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allisonplus's review against another edition
3.0
A really intriguing book - managed to be suspenseful & humorous at the same time. I was a little let down by the ending in that I felt the author didn't bother explaining the 'how', which made me feel as if there wasn't that much thought put into whodunnit as there was of the writing workshop plot in general.
That being said, I enjoyed the English/writing workshop aspects of it - great dialogue, compelling characters, & a really strong narrative voice. I would recommend it, not necessarily on the merits of a mystery...but just all around fun read.
That being said, I enjoyed the English/writing workshop aspects of it - great dialogue, compelling characters, & a really strong narrative voice. I would recommend it, not necessarily on the merits of a mystery...but just all around fun read.
eculatta's review against another edition
4.0
Fun mystery read - great characters and totally self aware. Definitely did not see the ending coming!
audreyintheheadphones's review against another edition
2.0
Clever in parts, but not clever enough, and the cast of thousands got very confusing. And I didn't care for the redemption arc of the main character (giving up your hermitude and embracing other people = happiness! ), but it does pass the Bechdel Test.
Content note:Alphonse the basset hound is temporarily misplaced at one point, but only for about 10 minutes and he's fine.
Content note:
jessicarae's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this, but really didn't care about the mystery part. I think I'd have enjoyed it just as much had the story only been about the classroom interactions and Amy's thoughts.
angeljkay's review against another edition
5.0
Makes me think twice about joining a writing group or taking a writing class, but loved the book!
heathere6093's review against another edition
4.0
Read this book several years ago and recently reread it to prepare for the sequel (Amy Falls Down). Thoroughly enjoyed this book the second time through as much as the first. The voice of the writing class instructor and main character (Amy)is the main draw for me. Dry, dry, droll wit that had me chuckling out loud a few times and remembering thoughts you have when you live alone too long. In reading some of the other reviews, this will definitely be more enjoyed if you like reading mysteries and have taken a writing class. I do understand some of the reviewers' frustrations with the writing class going on long after the trouble began and the instructor not dealing with it earlier and more forcefully....but then we wouldn't have had this fun story.
macroscopicentric's review against another edition
2.0
Starts really promisingly, laugh-out-loud funny and incredibly observant assessments of everyone in the class, but deteriorates steadily to an anticlimactic and unbelievable ending. Most disappointing considering how amazing the beginning is.
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