Unexpected page turners and twists Editor: Gaby 
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“It is forbidden to kill; therefore all murderers are punished unless they kill in large numbers and to the sound of trumpets.”
~ Voltaire
Hello, everyone! I'm Gaby and I'm your guest editor for this issue of the Mystery Newsletter. |
To write mystery stories is good, but to keep your reader guessing the whole entire time? Now that's a talent.
My sister in law introduced me to a new writer. Freida McFadden. Mind you, I don't like short books. While I have listened to countless shorter books and can't recall the name of a single one, this one will stay in my memory database. Mainly for the fact that throughout the entire story I kept going back and forth trying to figure out who could have done the murder. I won't spoil the story for you though, just in case you decide to pick up her book and wish to find out for yourself.
Keeping a reader on the edge of the seat isn't easy. Writing about characters that speak to one while also adding those who aren't as appealing, not to mention, making sure to keep the reader constantly guessing between them all is, in my opinion, fascinating. Freida does all of it without seeming to struggle with any of it.
As mentioned before, the book is short(er) without going too much into detail but rather enough for the reader to keep going. The characters are truly likable, relatable to an extent, not exaggerated nor too detailed. Certain writers love to go into every single detail for any reason possible. Some do it with grace while others do it more to fill the pages. This one is neither. Just enough. Simple, short, to the point. And it made me realize that while I enjoyed the book, it wasn't going in my top 5 for the storytelling, but rather for its unpredictability.
From a writer's perspective I might have delved deeper into the characters, added more - yet I think she added just enough. Then again, same thing when it comes to looking from a reader's perspective. I would have liked to know more about said characters. Still, it was just enough to hook me. In the end, the simplicity of the writing was perfect for where the story was leading to.
Oftentimes we repeat the same mantra: Don't bore the reader! In this case, she didn't. She did an amazing job in the simplest way possible. She told a story, got straight to the point, entertained the reader, and gave the twist which... Well, read for yourself if you'd like to find out. 
'Til next time!
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| | | Disconnected [13+] #2354967 A moment out of place, and the quiet unease that followed. |
| |  | Subterranean Secrets [ASR] #2305448 A two-sentence story hook inspired by an image. Hook of the Book entry for September 2023. |
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Mystery: May 06, 2026 Issue [#13725]
