This book landed on my TBR list because it was the February pick for the Live, Laugh, Murder book club. I’d never heard of it, so I didn’t really have any expectations, which is always a good (if not always possible) way to begin a book. I ended up really enjoying it! It’s an easy read with a mix of gothic mystery, thriller tension, and nostalgic vibes that work together to create a unique and enjoyable read.
I don’t know that I would classify this book as squarely in the thriller category, although it does revolve around a murder mystery. It also explores difficult relationships and the importance of art and creation as a method of autonomy, especially in women. I will be honest here and say that the relationship between Emily and Chess reminded me so much of an unhealthy relationship I had in my own life until I was in my mid-twenties - it was almost disconcerting. The frenemy dynamic is one that we all relate to (I think) but is rarely communicated about well. This book examined the love/hate relationship that often (but not always) accompanies our oldest friendships. I really enjoyed the author’s acknowledgements in which she promises that none of her real friends were the inspiration for Chess!
I also loved the book’s implications on how the influence of art on others is often more powerful than the creation of art itself. It really made me stop and think about how strange it must be for artists/writers/musicians/etc to put their creations in the world only for them to take a whole identity of their own. They began as someone’s very personal, very intimate baby but then grew to have a fanbase who identify with the work in a whole new way. What does that mean for the artist and for the art itself?
This book was an easy read and held my attention the entire time, but it never elicited a strong emotional response from me. It’s one that I will be happy to share with others but not request that the hardcopy be returned to me, as it doesn't warrant a rereading in my opinion. I am definitely looking forward to discussing it at book club this month!
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Didn’t see the twist coming!
This book landed on my TBR list because it was the February pick for the Live, Laugh, Murder book club. I’d never heard of it, so I didn’t really have any expectations, which is always a good (if not always possible) way to begin a book. I ended up really enjoying it! It’s an easy read with a mix of gothic mystery, thriller tension, and nostalgic vibes that work together to create a unique and enjoyable read. I don’t know that I would classify this book as squarely in the thriller category, although it does revolve around a murder mystery. It also explores difficult relationships and the importance of art and creation as a method of autonomy, especially in women. I will be honest here and say that the relationship between Emily and Chess reminded me so much of an unhealthy relationship I had in my own life until I was in my mid-twenties - it was almost disconcerting. The frenemy dynamic is one that we all relate to (I think) but is rarely communicated about well. This book examined the love/hate relationship that often (but not always) accompanies our oldest friendships. I really enjoyed the author’s acknowledgements in which she promises that none of her real friends were the inspiration for Chess! I also loved the book’s implications on how the influence of art on others is often more powerful than the creation of art itself. It really made me stop and think about how strange it must be for artists/writers/musicians/etc to put their creations in the world only for them to take a whole identity of their own. They began as someone’s very personal, very intimate baby but then grew to have a fanbase who identify with the work in a whole new way. What does that mean for the artist and for the art itself? This book was an easy read and held my attention the entire time, but it never elicited a strong emotional response from me. It’s one that I will be happy to share with others but not request that the hardcopy be returned to me, as it doesn't warrant a rereading in my opinion. I am definitely looking forward to discussing it at book club this month!
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2023
This book landed on my TBR list because it was the February pick for the Live, Laugh, Murder book club. I’d never heard of it, so I didn’t really have any expectations, which is always a good (if not always possible) way to begin a book. I ended up really enjoying it! It’s an easy read with a mix of gothic mystery, thriller tension, and nostalgic vibes that work together to create a unique and enjoyable read.
I don’t know that I would classify this book as squarely in the thriller category, although it does revolve around a murder mystery. It also explores difficult relationships and the importance of art and creation as a method of autonomy, especially in women. I will be honest here and say that the relationship between Emily and Chess reminded me so much of an unhealthy relationship I had in my own life until I was in my mid-twenties - it was almost disconcerting. The frenemy dynamic is one that we all relate to (I think) but is rarely communicated about well. This book examined the love/hate relationship that often (but not always) accompanies our oldest friendships. I really enjoyed the author’s acknowledgements in which she promises that none of her real friends were the inspiration for Chess!
I also loved the book’s implications on how the influence of art on others is often more powerful than the creation of art itself. It really made me stop and think about how strange it must be for artists/writers/musicians/etc to put their creations in the world only for them to take a whole identity of their own. They began as someone’s very personal, very intimate baby but then grew to have a fanbase who identify with the work in a whole new way. What does that mean for the artist and for the art itself?
This book was an easy read and held my attention the entire time, but it never elicited a strong emotional response from me. It’s one that I will be happy to share with others but not request that the hardcopy be returned to me, as it doesn't warrant a rereading in my opinion. I am definitely looking forward to discussing it at book club this month!
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- Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2023
- Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2024
Top reviews from other countries
- Josephine JamesReviewed in the United Kingdom on March 23, 2025
Definitely a page- turner
