created a great team of characters and an interesting cliff hangar.
March 1, 2023
From saving lives to taking them
Anna Croix was going to be a doctor when her family is murdered in their home. After revovering from a nearly catatonic state while in a clinic, she wants revenge. And she practices and practices. When she saves a young man, Spike, from a brutal beating, she takes him in as her apprentice. And one by one she'll get her revenge. Everybody has to decide for themselves if a vigilante can be their hero. A very good first novel by S M Reeve and I will for sure follow the next adventures of Anna and Spike.
Anna Croix was going to be a doctor when her family is murdered in their home. After revovering from a nearly catatonic state while in a clinic, she wants revenge. And she practices and practices. When she saves a young man, Spike, from a brutal beating, she takes him in as her apprentice. And one by one she'll get her revenge. Everybody has to decide for themselves if a vigilante can be their hero. A very good first novel by S M Reeve and I will for sure follow the next adventures of Anna and Spike.
May 2, 2023
Anna has the perfect live and then, in front of her eyes, it is gone. Her family is brutally murdered sending her into a catatonic state. With her recovery comes a burning desire for revenge. Whilst she is relentlessly practicing, she saves Spike's life and takes him under her wing and he joins her in her mission.
This is an incredible, fast paced story with gore to spare. First story by this author but I am very much looking forward to the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is an incredible, fast paced story with gore to spare. First story by this author but I am very much looking forward to the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 28, 2024
Sometimes revenge takes time
Anna's family is murdered and she doesn't know why. After spending time in an institution trying to figure out how to go on with her life, Anna decides that she must hunt down those responsible, no matter how much money it costs or how long it takes. But first she must hide where nobody can find her.
Anna struggles with her grief, her anger, her desire for revenge and her humanity. Looking forward to reading about what happens next!
Anna's family is murdered and she doesn't know why. After spending time in an institution trying to figure out how to go on with her life, Anna decides that she must hunt down those responsible, no matter how much money it costs or how long it takes. But first she must hide where nobody can find her.
Anna struggles with her grief, her anger, her desire for revenge and her humanity. Looking forward to reading about what happens next!
February 28, 2023
First off, what a bargain. Secondly, stick with it. This book becomes increasingly hard hitting as the story develops. If you like the idea of hardcore revenge being dished out, you will love this. I really liked the symbolism throughout. The author created the characters in a way that could lead to future books. I hope so and will definitely read more.
March 2, 2023
Anna goes through the drama of her family being killed which sends her into a mental state requiring residential care. As she recovers, she plans her future of finding the killer and serving justice. With careful steps and training, she prepares for her task. But is she going too far? A definite page turner once you begin to struggle with her and her decisions.
March 17, 2023
We were promised a thrilling tale of vigilante vengeance & revenge. This book certainly delivered. The deaths are many & brutal. Heads roll, literally. Not for the squeamish as it’s all very graphic. Certainly a gripping story from start to finish, with twists & turns. Well written. Crazy imagination.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the author & I am writing a voluntary honest review.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the author & I am writing a voluntary honest review.
June 29, 2023
Anna had the perfect life. Everything was going as planned. Until one day her whole life comes crashing down. She is out for revenge. A thrilling revenge story with twists and turns that will have your head spinning. Great plot and characters.
I received a review copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a review copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 26, 2024
*Source* Kindle Unlimited
*Genre* Suspense / Thriller
*Rating* 2.5-3
*Thoughts*
Avenger of Blood is the first installment in author S.M. Reeve's Anna Croix series. Anna is finishing up her rotation heading home to visit her parents. She's got everything going for her. She's got a gorgeous fiance, and her family is looking forward to a fun weekend, especially the massive diamond engagement ring Cole recently gave her when he proposed. She's so excited to visit her Mom, Dad, and brother Eric that she's devastated to discover that her entire family has been murdered.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Suspense / Thriller
*Rating* 2.5-3
*Thoughts*
Avenger of Blood is the first installment in author S.M. Reeve's Anna Croix series. Anna is finishing up her rotation heading home to visit her parents. She's got everything going for her. She's got a gorgeous fiance, and her family is looking forward to a fun weekend, especially the massive diamond engagement ring Cole recently gave her when he proposed. She's so excited to visit her Mom, Dad, and brother Eric that she's devastated to discover that her entire family has been murdered.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
March 1, 2023
A thriller, revenge and redemption story that will keep your attention from the very first page. The ending is a killer, no pun intended! You have to read this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 4, 2023
Anna bides her time to act on whether to avenge or seek revenge on the murderer who killed her family. This is a slow-burn and features dark undertones.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to VRO, Booksprout, and author.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to VRO, Booksprout, and author.
March 7, 2023
A fabulous first book with hopefully more to come! I was hooked from the start following the journey of revenge with Anna Croix and her sidekick Spike. If you like the Reacher series by Lee Child then you will love this. I can't wait for the next adventure.
March 20, 2023
This is a true book on getting even
You get straight to the point and Anna starts her rollercoaster of a ride of getting vengeance
Good old Spike gets dragged along
This story is gruesome and cringe worthy but you know how she feels and understand where she is coming from
You get straight to the point and Anna starts her rollercoaster of a ride of getting vengeance
Good old Spike gets dragged along
This story is gruesome and cringe worthy but you know how she feels and understand where she is coming from
April 16, 2023
Silky Fun
A woman seeks vengeance on the people who murdered her family. The book cost after off choppy. Really did not buy into her shotty attitude with the cops or her transformation. After she became mega assassin it was silky fun.
A woman seeks vengeance on the people who murdered her family. The book cost after off choppy. Really did not buy into her shotty attitude with the cops or her transformation. After she became mega assassin it was silky fun.
April 16, 2023
Best story in a long time
Reece can spin a tale like the best, yet takes it another step up!!
The story was totally compelling, but the main character was priceless. The feisty and funny quips kept you wanting more!!
Excellent!!!
Reece can spin a tale like the best, yet takes it another step up!!
The story was totally compelling, but the main character was priceless. The feisty and funny quips kept you wanting more!!
Excellent!!!
April 30, 2023
I took one look at the Blurb and thought that I would enjoy this story. Well, I absolutely devoured it! This is one fantastic debut and I Highly recommend for a Great Revenge story. This is definitely my kind of book, and I look forward to more from this author. I Loved It!!! No Spoilers!
August 2, 2023
I could not put this book down once I started reading it!! I love the characters, the story line and the never knowing what was happening next!! It isn’t for those with a weak stomach but it is a very intriguing story.
April 26, 2023
Revenge
An interesting and fast paced storyline. Characters that interact well together and have individual personalities that the reader can relate to.
An interesting and fast paced storyline. Characters that interact well together and have individual personalities that the reader can relate to.
May 25, 2023
Must read
Loved the plot. It was new and exciting. Wished it was longer because I enjoyed the characters. Hopefully I can read more about Anna and Spike.
Loved the plot. It was new and exciting. Wished it was longer because I enjoyed the characters. Hopefully I can read more about Anna and Spike.
July 16, 2023
I thought that this overall was a good read. The first couple of chapters took a bit of work to follow. But the readability improved after that and the story was engaging.
July 16, 2023
Revenge is a dish best served cold.
October 13, 2023
Really enjoyed this sassy wicked & "viscous" lady character.
Better one does not get on her wrong side ...
Five Stars!
Better one does not get on her wrong side ...
Five Stars!
February 18, 2024
good read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews