Eight Detectives - Alex Pavesi - Top Pick!

Mystery/Suspense

Rating: 9/10

As I close out another year with this labour of love booklovers blog I thought It appropriate to share some of my all time top picks. I attempted to veer away from the popular choices! Happy Holidays and may the New Year be good to year dear reader!

If you are looking for a mystery that is not a full-frontal assault on your intellect, look elsewhere! This stellar contribution to the genre is a mystery within a mystery, a nesting dolls level of unpacking will be required.

An ambitious editor comes to a secluded island to review the work of a reclusive author with the intent to republish his one and only book. As they sit and read through his seven murderous tales, he educates her on the key ingredients of the mystery. Each of these seven stories has its own intricate stand-alone puzzle, all will engage the reader in an utterly unique battle of wits with themselves as they attempt to navigate the endless misdirection.

And then there are the conversations the editor and the author engage in between the readings, where further twists and complex word play await the unsuspecting reader.

The crafting of this book was a stroke of genius that will compel you to think hard and to ingest every word in order to even attempt to keep up with the diversions afoot here! The purest of gifts to the careful reader!

Footnote: Such a smart and clever book that I harbor secret envy and resentment of the authors talent.  Well, not so secret now I suppose.