A Book A Week

Last year, I embarked on a mission to dive into the works of authors I hadn't previously explored. This endeavor introduced me to many fresh voices and titles that I might not have otherwise encountered, leading me to discover numerous authors who have now earned a spot on my must-read list. This year, though, I've primarily focused on chipping away at my existing backlog of books, meaning I've been revisiting more familiar authors. This pattern shifted with my recent read, None of This is True by Lisa Jewell. Despite having several of Jewell's titles languishing on my TBR list for years, it was the consistent high praise from my trusted circle of book-reviewing friends that finally nudged me to delve into her work. Now, having experienced her storytelling firsthand, I completely understand the acclaim.

Strangers Alix and Josie are birthday twins, born on the exact same day. Their paths serendipitously cross during separate celebrations of their shared birthday. Despite being the same age, their lives are starkly contrasting. Alix enjoys a seemingly idyllic existence, married to a successful and charming man, raising two young children, and hosting a financially and creatively rewarding podcast. In contrast, Josie's life is more subdued. She's married to an older retired man and has two grown children, one of whom is estranged from her. The chance meeting between the two women on their birthdays is brief, and they quickly part ways.

Fate soon intervenes, and Alix and Josie's lives intersect once more, mere days after their initial rendevous. Is this another random coincidence, or is there more to it than meets the eye? This second encounter sparks a conversation where Josie begins to unveil her personal challenges and yearning for change. Alix, having exhausted her podcast's focus on celebrating women's achievements, sees Josie's narrative as a fresh angle to rejuvenate her show. With Josie's reluctant consent, the two embark on a collaborative venture. As Josie delves deeper into her story, Alix begins to discern underlying shadows and potential dangers. Will this narrative evolve into a tale of triumph over adversity, or is Alix unwittingly steering her podcast into a true crime story?

In None of This is True, Lisa Jewell masterfully weaves a narrative rife with deceit, faltering relationships, and unchecked envy. While the story took its time to establish its rhythm, the unveiling of the character's true intentions and motivations was gripping, making it nearly impossible to put the book down. Jewell employs a dual narrative, alternating between Alix and Josie's perspectives, skillfully leading the reader along a tantalizing trail of breadcrumbs. Trust becomes a scarce commodity by the story's conclusion, leaving readers uncertain about the tale's ultimate destination. This level of suspense and uncertainty is precisely what I crave from a thriller, and Jewell delivers in spades. None of This is True is a riveting, compulsively readable novel, the type of book that keeps you glued to its pages late into the night. It left me eager to dive into more of Jewell's novels at the earliest opportunity.

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 29)

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've been a fan of author Megan Goldin since devouring her 2019 novel The Escape Room. She followed up that standalone thriller with The Night Swim, a searing portrait of a small-town rape trial and a cold case that cast a shadow over the entire city. When I learned she was writing a sequel to that work, I jumped at the chance to read it. Goldin's publisher provided me with the audiobook of Dark Corners. As I hit play, I was immediately immersed in the podcast, consumed by the crime and the story that was about to unfold. 

As Terence Bailey's release from prison for breaking and entering draws near, investigators' suspicions about his involvement in six unsolved murders of women intensify. Are they seriously about to let this man walk free? Things are further complicated when Madison Logan, a popular social media influencer, visits Bailey. The details of their meeting aren't known, but Madison goes missing soon after her encounter with Baily. Investigators fear she may have been kidnapped or, worse, murdered. What has happened to the young woman? More troubling, why was she meeting with Bailey?

Crime podcaster Rachel Krall isn't exactly surprised when she gets a call from the FBI. A few years ago, she covered a high-profile rape trial that spiraled into a cold-case murder investigation. Her little podcast became a national sensation, skyrocketing the reach of her work. She is surprised, though, at what they are calling her about. With Rachel's social media popularity, the FBI seeks her help to uncover answers about the missing Madison Logan. In exchange for her assistance, Rachel will receive unprecedented access to the active missing persons case. 

The case becomes even more perplexing as Maddison seems to exist solely within the realm of social media, with no trace of her offline identity. Undeterred, Rachel takes on an undercover persona using a fake Instagram account to delve into the world of influencers at BuzzCon, a significant influencer conference. As Rachel immerses herself in this fiercely competitive community, she discovers that the secrets and rivalries run deep. The discovery of a body with a disturbing tattoo raises fears that Bailey might have a dangerous accomplice and an alarming obsession with influencers, including Rachel herself. 

Dark Corners sees Megan Goldin continue the story of her most intriguing character Rachel Krull. While this is a continuation of the story that began in The Night Swim, this book can be read as a standalone. Goldin provides enough backstory to fill in any gaps you may have missed from the prior novel. Where that book focussed on small-town politics and the haunting of the past, this work is much more rooted in the present. Layered in amongst the thrilling missing person case is a deeper contemplation on the impact of social media on our everyday lives. The line between reality and the persona we see on an app is called into question, adding a unique level of suspense to the story. The audiobook is narrated by a cast featuring André Santana, January LaVoy, Samantha Desz. They breathe life into the characters, and the podcast sections specifically feel ripped straight from reality. Megan Goldin is a standard setter in the world of thrillers, and Dark Corners continues to set that very high mark in the genre. 

For more information, visit Amazon and Goodreads. 

(2023, 46)