The Hiding Place by Simon Lelic

Challenge #45 ~ “A book related to a game.”

★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

My opinion in three sentences:

I was disappointed in this one, both as a Lelic novel and a detective story. The characters were all very flat and I struggled to connect with any of them (even though a couple had appeared in another of Lelic’s books which I really enjoyed!) As for the plotline, it took a while to get going, yet once it did, it was a real challenge to put the book down again.

(Without spoiling anything) the best bit:

Technically speaking, this is the second in a series, but it works extremely well as a stand-alone, too. In fact, despite having read the prequel, I didn’t even realise it was part of a series until I’d long finished and saw it mentioned in a fellow review on Goodreads – that’s how well it works! Most of the characters are new introductions, which helps, but even for those that aren’t, understanding any backstory is unessential for the main storyline (and actually, at times, detracts more than anything).

A warning for the book:

The ending was great, and this is definitely one of those where persevering to the end offered some redemption. However, I’m not sure the reward was quite worth the effort. With a slow plot, lack of momentum and flat characters, getting through the first three-quarters is difficult. And, yes, the final chapters are edge-of-the-seat levels of suspense with some unforeseen twists (much like Lelic’s usual finesse), but for me, it was too little, too late.

N.B.: With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher who provided an e-ARC in return for an honest and reflective review.