First line: I killed my brother with a penny.
Plot summary: In the summer of 2019, two students from Westmont Preparatory were killed in the abandoned house near the campus. It's rumored they were part of the Man in the Mirror secret society. One of their teachers was accused of their murders. A year later, both a newspaper reporter and a podcaster are digging into their murders, and the suicides that have followed. But the students of Westmont and their advisors are keeping secrets. Then Dr. Lane Phillips, a renown forensic psychologist, and Rory Moore, a cold case savant, get pulled in to help. And all those dark secrets start to come out.
My thoughts: There are a lot of layers to this mystery, with multiple character POVs interspersed with journal entries written by the murderer, and lots of shifts between the past and present. All of which slowed the pacing for me, especially at the beginning. Once I settled into the flow of the story, the pacing picked up. And I found the ending compelling. Though I have to admit, I didn't like this one nearly as much as I did Donlea's previous novel, Some Choose Darkness. Probably because with so many characters, and so much of the storyline taking place in the past, Rory's role isn't as prominent. And she's the character I like the most. But this mystery is still a good read.
My rating: 3.5/5 stars.
Happy Reading!
This does sound complicated to follow! Are the journal entries part of evidence found, or is it more that you're following one of the characters via the journal? Do you know who the murderer is from the journal?
ReplyDeleteYou do not know who the murderer is; and he's reading his entries to a psychologist. Or at least that's what it seems like he's doing. And there are lots of suspects in the story to keep you guessing about who it really is.
DeleteSounds like an interesting storyline though! Too bad you didn't enjoy this one as much as Some Choose Darkness.
ReplyDeleteI was hoping I would, but it's just not quite as good. I still liked it.
DeleteI just finished a book that had three character POVs and I found it hard to keep them all straight. So this one may be above my pay grade, so to speak.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to keep track when there's too many POVs or too many timeline jumps. At least it is for me. I blame it on my lack of sleep. My brain is just too tired for complicated these days. ;D
DeleteIt sounds like Some Choose Darkness is the book to begin with. Too many characters in a book is a mistake. When that happens no character, for example Rory, gets the level of attention she deserves.
ReplyDeleteI really liked Some Choose Darkness. Rory, with all her quirks and talents, is a very unique character. I like her.
DeleteTrying to make sense of a lot of characters can slow the pace, however, I've enjoyed this author in the past. I'll look up Some Choose Darkness. :)
ReplyDeleteI liked this one, I just liked Some Choose Darkness better. And I think there might be a third book out with these characters that I'll probably check out, too. :D
DeleteSounds interesting, but I think I'm going to pass on it. Seems like I should read Some Choose Darkness instead. Great review, Lark!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely read Some Choose Darkness. That's where you get to meet Rory and all her quirks. :D
DeleteWow, what a first line!
ReplyDeleteCrazy, right? :D
DeleteWell I hope your next read is really good.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mary. I hope so, too. :D
DeleteI found the cover and title compelling
ReplyDeleteThey definitely make you want to pick up and read this book. :D
DeleteNice review, Lark. This is one I definitely want to read, I enjoy his books.
ReplyDeleteI like his books, too. I'm a little behind on reading them all, but I'm catching up. :D
DeleteWhat an opening line! It's a bummer it didn't live up to expectations.
ReplyDeleteIt's still a good read. I just preferred his previous novel.
DeleteI am glad this one picked up for you, even if it wasn't the strongest in the series. I love that opening line though. I have so many questions now!
ReplyDeleteIt's still a good read. Just a bit complicated at times. But I did like it.
DeleteI loved Some Choose Darkness and I'm glad to see you enjoyed this one as well. Too bad that Rory doesn't have quite as big of a role but it looks like a great mystery.
ReplyDeleteIt's still a good one! And I will be reading Donlea again, for sure. :D
DeleteCharlie Donlea is very popular with the patrons at my library. I haven't read him yet, but he's on my TBR list. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteI've read three books by him now and have enjoyed them all. I intend to check out some of his other books soon. :D
DeleteI really like Rory as well, and have this book on my TBR. Thanks for the reminder about this one. I find when a book has a lot of characters, it pushes a lot of them to the fringes. I guess I'll have to see how I feel when I finally read it. Nice review, Lark.
ReplyDeleteIt's good, just not as good as his previous book imo. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on it.
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