3.5 I'm reviewing this book with the assumption that this, no matter the look of the cover and timing, is NOT the next Truly, Devious book. So let's s3.5 I'm reviewing this book with the assumption that this, no matter the look of the cover and timing, is NOT the next Truly, Devious book. So let's start there.
This book is about Marlowe not Stevie, so if you were hoping this was the next TD book, or in that world, it is not.
Spoiler marker from here because it is a mystery. (view spoiler)[
I was so excited to get this book. I'm not gonna lie, I also thought I was getting our next Stevie book and was ready to find out what mystery and what personal chaos we'd be getting. But, when I saw it was a different story, I was equally excited bc the idea of Maureen Johnson starting a new series in the same type of space before we're done with the TD books so there's no loss of mystery reading was equally exciting.
Unfortunately, and I might be in the minority, this isn't in the same realm as those books. Even with spoilers I'm going to keep this pretty narrow - but I'M ABOUT TO SPOIL THIS BOOK YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.
So, first off, Marlowe is a really passive heroine in a lot of ways. Things definitely happen TO her. And, while I'm all for that (I don't understand the people who scream about it) it does not work for me here.
Marlowe is not a detective. She's not actively trying to learn things or figure out the mystery that is literally handed to her day one. She is just kind of hanging out, letting all the other teens do their thing, just doing day-by-day. Later, much, much later - like when she finally is like "oh, I should figure this out" later - she's like "way back when I was little I used to solve logic problems" ... maybe tell us that way back at the beginning, and also act like you see the logic problem and are solving it. It's far too late in the game for me when she does start actively detecting.
I did love that Marlowe wasn't fickle. Just bc things took a bad turn with her girlfriend, doesn't mean she was over her. And I love how that played out ❤️ The past mystery isn't really a deep mystery like the other Johnson mysteries. It's pretty much right there for you to figure out. The red herring is obviously bright red.
But, I did love that we're getting dual timelines and dual stories again. I don't know how she does it, but she makes it look effortless. I love the setting and ideas and even the murder in the present day. The fallout is definitely fallout.
I love that the past story (while, she hands you everything pretty early so it's obvious who WOULD do this and why and also). The setting, the ideas, the twisted patriarchy, things that were unfortunately very vitally looked at at that time and were part of the two wars the story sits between.
I found the teens in the past actually more compelling. And wished the present day story had more of that vibe.
There was one final twist that, because I'd kind of given up thinking at the 60% mark bc it felt like "well, we know how this is going to play out" I completely missed but absolutely makes sense - the letter at the end is just... heartbreaking and genius.
I'm rating this a 3.5 and rounding up for author love. Not my fav. Most of her mysteries are 5s for me, but sometimes a 4 it is.
Now, we wait for the next TD book or the next... Marlowe? book! I'd grab either of them up in a heartbeat.
I ended up really enjoying the book, but it was harder to get into than book 1. I also am getting tired of everyone blaming Jamie for everything. CharI ended up really enjoying the book, but it was harder to get into than book 1. I also am getting tired of everyone blaming Jamie for everything. Charlotte blames Jamie, adults blame Jamie, August blames Jamie, Jamie blames Jamie... moving on to book 3 and hoping to get the magic back....more
A fun enough read, but not on par with the previous books in the series.
Previously, you could follow the mystery and have theories. This book isn't thA fun enough read, but not on par with the previous books in the series.
Previously, you could follow the mystery and have theories. This book isn't that way.
(view spoiler)[ All of a sudden, based on finding the diary and the fact that a super smart girl who was already learning German once took a book out on the Third Reich, out of the blue, in the last chapter this book is about Nazis???? What? No. (hide spoiler)]
So, while it was fun to see the gang again, I closed the book frustrated. ...more
A weird book - the writing and the way the author hyper explained simple facts and kind of talked down to the reader made it feel like upper-middle grA weird book - the writing and the way the author hyper explained simple facts and kind of talked down to the reader made it feel like upper-middle grade.
Also, the heroine was 17 going on 12 and the hero was 19 going on 40 so also really weird.
If you like National Treasure and you have a 11-12yo in your life, rec this....more
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