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3.77 AVERAGE
3.77 AVERAGE
Received an ARC via NetGalley.
After reading all but one of Lisa Lutz’s book, what impresses me most is that she hasn’t trapped herself within one particular genre. There’s always an element of a mystery to solve but that the presentation, the feel, changes with each book. Genre-wise, I guess this was closest to The Passenger.
I really like the way this story unfolds. Past and present, multiple perspectives. And even with all the jumping around, you are still able to get a feel and connect to the characters. More so with Luna than Owen, in my opinion. It seemed like a deliberate choice though.
The only thing I couldn’t get a feel for is why Luna and Owen had such an unbreakable bond. We see how their friendship unfolds and we see the little conflicts within, that could have broken their friendship apart yet didn’t, but the why didn’t feel as fleshed out. That being said, I liked the dynamic. I felt like it was a realistic friendship, especially when you see them angry at one another. I think it can also be difficult to write a close male-female friendship without giving the impression of something more. I never got that vibe from them, which I appreciated, bc that felt real to me too.
The wrap-up, the explanations, their bad luck, whatever you want to call it, could have felt unrealistic, but it somehow worked.
I really have to go back and read the one Lisa Lutz I haven’t read yet.
After reading all but one of Lisa Lutz’s book, what impresses me most is that she hasn’t trapped herself within one particular genre. There’s always an element of a mystery to solve but that the presentation, the feel, changes with each book. Genre-wise, I guess this was closest to The Passenger.
I really like the way this story unfolds. Past and present, multiple perspectives. And even with all the jumping around, you are still able to get a feel and connect to the characters. More so with Luna than Owen, in my opinion. It seemed like a deliberate choice though.
The only thing I couldn’t get a feel for is why Luna and Owen had such an unbreakable bond. We see how their friendship unfolds and we see the little conflicts within, that could have broken their friendship apart yet didn’t, but the why didn’t feel as fleshed out. That being said, I liked the dynamic. I felt like it was a realistic friendship, especially when you see them angry at one another. I think it can also be difficult to write a close male-female friendship without giving the impression of something more. I never got that vibe from them, which I appreciated, bc that felt real to me too.
The wrap-up, the explanations, their bad luck, whatever you want to call it, could have felt unrealistic, but it somehow worked.
I really have to go back and read the one Lisa Lutz I haven’t read yet.
I could not stop listening to this book. The way the characters intertwined was fascinating and I'm a sucker for a mystery with a dual timeline.
I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I've been a long time fan of Lutz's work since the very first Spellman series book. I think The Accomplice manages to get Lutz's signature sarcastic and somewhat detached tone perfect, more so than her last couple standalone books. Ultimately, the pieces of a puzzle fit fairly well together, although there's a surprise the reader couldn't quite predict.
Luna Grey and Owen Mann meet at college, at a fictional liberal arts college in the Hudson Valley New York in the early 2000's. They become good - platonic friends, something many around them found initially confusing. Sort of like in When Harry Met Sally, can two heterosexual people of opposite sex be friends and not find each other attractive? (Or unrequited one sided crush) Luna doesn't let people in because of her closely guarded past. Once Luna lets in a small circle of friends, a jealous girl / stage 5 clinger friends w benefits of Owen's, who had dumped her and ghosted her- threatens to expose her secret to the Markham campus. Scarlet, the clinger ends up dead and Owen is a suspect.
The college chapters are interspersed with "current" as in 2019, when Luna and Owen are still friends and married to different partners. Owen's wife Irene is friendly with Luna. Then Irene ends up dead - she was missing 24 hrs when Luna finds her in a cemetery where she jogs, from a gunshot wound. Luna tells Owen before calling for help. Who killed Irene and why? Was it the husband, the man Irene was having an affair with, Luna's husband Sam? Was it Irene's stepfather who was mad Irene was left her mother's estate/money? Also there's Owen's brother Griff who Luna had brief relationship with while in college. Luna'a past may have returned to haunt her.
This book was unique in that it offered up multiple points of view without detracting from the past and present. It was skillfully done and I will look forward to any of Lutz's future books. 4.4/5 ☆ release date 1/25/22
Luna Grey and Owen Mann meet at college, at a fictional liberal arts college in the Hudson Valley New York in the early 2000's. They become good - platonic friends, something many around them found initially confusing. Sort of like in When Harry Met Sally, can two heterosexual people of opposite sex be friends and not find each other attractive? (Or unrequited one sided crush) Luna doesn't let people in because of her closely guarded past. Once Luna lets in a small circle of friends, a jealous girl / stage 5 clinger friends w benefits of Owen's, who had dumped her and ghosted her- threatens to expose her secret to the Markham campus. Scarlet, the clinger ends up dead and Owen is a suspect.
The college chapters are interspersed with "current" as in 2019, when Luna and Owen are still friends and married to different partners. Owen's wife Irene is friendly with Luna. Then Irene ends up dead - she was missing 24 hrs when Luna finds her in a cemetery where she jogs, from a gunshot wound. Luna tells Owen before calling for help. Who killed Irene and why? Was it the husband, the man Irene was having an affair with, Luna's husband Sam? Was it Irene's stepfather who was mad Irene was left her mother's estate/money? Also there's Owen's brother Griff who Luna had brief relationship with while in college. Luna'a past may have returned to haunt her.
