Take a photo of a barcode or cover
megpais 's review for:
I Need You to Read This
by Jessa Maxwell
In "I Need You to Read This," Jessa Maxwell cozy murder mystery with a powerful emotional core. The story follows Alex Marks, who leads a monotonous life in New York City, working a job she dislikes. Her world is jolted when she learns of the murder of Francis Keen, the beloved advice columnist behind "Dear Constance," whose writing had once offered Alex solace. In a moment of impulse, Alex applies for the column’s position and is unexpectedly hired.
Maxwell excels in creating a compelling protagonist in Alex. As she navigates her new role, she discovers a talent for solving others’ problems but soon finds herself entangled in a web of intrigue. Her boss’s suspicious behavior, the antagonistic attitude of his assistant, and a series of threatening letters add layers of tension and uncertainty. Alex's past begins to resurface, intertwining with the murder investigation in unexpected ways.
The secondary characters add depth and flavor to the narrative. Alex’s interactions with Raymond and Janice, her café acquaintances, bring a touch of levity and offer a push toward personal growth. Tom, a complex figure who oscillates between a potential love interest and a suspect, keeps readers guessing and adds to the suspense.
The murder mystery itself is absorbing, but the novel’s most haunting elements are the letters from “Lost Girl,” featured as interludes between chapters. These letters vividly portray the slow unraveling of a young woman’s life in an abusive relationship, offering a poignant and disturbing look at the cycle of abuse. Maxwell handles this subject matter with sensitivity and depth, providing a stark contrast to the surface-level intrigue of the murder mystery.
However, the depiction of abuse is intense and may be challenging for some readers. Maxwell does not shy away from depicting the grim reality of emotional and physical violence, which might be difficult for those with personal experience of such trauma. The book avoids romanticizing or trivializing these issues, presenting them with the gravity they deserve and holding characters accountable for their actions.
As the narrative builds toward its climax, the interconnected threads of Francis’s murder, Alex’s recent experiences, and the disturbing "Lost Girl" letters converge in a dramatic and intense finale. While some plot twists may be anticipated, others offer genuine surprises, leading to a satisfying resolution.
Overall, "I Need You to Read This" is standout thriller that combines intricate plotting with psychological depth, making it a gripping read for fans of the genre. Maxwell’s ability to craft a suspenseful and emotionally resonant narrative ensures this book will linger long after the final page.
Maxwell excels in creating a compelling protagonist in Alex. As she navigates her new role, she discovers a talent for solving others’ problems but soon finds herself entangled in a web of intrigue. Her boss’s suspicious behavior, the antagonistic attitude of his assistant, and a series of threatening letters add layers of tension and uncertainty. Alex's past begins to resurface, intertwining with the murder investigation in unexpected ways.
The secondary characters add depth and flavor to the narrative. Alex’s interactions with Raymond and Janice, her café acquaintances, bring a touch of levity and offer a push toward personal growth. Tom, a complex figure who oscillates between a potential love interest and a suspect, keeps readers guessing and adds to the suspense.
The murder mystery itself is absorbing, but the novel’s most haunting elements are the letters from “Lost Girl,” featured as interludes between chapters. These letters vividly portray the slow unraveling of a young woman’s life in an abusive relationship, offering a poignant and disturbing look at the cycle of abuse. Maxwell handles this subject matter with sensitivity and depth, providing a stark contrast to the surface-level intrigue of the murder mystery.
However, the depiction of abuse is intense and may be challenging for some readers. Maxwell does not shy away from depicting the grim reality of emotional and physical violence, which might be difficult for those with personal experience of such trauma. The book avoids romanticizing or trivializing these issues, presenting them with the gravity they deserve and holding characters accountable for their actions.
As the narrative builds toward its climax, the interconnected threads of Francis’s murder, Alex’s recent experiences, and the disturbing "Lost Girl" letters converge in a dramatic and intense finale. While some plot twists may be anticipated, others offer genuine surprises, leading to a satisfying resolution.
Overall, "I Need You to Read This" is standout thriller that combines intricate plotting with psychological depth, making it a gripping read for fans of the genre. Maxwell’s ability to craft a suspenseful and emotionally resonant narrative ensures this book will linger long after the final page.