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A review by alookinsideri
Additional Attendee by Josh Harper
5.0
Additional Attendee by Josh Harper delivers a witty, offbeat take on the mystery genre, cleverly blending absurd humor with elements of suspense. As part of the Paul Whatshisname Mystery series, this book introduces us to Paul, an unlikely detective. Paul’s self-obsession and sarcastic view of the world make him an unusual protagonist, yet it's his very flaws that breathe life into the narrative and set the comedic tone right from the opening page. Harper’s first-person narration provides a candid glimpse into Paul’s scatterbrained thought process, which alternates between existential musings and trivial concerns about bagels, his dog, and his midlife crisis. This tone sets the stage for the eccentric mystery that ensues.
The plot revolves around Paul’s accidental discovery of a murder and the disappearance of his wife, Laura. While trying to confront her suspected infidelity, Paul instead stumbles upon a corpse and finds himself thrust into a world of suspicion, deceit, and peculiar neighbors. What could have been a standard whodunit quickly turns into a darkly humorous exploration of privilege, obsession, and self-delusion. Harper brilliantly uses Paul’s narcissism as both a narrative device and a source of humor, as his tendency to make everything about himself adds layers of absurdity to the unfolding mystery.
The characters in Additional Attendee are richly developed, though many of them embody archetypes turned on their heads. From the building’s tenants—seemingly banal yet harboring sordid secrets—to Alina, the enigmatic front desk worker who becomes Paul’s reluctant partner in crime-solving, each person feels like a caricature of urban luxury life, with hidden complexities revealed as the plot progresses. Alina’s contrasting calm demeanor and subtle sarcasm create a compelling foil to Paul’s chaotic energy, and their dynamic is a major highlight of the book.
Harper’s writing balances humor and tension, gradually building a mystery filled with misdirection and quirky twists. The novel pokes fun at both its protagonist and the genre, while still delivering a satisfying conclusion. Paul’s journey from self-absorbed fool to someone capable of solving a murder—albeit accidentally—makes for a highly entertaining read. For readers looking for a blend of wit, satire, and mystery, Additional Attendee is a refreshing addition to the genre.
The plot revolves around Paul’s accidental discovery of a murder and the disappearance of his wife, Laura. While trying to confront her suspected infidelity, Paul instead stumbles upon a corpse and finds himself thrust into a world of suspicion, deceit, and peculiar neighbors. What could have been a standard whodunit quickly turns into a darkly humorous exploration of privilege, obsession, and self-delusion. Harper brilliantly uses Paul’s narcissism as both a narrative device and a source of humor, as his tendency to make everything about himself adds layers of absurdity to the unfolding mystery.
The characters in Additional Attendee are richly developed, though many of them embody archetypes turned on their heads. From the building’s tenants—seemingly banal yet harboring sordid secrets—to Alina, the enigmatic front desk worker who becomes Paul’s reluctant partner in crime-solving, each person feels like a caricature of urban luxury life, with hidden complexities revealed as the plot progresses. Alina’s contrasting calm demeanor and subtle sarcasm create a compelling foil to Paul’s chaotic energy, and their dynamic is a major highlight of the book.
Harper’s writing balances humor and tension, gradually building a mystery filled with misdirection and quirky twists. The novel pokes fun at both its protagonist and the genre, while still delivering a satisfying conclusion. Paul’s journey from self-absorbed fool to someone capable of solving a murder—albeit accidentally—makes for a highly entertaining read. For readers looking for a blend of wit, satire, and mystery, Additional Attendee is a refreshing addition to the genre.