A review by zlibrarian
Finders Keepers by Natalie Barelli

5.0

Darkly funny (sometimes laugh-out-loud and talk-back-to-the-characters funny, I say this honestly), fast-paced, and well-structured, this was one of the most enjoyable galleys that I read this summer. The parts of this novel that deal with the book publishing world are not so insular that readers will feel shut out. Character motivations feel realistic; Iris/Rose struggles to keep her privacy and sense of self intact even as fraudulent “author” Emily’s greed and ambition set a trap for Iris/Rose. There are more than a few villains in this story, and each is so vividly characterized that the reader may enjoy despising them. I liked the emotional depth of the characters and Barelli’s evocative phrasing; I listened to the audiobook, excellently performed by Rachel Leblang , so I can’t easily quote it directly, but I liked the description of Rose’s mother energetically knitting, keeping herself busy in the wake of abandonment and divorce. As a Reference Librarian, I would recommend FINDERS KEEPERS to fans of cozy mysteries that are ready to explore thrillers and suspense; readers interested in social satire; and readers of “women’s fiction” seeking to expand their horizons.