This week, Jeff Popple reviews three tales of mystery and suspense. More of Jeff’s reviews can be found on his blog: murdermayhemandlongdogs.com
I Will Find You by Harlan Coben
Century, $32.99
Harlan Coben can always be relied upon to provide good entertainment, whether it is a novel or one of his Netflix adaptations. I Will Find You is a roller coaster of a ride with David Burroughs breaking out of prison to find out the truth about his supposedly dead son. Convicted of his three-year-old son’s murder, Burroughs is stunned when evidence emerges suggesting that the boy may still be alive. Desperately he sets in place a wild plan to find his son. This is another fast-paced, enjoyable tale by Coben, with plenty of twists and turns and unexpected detours. Recommended.
The Half Burnt House by Alex North
Michael Joseph, $32.99
The Half Burnt House is also filled with dark secrets and surprising twists. Years ago, Katie Shaw made a mistake that led to her younger brother, Chris, being savagely attacked. The siblings are now estranged, but when the police identify the missing Chris as a suspect in a murder investigation, Katie decides that it is time to make up for her negligence years before and prove that her brother is innocent. As she plunges into the search to find Chris, she comes to realise that old secrets can kill. A dark and tricky tale that will keep you engrossed from beginning to end.
I Have Some Questions For You by Rebecca Makkai
Fleet, $32.99
I Have Some Questions For You is that rare beast, a literary crime novel that is actually a pleasure to read. Acclaimed American author Rebecca Makkai has produced an intriguing and insightful book about an old crime at a prestigious boarding school, and a woman’s reckoning with her past. Successful film professor and podcaster, Bodie Kane, is drawn back to her old school to give a two-week course, and finds herself re-investigating the killing of her classmate, Thalia Keith. The athletics coach was convicted of the murder, but Bodie begins to suspect that the truth is not simple. Evocative and enjoyable.
