Before delving into my customary review for this week, I'd like to take a moment to celebrate a significant milestone for A Book A Week. Since 2012, I've maintained consistent blogging, documenting my literary journeys. Every year, I set a target of reading at least one book per week, tallying up to 52 books annually. Over time, my success rate has varied, influenced by life's fluctuations. Occasional interruptions have caused me to fall short of the goal, while recent years have seen me comfortably meet the December 31st deadline. This year, however, has been exceptional. Today, with a good four months remaining on the calendar, I'm thrilled to present my review for the 52nd book, achieving my goal in record time! If I continue at my current pace of reading and posting, which seems likely, this year will stand as my most prolific reading endeavor to date. With titles like the one I'm sharing with you today, it is easy to see why.
In crime fiction, a unique niche has emerged where authors choose the podcast format to tell their tales. As literary trends surface, authors inevitably contribute their interpretations. The outcome of this foray into podcast-driven mysteries has been a mixed bag, yet talents like Megan Goldin and Holly Jackson have harnessed its potential to great success. In 2020, I was introduced to the debut novel of the writing duo L.R. Dorn. Their work, titled The Anatomy of Desire, unfolded as a series of transcribed podcast episodes while simultaneously taking on the challenge of reimagining the classic novel An American Tragedy. Despite my initial reservations about such an ambitious undertaking, the result was a captivating read that skillfully blended an engrossing mystery with a contemporary twist on a timeless tale. In their latest release, With a Kiss We Die, Dorn once again employs the podcast-style narrative, this time with no overt ties to classic literary works.
Propelled by the charismatic Ryanna Raines, The Raines Report, a true-crime podcast, has amassed a dedicated following. Recognized for its compelling investigative journalism and Ryanna's fearless determination, the show's popularity continues to surge. Now, armed with a voice recorder and an unyielding quest for justice, Ryanna steps into uncharted territory. She's about to participate in a live criminal investigation that tests her investigative acumen like never before.
A jolting double homicide within a lavish Southern California estate has reverberated through the affluent community. While the initial shock of the crime garnered immediate attention, it's the identities of the prime suspects that are poised to ignite a media frenzy. The couple's twenty-two-year-old son and his college theater student girlfriend are positioned at the heart of the inquiry. The pair teeters on the precipice of impending arrest and legal proceedings. In an attention-grabbing twist, they've exclusively sought Ryanna's engagement, offering interviews with the aim of authentically representing their viewpoint. Through a meticulous series of penetrating interviews, Ryanna navigates diverse vantage points, delving beneath surface contradictions to unveil an eerie and disquieting truth.
With a Kiss We Die showcases L.R. Dorn refining the style introduced in their debut, expertly amplifying the form for a multidimensional book. The story carries shades of a Bonnie & Clyde dynamic as the central couple fights to assert their innocence, yet Dorn skillfully avoids incorporating any direct source material. This allows for a fresh and original narrative. Amidst uncertainty surrounding the accused, Ryanna Raines emerges as the unwavering force committed to unearthing the truth. By anchoring Raines as an unequivocally virtuous character, Dorn provides a stable focal point for readers amidst the enigma of the alleged murderers. Presented in the format of podcast episodes, each chapter adds a layer of realism to the story, immersing readers in its fictional world. As I observed in Dorn's previous work, acclimating to the podcast-style narrative on a written page required an adjustment. I switched between the physical book and the audiobook and found the latter to offer a particularly engaging experience. Regardless of the chosen format, L.R. Dorn undeniably emerges as a distinctive voice within this densely populated genre.
For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.
(2023, 52)
I love when authors mix formats. I had read Holly Jackson, and Sadie by Courtney Summers was another book that featured a podcast that really stood out.
ReplyDeleteIt can be an overused technique, but when it works as it did here, the result is irresistible!
DeleteSounds like another good one I need to check out...and a new author to me, too. And congrats on already reaching your reading goal for this year! That's awesome. :D
ReplyDeleteThank you! I definitely recommend both of their books. They are some really engaging crime fiction novels!
DeleteCongratulations on reaching your goal so early in the year! I really liked Anatomy of Desire so this is one that I definitely want to read.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I really enjoyed their first book too. This one sees them level up in almost every way!
DeleteWonderful review, and yes I think I'd prefer this one audio due to the nature of the narrative and the whole podcast vibe.
ReplyDeleteThank you! It definitely is the most immersive in audio.
DeleteSo you're a fellow class-of-2012 blogger...😉 Well done on reaching your goal so early in the year! I usually strive for a post a week myself, but they're not all reviews (plus I tend to take hiatuses in order to breath LOL). Awesome job on this one, and overall (I've just read a few of your latest reviews, up - or down - to Mister Magic, which I'm starting next).
ReplyDeleteI am! I started the blog on January 1, 2012. I appreciate your kind words in regards to my reviews. Mister Magic was so good!
DeleteWell congrats on reaching your goal for the year. Hopefully you find some more books to read this year that are really good.
ReplyDeleteI've still got quite a few great ones in the pipeline, so I'm not slowing down any time soon!
DeleteI loved both Megan Goldin's Rachel Krall mysteries in this format, and I enjoyed this writing duo's previous book, too. My library audio came through a few days ago and I'm looking forward to reading it. I think it's set in Santa Barbara, CA. The town my mom grew up in and where my grandparents lived for years, so I'm familiar with it and eager to see how the couple features it.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on reaching 52 books! You are well ahead of your deadline! I wonder what the total will be by the end of the year.
I'll be eagerly awaiting your thoughts on it!
DeleteThe podcast like thrillers are what helped me become an audiobook reader. Although I'm not a fully converted thriller fan yet lol
ReplyDeleteI've already said this on IG, but congratulations on your blogging/reading milestone!
Karen @For What It's Worth
Yes, I've learned that genre can impact what works best as an audio. Thrillers and non-fiction seem to be my go-to. Every time I give something else a go, I find myself not paying attention haha.
DeleteCongrats on reaching your goal in record time! I know that narratives featuring podcasts have become popular in the last few years but I have yet to read one. They seem to be used often as an investigative tool in suspense-thrillers and since I read mostly contemporary romance, I don't run into it much. I admit I am curious about the outcome for the son and his girlfriend.
ReplyDeleteThank you! As far as thrillers go, this one is a good one. It would make for a good gateway into the genre, should you ever choose to give it a shot.
DeleteAwesome job meeting your goal! I'm sure that feels good :) I've been reading like crazy but not reviewing much, so I admire your devotion to not just reading but also reviewing the books you read. It's always fun to see what you're reading and what you think of it, so thanks for that!
ReplyDeleteI've never gotten into podcasts myself, but I do like their inclusion in mystery/thriller books. It gives some variety to a narrative, which I always enjoy. I haven't read anything by Dorn. I might have to give this one a go.
Thank you! I've had my fair share of times where the reading is happening and the reviewing isn't, so I feel your pain on that one. I've just been crazy productive recently.
DeleteCongrats on 52 already!!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI have to admit, the podcast aspect would have attracted me to this rightaway, but I've also read heaps of these where the podcasters are grey characters and not as committed to the truth as Raines is.
ReplyDeleteHer undeniable goodness really helped anchor this one!
DeleteCongratulations on finishing your 52 books! I am pretty sure I won't reach my goal this year and I am trying to hype myself up that that's okay.
ReplyDeleteRequested this one from the library, should come soon!
It is perfectly okay! I've had several years where I didn't come close to my goal. Life happens, and we're doing this for the joy of reading after all. If it becomes a chore to try to hit some number, we're missing the point of this whole thing. Read as many as you can, but don't sweat over a number!
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