The Mystery Writer

Unfortunately, this book is a flop for me. I enjoyed The Woman in the Library by this author, but this book is so convoluted and chaotic that I found myself frustrated while reading it, especially in the last 25% of the book.

The book centers on Theo, a budding author, who becomes entangled in a murder investigation when she discovers Dan, her writer friend and lover, dead in his home. As the synopsis tells us, Theo ends up being forced to flee when the investigation focuses on her and her brother, Gus.

To start with, the synopsis on the book gives away the first 75% of the story. The book spends a large amount of time setting up the murders and the investigation and then rushes through the events involving Theo's disappearance and Gus's search for her. Then, once she disappears, the story rushes to a conclusion by skipping years of time. It felt very chaotic and undeveloped.

Theo as a main character is frustrating, also. She is so naïve and reckless even though she knows she needs to be careful. She never follows the sensible advice of her brother and friends. She constantly puts herself and others in danger.

There is honestly just too much going on in this plot. We encounter murders, conspiracy theories, doomsday preppers, communes, evil corporations, and crazy fans. It is all too distracting, and much of it is unnecessary. I just couldn't figure out what story the author is trying to tell.

The one positive thing I found in this book is the relationships between Theo and Gus and between Gus and his friend Mac. Gentill is actually quite good at building these relationships. I wish she had kept the focus on them instead of the plot events in the end.

This book is just not it for me. I hate to give low ratings, but I ended this reading experience feeling annoyed. I will not be recommending this book.

Thank you to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen for providing me an advanced review copy of this book.

What. A. RIDE! I never realized how fascinating it would be to consider an urban legend tailor made for the publishing industry. I hope Gentill was as tickled writing it as I was reading it. 
 I have no issue with anyone stating this is over the top. But that's what saved it for me. The tone was leaning mystery-thriller, which in my book means stressful and melodramatic, but this got ridiculous and therefore fun! 
As always, I wish that sexual violence did not become a plot point, but considering where the story went, there's a logic to including what has become a topical issue.
People succumbing to conspiracy theories online or being subsumed into the doomsday prepper lifestyle are also grim topics, but I now fully appreciate exactly how off the chain you can make a story that has both! 

Last but not least:  Horse! 🥰 While I loved the  sibling relationship being so skilfully conveyed (with bonus private eye friend😊) what really gave me the warm fuzzies was the gentle giant of a dog featured throughout. 

⚠️SA

Well this was not what I expected at all! Highly unbelievable BUT what a really fun read. This is why I enjoy fiction. Books like this allow me to get lost in a story of mystery, murder and good writing.

I was hooked after the first couple of chapters. Loved the characters and the flow. Easy to read and hard to put down. Highly recommend this one.

Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley! This was enjoyable and I am glad I got the chance to read and review this one.