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A review by a_reader_obsessed
The Mystery Writer by Sulari Gentill
3.0
3 Stars
As most books are wont to do, often it’s the blurb that will lead a reader to check out the story. For me, it was the intriguing setup that lured me in as well as the fact that I highly enjoyed [b:The Woman in the Library|56803179|The Woman in the Library|Sulari Gentill|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1631826249l/56803179._SY75_.jpg|88799772], and I was ready for another propulsive read to keep me on my toes. No doubt Gentill’s writing continues to be easy to digest. It’s quick, it flows, it pulls the reader along.
So, I was looking forward to the prospect of conspiracies, a ton of chilling secrets, and an explosive mind blowing reveal. For me, this didn’t really crescendo until the last 20% and when it did, it kinda fizzled. I’m not saying the idea wasn’t smart and interesting because it was, but maybe my unrealistic expectations were just too high. Perhaps because it took over 300 pages to really set things up, the ending seemed too rushed where the conspiracy fallout never truly came and was sinisterly (and sadly probably realistically) left open to continue on its twisty nebulous path. I readily admit that I want my fictional entertainment to be solidly in the happily ever after realm where the bad guys get their well deserved comeuppance.
It didn’t help that the heroine Theo was difficult to root for where my jaded self wanted to shake her way too many times to have a bit more self preservation, to not be so naive and gullible. In my opinion, the actual standouts of this were Theo’s brother Gus, and his friend Mac. They’re protective and smart, and both of them work tirelessly (and fruitlessly) to keep Theo from making many mistakes and missteps. I truly enjoyed every scene that they were in. Also, while I love any bit of romance to a story that I can get, I didn’t buy into what was presented and felt that Theo was one very lucky lady to deserve such devotion.
Overall, this had good bones, and I think many will enjoy this on its own merits or that of the author’s. I personally wanted more of everything because what was delivered just wasn’t enough to fully titillate and engage me specifically. Regardless, Gentill is still an author of interest, and I’ll continue to check out her future works!
Thank you to the author and Poisoned Pen Press via NetGalley for the ebook in exchange for an honest review
As most books are wont to do, often it’s the blurb that will lead a reader to check out the story. For me, it was the intriguing setup that lured me in as well as the fact that I highly enjoyed [b:The Woman in the Library|56803179|The Woman in the Library|Sulari Gentill|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1631826249l/56803179._SY75_.jpg|88799772], and I was ready for another propulsive read to keep me on my toes. No doubt Gentill’s writing continues to be easy to digest. It’s quick, it flows, it pulls the reader along.
So, I was looking forward to the prospect of conspiracies, a ton of chilling secrets, and an explosive mind blowing reveal. For me, this didn’t really crescendo until the last 20% and when it did, it kinda fizzled. I’m not saying the idea wasn’t smart and interesting because it was, but maybe my unrealistic expectations were just too high. Perhaps because it took over 300 pages to really set things up, the ending seemed too rushed where the conspiracy fallout never truly came and was sinisterly (and sadly probably realistically) left open to continue on its twisty nebulous path. I readily admit that I want my fictional entertainment to be solidly in the happily ever after realm where the bad guys get their well deserved comeuppance.
It didn’t help that the heroine Theo was difficult to root for where my jaded self wanted to shake her way too many times to have a bit more self preservation, to not be so naive and gullible. In my opinion, the actual standouts of this were Theo’s brother Gus, and his friend Mac. They’re protective and smart, and both of them work tirelessly (and fruitlessly) to keep Theo from making many mistakes and missteps. I truly enjoyed every scene that they were in. Also, while I love any bit of romance to a story that I can get, I didn’t buy into what was presented and felt that Theo was one very lucky lady to deserve such devotion.
Overall, this had good bones, and I think many will enjoy this on its own merits or that of the author’s. I personally wanted more of everything because what was delivered just wasn’t enough to fully titillate and engage me specifically. Regardless, Gentill is still an author of interest, and I’ll continue to check out her future works!
Thank you to the author and Poisoned Pen Press via NetGalley for the ebook in exchange for an honest review