I have loved Moriarty’s previous projects, but I have to admit .. I have only ‘watched’ them. This is my first time picking up a Moriarty book and honestly, not that impressed.
Yes, I did read the whole thing but it was such a slow burn with a dud of an ending, I wish I didn’t bother. I felt relieved when I realized it was finally over with. Harsh, but true.
I don’t think it helps that I have no interest in tennis. Maybe that shouldn’t matter because the book is really about a [potential] murder and the drama that occurs in the family.
The writing style of diving into the POV of a stranger observing the family members was an interesting twist. I like the different style of writing from that point of view. I also, didn’t like it. (ha) It just wasn’t my cup of tea and felt unnecessary.
Again, I can see why others would enjoy this book, for me, it never clicked.
Also the ending bit of the pandemic? Why? Did the author start this pre-pandemic and then decided to add it in? I remember as I was reading the pages of annoyingness that I found myself flipping through asking myself, ‘how many more pages of this?!’ It was rough. I know a lot of authors cranked out some work while the world shut down for the pandemic, but either pretend it didn’t exist or make it part of the plot… don’t add it in for no reason.
Overall, I was just really annoyed the whole time but kept holding out due to the author’s other project. Unfortunately, I most likely will never pick up another of the author’s books as this was such a bad first impression.
Keeping with my rules, this is a two star book. It’s a one star book but have to add on another because I somehow managed to finish it.
cmacs paperbacks 
Leave a comment