This book was unique in that it offered up multiple points of view without detracting from the past and present. It was skillfully done and I will look forward to any of Lutz's future books. 4.4/5 ☆ release date 1/25/22
I was really looking forward to a spine-tingling and thrilling read, but instead, I got a story about two friends who each find themselves involved in their own investigations. Even though they kept secrets from each other, they turned out to be dull secrets that didn't really add any excitement to the story. There weren't any exciting plot twists that could have made the story more interesting, so there weren't any suspenseful moments. The ending, where the killers were revealed, was sudden and left me feeling unsatisfied. I probably won't be recommending this to anyone.
Owen and Luna meet in college and are drawn to each immediately. Their relationship is deep and committed m. Both harbor secrets and keep them from each other to protect the other.
Parts of the novel brought back college memories of cliches, nicknames, college friends and the free flow of alcohol and drugs.
Parts of the novel brought back college memories of cliches, nicknames, college friends and the free flow of alcohol and drugs.
A murder mystery that doesn’t keep me up at night scared, that has romance and drama and alllll the flashbacks. I really enjoyed reading this book, as I’ve been in kind of a reading slump of 900-page books that just painfully drag on, and although I was saving this for night shift reading, I needed a break from John Irving today, and this was that. I loved that there were multiple mysteries, and of course a potential side romance I did NOT see coming, and that the book ends in a way I can handle. It made me laugh, and I’ll definitely read this author’s other books
Enjoyable, twisty character-driven mystery/thriller. The story travels back and forth between two timelines and two mysteries and I found them equally compelling. A few weird shifts in point-of-view and character names took me out of the story and caused me to double back for clarity. I enjoyed it, but feel like I could pick it up in 2-3 years and not remember that I had read it. 3.5 stars.
Lisa Lutz’s The Accomplice is a gripping psychological thriller that deftly explores the complexities of friendship, loyalty, and the shadows of the past. The novel centers around Owen and Luna, best friends since college, whose lives are forever altered when they become entangled in a murder investigation. Lutz’s narrative is as much about the dynamics of their friendship as it is about the mystery that binds them, making for a compelling read that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
From the very beginning, Lutz draws readers into the enigmatic world of her protagonists. Owen and Luna's bond is unique, marked by a deep, almost telepathic understanding of each other. They are each other’s anchors, yet their relationship is not without its secrets and dark undertones. Lutz skillfully peels back the layers of their past, revealing the traumas and experiences that have shaped them, and the lengths they are willing to go to protect each other.
The novel is structured around a dual timeline, alternating between their college days and the present. This format allows Lutz to build suspense gradually, as each chapter unveils new pieces of the puzzle. The interplay between past and present keeps readers on edge, as the true nature of the characters' relationship and the extent of their involvement in the murder slowly come to light.
Lutz’s writing is sharp and witty, with well-drawn characters and dialogue that feels authentic. Her portrayal of Owen and Luna's college years is particularly evocative, capturing the intensity and turbulence of that period in life. The supporting characters are equally well-crafted, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. The idyllic college setting contrasts starkly with the dark events that unfold, enhancing the story's tension and intrigue.
One of the standout aspects of The Accomplice is Lutz’s exploration of moral ambiguity. The characters are flawed and multifaceted, challenging readers to question their own perceptions of right and wrong. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that everyone has something to hide, and the lines between victim and perpetrator blur in fascinating ways.
The pacing of the novel is expertly managed, with Lutz maintaining a steady buildup of suspense. The twists and turns are well-placed, keeping readers guessing without feeling contrived. The resolution of the mystery is both satisfying and thought-provoking, leaving readers with lingering questions about the nature of friendship and the cost of loyalty.
In conclusion, The Accomplice is a masterfully crafted thriller that delves deep into the human psyche. Lisa Lutz has created a story that is as emotionally resonant as it is suspenseful, offering readers a captivating journey through the dark corridors of friendship and deceit. Whether you are a fan of psychological thrillers or simply looking for a compelling read, The Accomplice is a novel that should not be missed.
From the very beginning, Lutz draws readers into the enigmatic world of her protagonists. Owen and Luna's bond is unique, marked by a deep, almost telepathic understanding of each other. They are each other’s anchors, yet their relationship is not without its secrets and dark undertones. Lutz skillfully peels back the layers of their past, revealing the traumas and experiences that have shaped them, and the lengths they are willing to go to protect each other.
The novel is structured around a dual timeline, alternating between their college days and the present. This format allows Lutz to build suspense gradually, as each chapter unveils new pieces of the puzzle. The interplay between past and present keeps readers on edge, as the true nature of the characters' relationship and the extent of their involvement in the murder slowly come to light.
Lutz’s writing is sharp and witty, with well-drawn characters and dialogue that feels authentic. Her portrayal of Owen and Luna's college years is particularly evocative, capturing the intensity and turbulence of that period in life. The supporting characters are equally well-crafted, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. The idyllic college setting contrasts starkly with the dark events that unfold, enhancing the story's tension and intrigue.
One of the standout aspects of The Accomplice is Lutz’s exploration of moral ambiguity. The characters are flawed and multifaceted, challenging readers to question their own perceptions of right and wrong. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that everyone has something to hide, and the lines between victim and perpetrator blur in fascinating ways.
The pacing of the novel is expertly managed, with Lutz maintaining a steady buildup of suspense. The twists and turns are well-placed, keeping readers guessing without feeling contrived. The resolution of the mystery is both satisfying and thought-provoking, leaving readers with lingering questions about the nature of friendship and the cost of loyalty.
In conclusion, The Accomplice is a masterfully crafted thriller that delves deep into the human psyche. Lisa Lutz has created a story that is as emotionally resonant as it is suspenseful, offering readers a captivating journey through the dark corridors of friendship and deceit. Whether you are a fan of psychological thrillers or simply looking for a compelling read, The Accomplice is a novel that should not be missed.
