So, I was super excited about the premise of this, it sounded so interesting. Sadly, it fell short. Now, it was fun enough that I finished it, it was kind of entertaining but not good.
The pacing of the book is strange, you spend about over fifty percent of the book setting up for all “thrilling” aspects. Except it didn’t feel very thrilling, at that point I was trying to get to the good parts. Maybe it it have been a bit longer it could have worked.
Then there were the multiple perspective…oh boy. This book has diary entries into the past, which were easy to distinguish but the rest of the , four or five perspectives were impossible to tell apart. All the women had the exact same voice. If the author would have stuck to a singular character, maybe the main bully, it would have been better and a lot stronger of a read. Bouncing through five different women’s perspectives when they all sound the same meant I had to keep checking back to see who was talking. Not great.
Overall this was a two star read, which I’m sad about because I was really looking forward to this one! I do want to read more mysteries and thrillers though so if you know any good ones please let me know!
... Read moreIn the world of thrillers and mysteries, the ability of authors to effectively engage readers with gripping pacing and distinct character voices is paramount. In examining Sian Gilbert's 'She Started a Novel,' myriad readers echo Mandi’s sentiments about the slow buildup present throughout the plot. While a slow reveal can create tension, excessive setup can lead to reader disengagement, as experienced in this case.
Key elements in a successful thriller should encourage readers to feel a blend of urgency and suspense. Multiple perspectives have the potential to enrich a storyline by providing various insights. However, when perspectives overlap without distinct identities, as noted by Mandi, the engagement may falter. Each character should ideally bring their unique voice and experience to the narrative, enhancing the overall immersive experience.
For those seeking compelling reads within the mystery and thriller genre, consider exploring authors who excel at building well-rounded characters with distinct voices and effective pacing. Titles like 'The Silent Patient' by Alex Michaelides or 'The Woman in the Window' by A.J. Finn offer strong character development and tension that keep readers invested. Recommendations from fellow readers often lead to uncovering gems in this genre, so don't hesitate to ask for suggestions and share your own thoughts about the thrillers you enjoy!