3 out of 5 stars.
I would like to thank Bonnier Publishing Fiction for a free ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an open and honest review.
An interesting Mystery/ thriller and a first book any author should be proud of.
Despite any well meant constructive criticism below, I want to start by saying I did enjoy this book. Yes it didn’t grab me or make me want to rave about it to anyone who dared make eye contact with me… but I still enjoyed it all the same.
It was well written, in the most part, and although the pace was a little too slow for me, it was still good.
I will say I found some of the ‘flashback’ scenes hard to handle to start with as the voice used almost came across (to me) as first person trying to speak in third person. It wasn’t a smooth and clear line between the two and I often thought it was done from the perspective of someone who was speaking of themselves in third person. It added a sinister tone that wasn’t meant and nearly put me off the book. It was probably just first book jitters, nothing too serious.
And the reason I feel the pace was too slow for me is I pretty much figured it all out by halfway through the book and was just waiting for the book to confirm my theories. I am known to figure out the plot of things fairly quickly so this isn’t down to the author’s skill. There are some well-known, highly awarded, authors whose plots I figure out within pages. The fact I even bothered to finish reading ‘The Hidden Legacy’ proves it was an engrossing read. Usually, when I figure it out and am not enjoying the book, I skim or just don’t finish. I read this book through, enjoyed it and was right about my theories. It is a good writer who keeps me sticking around until the end, even if I already know what it will be.
So, yes, slow, I figured it out…. and still enjoyed reading it. For me, there is no greater compliment to give an author than to say this about a mystery story.
Would I recommend this book to others?
I would. It is a nice little mystery and a good introduction to an author I see some potential in.
Would I buy this book for myself?
Maybe… but for now it is in the ranks I call ‘library books’. As in, would grab it and enjoy it when seen in a library, but not too sure if I’d want to own it. It has, however, made me make a note of the author to ensure I keep an eye out for more of their work in the future.
In summary: A good first novel, an interesting mystery showing there are more than just two sides to a story and, for the more part, an enjoyable read.
Until next time,
Janis. XXOO
Janis's Journal 