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A review by caomhin
Come a Little Closer by Karen Perry
4.0
Come A Little Closer is a domestic mystery that moves at a gentle pace. After a fairly attention-grabbing introduction to the street on which it all takes place, we settle into discovering the main characters. Interesting characters at that. There's a decent level of detail and backstory even on some of the less prominent characters, it all builds up a very balanced and believable world. In fact, despite the fact that you spend the whole story pondering a murder, the whole thing is very grounded.
But for all these great traits I never really got hooked by it all. It's a pleasant, enjoyable read, but I never found myself drawn in and craving a little more. Many chapters ended on a mini-cliffhanger, ones that could've come with a dramatic drumbeat to signal you need to know more, but like a soap opera, I quickly realised that I wasn't going to get that satisfaction any time soon. Don't worry, you do get the payoff eventually. You know that things are going to shift into focus in the end, and they do. Rather well in fact. It's just that the whole thing is very pleasant rather than engaging. It's a great summertime read in that respect. One you can access easily between some poolside drinks, or waiting at the gate. You can read it in a park and not be bothered by the ice cream van playing an annoying tune. It's a socially acceptable thriller that you can pass around without worrying about people thinking you're a psychopath for reading. It's great at being good.
If you want a nice easy holiday read with a decent plot and a nice dose of mystery you can't go wrong here.
But for all these great traits I never really got hooked by it all. It's a pleasant, enjoyable read, but I never found myself drawn in and craving a little more. Many chapters ended on a mini-cliffhanger, ones that could've come with a dramatic drumbeat to signal you need to know more, but like a soap opera, I quickly realised that I wasn't going to get that satisfaction any time soon. Don't worry, you do get the payoff eventually. You know that things are going to shift into focus in the end, and they do. Rather well in fact. It's just that the whole thing is very pleasant rather than engaging. It's a great summertime read in that respect. One you can access easily between some poolside drinks, or waiting at the gate. You can read it in a park and not be bothered by the ice cream van playing an annoying tune. It's a socially acceptable thriller that you can pass around without worrying about people thinking you're a psychopath for reading. It's great at being good.
If you want a nice easy holiday read with a decent plot and a nice dose of mystery you can't go wrong here.