Holy cow. Talk about a complex web of lies and betrayal! ( )

This edge of your seat mystery recounts the devious events that led to a grisly Halloween murder. Simon Dobias is a Chicago law professor going for tenure. He’s been contentedly, although not especially happily, married to his wife, Vicky, a social worker at Safe Haven, for nearly ten years. He’s also restarted an affair with a beautiful woman from his past after a chance meeting outside of Bloomingdale’s on Michigan Avenue. What begins with matching burner phones and clandestine meetings, ends with a Grim Reaper costume and the brutal murder of Simon’s lover. Whatever else you think you know in this twisty, intricately plotted story is almost 100% likely to be wrong. The story is told by the characters of Simon, who, of course is the obvious murder suspect; the equally unscrupulous Vicky; and Sgt. Jane Burke, the Grace Village officer charged with solving the suburb’s first homicide...and at least one surprise narrator. We learn about Simon’s relationship with ill-fated sexy, Lauren Betancourt, the circumstances surrounding her death, and the subsequent criminal investigation. Murder is far from the only crime committed amongst this shady bunch, or even the most recent. The full extent of these devious characters' various schemes and revenge plots is revealed in several clues, carefully scattered throughout the story, which, if you are talented in detecting murders, will lead you to the killer and the discovery of a shocking, if somewhat improbable, conclusion. Don't feel bad if you fail in this endeavor as I bet even seasoned mystery readers won’t be able to predict all of the knots in Simon and Vicky’s tangled web of deception. This is truly a roller-coaster ride loaded with unexpected twists and turns. Good work, Mr. Ellis. ( )

HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY! (July 5, 2022)

4.5⭐️

Look Closer by David Ellis revolves around Simon Dobias and Vicky Lanier Dobias, a married couple who have been together for almost ten years - the husband, an associate professor in law aspiring for a tenured position and his wife who works with victims of domestic abuse- respectable people, comfortably well-to-do and about to come into a lot more money from a trust fund after their 10th anniversary. Their marriage might not be perfect- a fact that they both acknowledge but they seem to be okay with the status quo. Or are they? When Lauren Betancourt, a wealthy woman with links to Simon is found hanging in her home you begin to question whether Simon is truly the respectable law professor he appears to be or if he is hiding a more diabolical side to him. Is Vicky aware of her husband’s true nature? Everything is not as it seems – both Simon and Vicky have secrets – the kind that they would do anything to protect.

When I started with the novel, it seemed formulaic- unhappy couple, infidelity, murder, multiple PoVs and rambling journal entries leading to what I presumed would be a predictable ending! I WAS WRONG! Describing these characters and their dynamics as complicated would be a gross understatement. A plethora of twists and turns, revelation upon revelation with past and present grudges, betrayals and manipulation and a cast of shady supporting characters with hidden agendas of their own make for an absorbing read. Who is the real victim here? Who is guilty or rather guiltier? Who is conning whom and who is complicit? I felt only sympathy for the investigators who were assigned to solve the case and were taken on a wild ride in the process! Saying anything more is impossible without giving away too much. However, this is a lengthy novel that could have been more concise and it took a while to gain momentum (approximately the 25 % mark for me) but once I was engaged I found it hard to put down. Gripping and suspenseful, this is a smartly crafted thriller that I would not hesitate to recommend. This is my first David Ellis novel and I look forward to reading more of his work.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for a digital review copy of this riveting novel in exchange for my honest review. ( )

Potential 5-stars, but some of the plot lines were difficult to follow without reading back to clarify. Will definitely try other David Ellis books. ( )

major “YOU” and “How To Get Away With Murder“ vibes. everything you think at the beginning of the book changes by the end. saw this book recommended on bookstagram and I’m so glad I followed up. great first five star read of 2023! ( )