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A review by artemangie
The Unraveling of Julia by Lisa Scottoline
3.0
The following is a review of The Unraveling of Julia audiobook. Thank you to Hachette Audio for the ALC! When Julia Pritzker inherits a Tuscan villa from a mysterious stranger, our troubled protagonist is thrust into a web of secrets, astrology, and ancestry that ties her to a paranoid recluse—and possibly to a legendary Renaissance duchess. The Unraveling of Julia promises suspense and self-discovery in a gothic Italian setting, but delivers something a little different than expected.
Admittedly, it took me some time to become fully invested in this story, as the synopsis that initially drew me in doesn’t quite reflect the book’s actual substance. Though marketed as a thriller, I never felt the heightened tension or anxiety typical of the genre. Instead, the novel reads more as a mystery with elements of conspiracy and emotional drama. Nonetheless, Lisa Scottoline’s writing was solid, as expected from a seasoned author. I especially enjoyed the dialogue and its narration by Maria Marquis. Her Italian accents added a wonderful texture that brought the story to life!
Like many other readers, I found it difficult to connect with the book’s unique emphasis on astrology and the paranormal. These elements didn’t resonate with me, but I think fans of the metaphysical would appreciate this layer of the story. I also struggled with the romantic subplot, which felt rushed. Given how much of the beginning focused on Julia’s grief over her late husband, her quick shift into a new relationship with the “handsome Florentine” felt unconvincing and underdeveloped to me.
Despite these points, I truly found myself enjoying the book by the end. The gradual unraveling of the plot was satisfying and well-crafted, and I was pleasantly surprised by the heartfelt themes of motherhood and family that added an emotional depth I hadn’t anticipated. While The Unraveling of Julia didn’t quite align with my initial expectations, this was an entertaining, well-written story. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy mystery with a spiritual twist and are open to genre-blending narratives exploring grief, identity, and family bonds.
Admittedly, it took me some time to become fully invested in this story, as the synopsis that initially drew me in doesn’t quite reflect the book’s actual substance. Though marketed as a thriller, I never felt the heightened tension or anxiety typical of the genre. Instead, the novel reads more as a mystery with elements of conspiracy and emotional drama. Nonetheless, Lisa Scottoline’s writing was solid, as expected from a seasoned author. I especially enjoyed the dialogue and its narration by Maria Marquis. Her Italian accents added a wonderful texture that brought the story to life!
Like many other readers, I found it difficult to connect with the book’s unique emphasis on astrology and the paranormal. These elements didn’t resonate with me, but I think fans of the metaphysical would appreciate this layer of the story. I also struggled with the romantic subplot, which felt rushed. Given how much of the beginning focused on Julia’s grief over her late husband, her quick shift into a new relationship with the “handsome Florentine” felt unconvincing and underdeveloped to me.
Despite these points, I truly found myself enjoying the book by the end. The gradual unraveling of the plot was satisfying and well-crafted, and I was pleasantly surprised by the heartfelt themes of motherhood and family that added an emotional depth I hadn’t anticipated. While The Unraveling of Julia didn’t quite align with my initial expectations, this was an entertaining, well-written story. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy mystery with a spiritual twist and are open to genre-blending narratives exploring grief, identity, and family bonds.