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A review by somewheregirl7
The Black Book of Secrets by F.E. Higgins
3.0
Ludlow Fitch, a young pick-pocket on the run from his nefarious parents, escapes one night to the tiny town of Pagus Parvus. In the town he meets another newcomer to the community, also arrived just that night: Joe Zabbidou, a pawnbroker of secrets. Joe sets up shop in Pagus Parvus and takes Ludlow on as his assistant and soon the two begin writing down all the townspeople's darkest secrets.
This book tries very hard to maintain an air of mystery throughout but somehow fails overall. The events in the novel are largely non-events and very little happens. There is little character progression, little action and little of real interest. The pacing is decent but tepid, the writing is also decent but tepid. The characters are mildly interesting though prone to becoming mere charicatures. It's a short book, so a quick read. I kept hoping for a nice twist or a good reveal but the novel just never delivered. Largely disappointing overall.
This book tries very hard to maintain an air of mystery throughout but somehow fails overall. The events in the novel are largely non-events and very little happens. There is little character progression, little action and little of real interest. The pacing is decent but tepid, the writing is also decent but tepid. The characters are mildly interesting though prone to becoming mere charicatures. It's a short book, so a quick read. I kept hoping for a nice twist or a good reveal but the novel just never delivered. Largely disappointing overall.