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s_books's review against another edition
2.75
I hadn’t read the first Ernest Cunningham book and, thankfully, this book doesn’t make it feel like that’s too necessary (there are a few times where you may wonder what you’re missing but it doesn’t really affect the events of this book’s story). I did find it hard sometimes though to keep the characters straight (Alan/Andy/Aaron, Wolfgang/Wyatt) but there’s a bit of a wry wit in this book that at times made me chuckle out loud, I wish it showed up just a tad more.
lastblossom's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
tl;dr
Strong (possibly better?) follow-up to the first book (although first book knowledge not necessary), with more signature meta-commentary, twists, and a solid mystery.
Thoughts
Ernest Cunningham is back, once again tripping over unfortunate circumstances and the corpses that come with them. In a role reversal from the previous book, Ernest is now one of many murder mystery authors, and probably the least qualified of the bunch, but he brings back his signature self-aware writing style and collection of adverbs to sassily, wittily, and sometimes accidentally, uncover a murderer. I previously enjoyed the energy and style of the first book. The sequel doubles down on that mood - heaping on the meta commentary about the "fair play" mystery. If you liked it the first time around, you'll like it this time too, probably even more. One bit of meta foreshadowing in particular, is extremely effective in its blatant-ness, and I applaud the author for leaning into it. Combine that with a blunt but honest look at The Industry, and you've got another fun mystery on your hands. If I had any complaints, they would be the same as the first. Ernest remains entirely un-earnest, with high emotional walls that make it difficult for a reader to care about him or the stakes involved. Two books in, it's clear this is purposeful, but it can have an alienating effect, and I can totally see this not being everyone's cup of tea. If you liked the first book, jump on it! If you haven't read the first book, but this sounds interesting, there aren't any major spoilers, and you can start here if you like.
Thanks to NetGalley and Mariner Books for a review copy. All thoughts in this review are my own!
Strong (possibly better?) follow-up to the first book (although first book knowledge not necessary), with more signature meta-commentary, twists, and a solid mystery.
Thoughts
Ernest Cunningham is back, once again tripping over unfortunate circumstances and the corpses that come with them. In a role reversal from the previous book, Ernest is now one of many murder mystery authors, and probably the least qualified of the bunch, but he brings back his signature self-aware writing style and collection of adverbs to sassily, wittily, and sometimes accidentally, uncover a murderer. I previously enjoyed the energy and style of the first book. The sequel doubles down on that mood - heaping on the meta commentary about the "fair play" mystery. If you liked it the first time around, you'll like it this time too, probably even more. One bit of meta foreshadowing in particular, is extremely effective in its blatant-ness, and I applaud the author for leaning into it. Combine that with a blunt but honest look at The Industry, and you've got another fun mystery on your hands. If I had any complaints, they would be the same as the first. Ernest remains entirely un-earnest, with high emotional walls that make it difficult for a reader to care about him or the stakes involved. Two books in, it's clear this is purposeful, but it can have an alienating effect, and I can totally see this not being everyone's cup of tea. If you liked the first book, jump on it! If you haven't read the first book, but this sounds interesting, there aren't any major spoilers, and you can start here if you like.
Thanks to NetGalley and Mariner Books for a review copy. All thoughts in this review are my own!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Death
Moderate: Rape, Alcohol, Blood, and Sexual assault
Minor: Fire/Fire injury
jaxstella's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
happyreader's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
tealeaf8's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual assault
bookblaster's review against another edition
3.0
Se nel primo libro la conclusione, o meglio il movente, sembrava uscito dal cappello per concludere le ultime pagine, nel secondo libro abbiamo una trama più articolata e zeppa di motivazioni!
Però non ci sono protagonisti tridimensionali come la famiglia Cunningham: tutti gli scrittori sospetti rimangono ancorati alle poche caratteristiche che li descrivono (ed è un peccato per alcuni).
I fatti però sono una bella rete intricata alla Agatha Christie: semplici e vincenti.
Quello che manca è il climax che porta il lettore a dire AHHH ECCO CHI È, cosa che in realtà manca sempre nei suoi libri.
Forse sono scema io, ma pare sempre che qualche passaggio sia taciuto per non far arrivare il lettore alla conclusione giusta o ai moventi giusti.
Per il resto stile simpatico e coinvolgente come sempre (superate le prime 40 pagine di autoironia forzata) che mi ricorda i gialli di un tempo lontani dalle atmosfere dark, violenza gratuita e serial killer psicopatici.
Però non ci sono protagonisti tridimensionali come la famiglia Cunningham: tutti gli scrittori sospetti rimangono ancorati alle poche caratteristiche che li descrivono (ed è un peccato per alcuni).
I fatti però sono una bella rete intricata alla Agatha Christie: semplici e vincenti.
Quello che manca è il climax che porta il lettore a dire AHHH ECCO CHI È, cosa che in realtà manca sempre nei suoi libri.
Forse sono scema io, ma pare sempre che qualche passaggio sia taciuto per non far arrivare il lettore alla conclusione giusta o ai moventi giusti.
Per il resto stile simpatico e coinvolgente come sempre (superate le prime 40 pagine di autoironia forzata) che mi ricorda i gialli di un tempo lontani dalle atmosfere dark, violenza gratuita e serial killer psicopatici.
drlori14's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25