YMMV / A Deadly Game of Magic

• Narm: Some of the dialogue, especially Lisa's, is this, although it could be justified by her major insecurity issues.
• Romantic Plot Tumor: While it doesn't take over the story, the romance which is kindled between Lisa and Julian does seem to come a little out of nowhere. It provides a nice bit of human drama and a shelter from the unrelenting suspense, but less charitable readers might consider it a case of Strangled by the Red String, or at the very least an unwelcome distraction that breaks the narrative's momentum when it should be moving into the climax.
• The Woobie: Gladys/Gracie Ella. If her ultimate fate doesn't make you feel sorry for her, reading her letters, learning the backstory from the clippings, and coming to realize what a hold Chamberlain had over her, will.