A review by bethreadsandnaps
El Dorado Drive by Megan Abbott

3.0

 

Set in Michigan in 2008, Abbott explores the dynamic of three sisters from the perspective of Harper (her sisters are Pam and Debra). Harper has always felt different from her sisters, notably because she’s lesbian and never married. When she arrives on the doorstep of her divorced sister Pam, she finds out that Pam is involved in a pyramid scheme called The Wheel. Attracted by the money and urged by her sister, Harper becomes involved in the pyramid scheme as well.  

The murder takes a while to occur, which is fine, but that meant it didn’t explore the “whodunit” part for very long. I didn’t understand how people in such a financially depressed area could gather up $5,000 to participate in The Wheel, but I guess it was more of an upper crust poor? 

I’m not sure Abbott’s writing is for me. I’ve only read one of her novels in the past, and that one was lukewarm. And I found this one lukewarm as well. I think the author keeps her characters at a distance, which frustrates me as reader. 

Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review. 

It publishes June 24, 2025.