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3.4 AVERAGE
3.4 AVERAGE
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
In "I Need You to Read This," Jessa Maxwell cozy murder mystery with a powerful emotional core. The story follows Alex Marks, who leads a monotonous life in New York City, working a job she dislikes. Her world is jolted when she learns of the murder of Francis Keen, the beloved advice columnist behind "Dear Constance," whose writing had once offered Alex solace. In a moment of impulse, Alex applies for the column’s position and is unexpectedly hired.
Maxwell excels in creating a compelling protagonist in Alex. As she navigates her new role, she discovers a talent for solving others’ problems but soon finds herself entangled in a web of intrigue. Her boss’s suspicious behavior, the antagonistic attitude of his assistant, and a series of threatening letters add layers of tension and uncertainty. Alex's past begins to resurface, intertwining with the murder investigation in unexpected ways.
The secondary characters add depth and flavor to the narrative. Alex’s interactions with Raymond and Janice, her café acquaintances, bring a touch of levity and offer a push toward personal growth. Tom, a complex figure who oscillates between a potential love interest and a suspect, keeps readers guessing and adds to the suspense.
The murder mystery itself is absorbing, but the novel’s most haunting elements are the letters from “Lost Girl,” featured as interludes between chapters. These letters vividly portray the slow unraveling of a young woman’s life in an abusive relationship, offering a poignant and disturbing look at the cycle of abuse. Maxwell handles this subject matter with sensitivity and depth, providing a stark contrast to the surface-level intrigue of the murder mystery.
However, the depiction of abuse is intense and may be challenging for some readers. Maxwell does not shy away from depicting the grim reality of emotional and physical violence, which might be difficult for those with personal experience of such trauma. The book avoids romanticizing or trivializing these issues, presenting them with the gravity they deserve and holding characters accountable for their actions.
As the narrative builds toward its climax, the interconnected threads of Francis’s murder, Alex’s recent experiences, and the disturbing "Lost Girl" letters converge in a dramatic and intense finale. While some plot twists may be anticipated, others offer genuine surprises, leading to a satisfying resolution.
Overall, "I Need You to Read This" is standout thriller that combines intricate plotting with psychological depth, making it a gripping read for fans of the genre. Maxwell’s ability to craft a suspenseful and emotionally resonant narrative ensures this book will linger long after the final page.
Maxwell excels in creating a compelling protagonist in Alex. As she navigates her new role, she discovers a talent for solving others’ problems but soon finds herself entangled in a web of intrigue. Her boss’s suspicious behavior, the antagonistic attitude of his assistant, and a series of threatening letters add layers of tension and uncertainty. Alex's past begins to resurface, intertwining with the murder investigation in unexpected ways.
The secondary characters add depth and flavor to the narrative. Alex’s interactions with Raymond and Janice, her café acquaintances, bring a touch of levity and offer a push toward personal growth. Tom, a complex figure who oscillates between a potential love interest and a suspect, keeps readers guessing and adds to the suspense.
The murder mystery itself is absorbing, but the novel’s most haunting elements are the letters from “Lost Girl,” featured as interludes between chapters. These letters vividly portray the slow unraveling of a young woman’s life in an abusive relationship, offering a poignant and disturbing look at the cycle of abuse. Maxwell handles this subject matter with sensitivity and depth, providing a stark contrast to the surface-level intrigue of the murder mystery.
However, the depiction of abuse is intense and may be challenging for some readers. Maxwell does not shy away from depicting the grim reality of emotional and physical violence, which might be difficult for those with personal experience of such trauma. The book avoids romanticizing or trivializing these issues, presenting them with the gravity they deserve and holding characters accountable for their actions.
As the narrative builds toward its climax, the interconnected threads of Francis’s murder, Alex’s recent experiences, and the disturbing "Lost Girl" letters converge in a dramatic and intense finale. While some plot twists may be anticipated, others offer genuine surprises, leading to a satisfying resolution.
Overall, "I Need You to Read This" is standout thriller that combines intricate plotting with psychological depth, making it a gripping read for fans of the genre. Maxwell’s ability to craft a suspenseful and emotionally resonant narrative ensures this book will linger long after the final page.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
I wasn't ready for how intense things got towards the end of the book! I really enjoyed the slow build up and the mundane aspects towards the beginning as we learn more about the present and past circumstances that culminate at the climax. The main setting being the newspaper company office was really cool, especially in this age of technology. I recommend this one!
Mystery Thriller about a copywriter, with a dark past, takes over for a murdered advice columnist & starts looking into her death after she begins receiving strange letters.
5/5 stars: Maxwell's newest Mystery Thriller stand-alone features a copywriter who impulsively applies for and gets the job of writing a popular advice column. But when she begins receiving strange letters, she starts her own investigation looking into her predecessor’s murder. Unfortunately, the dark secrets of her own past rise to the surface and she'll find herself trapped in a dangerous and potentially deadly mystery. Will she solve the murder and save her own skin? Or will she face a similar fate? With plenty of twists and turns, Maxwell's write a gripping tautly paced tale that will leave you on the edge of your seat. I really like how Maxwell's plot unfolds and the deft way everything's woven together. Additionally, Maxwell's writing and character work are excellent; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. Alex is so relatable and it's great to see her coming into her own. Oh and I love her Bluebird Diner friendships, Janice and Raymond, and her budding relationship with Tom. You can tell how much Maxwell loves advice columns and I really liked the inclusion of the letters from advice seekers. Maxwell's touch on some serious subjects; so take care and check the CWs. Overall an excellent read, high recommend!
I received this eARC thanks to Atria Books in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
5/5 stars: Maxwell's newest Mystery Thriller stand-alone features a copywriter who impulsively applies for and gets the job of writing a popular advice column. But when she begins receiving strange letters, she starts her own investigation looking into her predecessor’s murder. Unfortunately, the dark secrets of her own past rise to the surface and she'll find herself trapped in a dangerous and potentially deadly mystery. Will she solve the murder and save her own skin? Or will she face a similar fate? With plenty of twists and turns, Maxwell's write a gripping tautly paced tale that will leave you on the edge of your seat. I really like how Maxwell's plot unfolds and the deft way everything's woven together. Additionally, Maxwell's writing and character work are excellent; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. Alex is so relatable and it's great to see her coming into her own. Oh and I love her Bluebird Diner friendships, Janice and Raymond, and her budding relationship with Tom. You can tell how much Maxwell loves advice columns and I really liked the inclusion of the letters from advice seekers. Maxwell's touch on some serious subjects; so take care and check the CWs. Overall an excellent read, high recommend!
I received this eARC thanks to Atria Books in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes