Challenge #48 ~ “A book published in 2020.”
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
My opinion in three sentences:
If you read the blurb, you’d not be mistaken in thinking it’s a plot that sounds similar to scores of other books from the genre in recent years. The mistake, however, would be in not choosing to read on, for Lelic offers his own unique take whilst staying true to the core of what it means to be a mystery novel, resulting in a spectacular, engaging book. Riddled with twists and turns, it’s a story that really does leave you guessing until the final chapters, with a conclusion that is breathtaking and unexpected, yet not one that is dragged out of nowhere just for the surprise element.
(Without spoiling anything) the best bit:
We can all be suckers for those tropes that we love, and more than happy to read countless different versions. Lelic isn’t afraid of that coming into a highly saturated sub-genre with his own take, and this translates into a confident book that brings its own fresh elements to the table. From his interview-style approach to a continuously twisting plotline, this delicate balance of Lelic’s own style with the expected features of a good YA mystery, crafts a truly spectacular read.
A warning for the book:
There was a side I didn’t like so much. It didn’t completely derail the story or undermine the rest of the good work, but I had no connection to the detective, and no real interest in his own side story of motivations for digging with the case. In a way, it felt like an entirely different tale, sort of a spin-off, but being interspersed within the main story, it threw me for six every time, and cut off all the excitement, anticipation and momentum that had been building in previous chapters.
Recommended for fans of:
- One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus
- All Unquiet Things by Anna Jarzab
- Kids of Appetite by David Arnold
N.B. An e-ARC of the book was received from NetGalley in return for a full and honest review.
Dreaming With Your Eyes Wide Open 