A review by jstilts
Fool Me Twice by Benjamin Stevenson

funny mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Well I s#!t all over Benjamin Stevenson's "Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone" but both novellas in this book are fantastic!

The slightly faster pace made these books more gripping for me, and while I'd say the mysteries are less labyrinthine they are incredibly gripping - "Find Us" is as an unusually refreshing combination of police procedural and vigilante parent that is as twisty as they come but incredibly satisfying for it, the major twist is good enough that I want to read the book again with fresh eyes - and I can think of no higher praise for a mystery novel than that.

"Last One To Leave" has Movie Adaptation written all over it - it's a fun setup for a murder mystery that I'd be surprised if it hadn't been done before, but I can't imagine it's been done so engagingly - it's YouTube gameshow format has you rooting throughout for the lead both to win, survive AND solve the crime.

I completed both novellas in a day apiece, which isn't so much about their length as how compelling I found them. Highly recommended!
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