The Fairway Players are in the midst of rehearsals when tragedy strikes the family of director Martin Hayward and his wife Helen. Their young granddaughter has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. When they hear that a very expensive experimental treatment is available their castmates rally to raise the money to fund it. But not everybody is convinced of the experimental treatment’s efficacy, or of the good intentions of those involved.
As tension grows within the community, things come to a shocking head at the explosive dress rehearsal, and the next day, a dead body is found, and soon after an arrest is made.
In the run-up to the trial, two young lawyers sift through the material - emails, messages, letters - with a growing suspicion that the real killer may be hiding in plain sight. The evidence is all there, between the lines, waiting to be uncovered.
The format of this won't be for everyone's liking - the plot is told through the emails, texts, letters, and essays that the lawyers are sifting through and the narrative often shifts voices and perspectives. When I started the book I didn’t think I could continue with it but I did and I enjoyed it.
I regularly had to refer to the extensive list of characters given at the beginning of the book, and make notes. The characters are well crafted and it’s a good plot. I did pick up a couple of clues but not who the murderer was!
The format of this won't be for everyone's liking - the plot is told through the emails, texts, letters, and essays that the lawyers are sifting through and the narrative often shifts voices and perspectives. When I started the book I didn’t think I could continue with it but I did and I enjoyed it.
I regularly had to refer to the extensive list of characters given at the beginning of the book, and make notes. The characters are well crafted and it’s a good plot. I did pick up a couple of clues but not who the murderer was!
∼ Happy Reading∼
Polly x
That sounds intriguing. It's sometimes difficult to find a way through a book that has so many different 'voices.'
ReplyDeleteIt is Janice, on both counts 😊
DeleteThe book sounds like a lot of work! Glad you enjoyed it though.
ReplyDeleteIt was initially Debra but I soon got used to the format.
DeleteI think I would like this. And besides, it takes place in the theatre!
ReplyDeleteAs an am drams thesbian of many years it was interesting reading about al the different personalities and divas!
DeleteSounds like a good read, Polly. I always enjoy your recommendations.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Thank you Amalia. I hope you are well x
DeleteSounds good. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you Hena
DeleteI think I'm too lazy to read a book I need to take notes on but it does sound very interesting and I always take my hat off to someone who tries something different
ReplyDeleteI have such a bad memory I used to get into a book and suddenly think "Who was that character?" so that's how I started making notes!
DeleteSounds like a book that rewards patience and close attention.
ReplyDeleteThe theatre setting and layered perspectives make it especially compelling.
Happy Friday, Polly!
Thank you Veronica
DeleteThanks Polly for this review and curious about whether or not my local library would have any works by Ms. Hallett, I found that it has The Examiner. The format is similar to what you described in that the text is told in emails, text messages and follows a group of students in an art master's program that goes dangerously awry. Another book available was called The Christmas Appeal and I wondered if it might be the same one mentioned in this post but with a different title in the US.
ReplyDeleteHello Beatrice. The Examiner sounds good. The Christmas Appeal does sound the same as The Appeal.
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