brandenburg_reads 's review for:

I Need You to Read This by Jessa Maxwell

3.0

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Alex Marks escaped to New York City for a fresh start. Her self-isolating world is upended when her writer hero, Francis Keen, is brutally murdered. Francis was the woman behind the famous advice column "Dear Constance," and her words helped Alex through some of the darkest times of her life. When Alex sees an advertisement searching for her replacement, she impulsively applies, never expecting to get the job. This intriguing premise sets the stage for a gripping thriller that blends personal growth with a suspenseful murder mystery. Alex's unexpected new role as the advice columnist for "Dear Constance" is a forced transformation and the catalyst to search for the truth behind Francis's death. She begins to receive strange, potentially threatening letters at the office, turning everyone around her into a threat, including her boss, editor-in-chief Howard Dimitri, who works late and drinks too much. The narrative effectively keeps readers on edge, wondering who can be trusted and what secrets are being kept. The plot thickens as Alex digs deeper into the mystery and must also face her hidden past. The novel offers a blend of mystery, suspense, and personal growth. The murder is somewhat predictable, but the book does shed light on the abuse of power and how abuse in the workplace is challenging to report.

I received an ARC ebook for my honest review. Thank you, NetGalley and Atria Books.