Last quarter I read The Arsonist, written by Stephanie Oakes. The mystery book contains 493 pages and there is about 480 pages filled with my many, many, many comments.
Molly Mavity, a young woman whose mother is supposedly dead and whose father is convicted murder, meets Pepper Yusef, a Kuwaiti immigrant with epilepsy. Together, they try to solve the disappearance of Molly's mother which turns into the discovery of the truth of Ava Dreyman; a 17 year old's murder that lead to the destruction of the Berlin Wall.
It is impossible to give a summary of this book without giving away major spoilers. All I can say is that Molly grows into a different person, a person who were mother would've been proud of. As for Pepper, he will forever write about his time with Molly and speak of the memories he will never forget.
Throughout the book, my mind was trying to connect the pieces one by thousands. I absolutely loved this book and would reread it if I wanted to. It was devastating, heart warming, mystifying, and poetic all at the same time. It may be one of my favorite books now due to it being about lies and love.
However, I would add more specific key points; such as years. Without proper dates by the speaker (each chapter changes points of view), it was somewhat difficult to keep up with the idea that Oakes was trying to create.
I usually predict the plot points in the very beginning of the book, and I usually get them right. Yet, Oakes blew me away with the biggest plot twist that I've ever read. I wasn't upset by what she wrote, I was shocked and amazed on how good of a writer she was being able to tie it back in a way that I couldn't understand until I read it.
I 100% recommend this book if you are a fan of murder mystery with a dash of lying lovers.
The Arsonist seems like a engaging book because it has an odd ending which is what makes it different. Books that have a unexpected turn are fascinating and absorbing. Thank you for your recommendation.
ReplyDeleteHaving read your review, this book interests me mainly because you noted its plotline was not particularly predictable as many novels tend to be. However, I can understand how the story could be somewhat confusing at times given the lack of a specific timeframe in this novel.
ReplyDeleteWow!The Arsonist really seems like the type of book to leave you at the edge of your seat.You describe it very well. It definitely is something I would like to read in the future. Lastly , I am glad to hear that it's unpredictable and contains many plot twists.
ReplyDeleteI love reading mystery books and I like how you kept it as a mystery in your book review. Also, although I want to read this book, it seems so interesting that I might end up spoiling it before I get the chance to read it.
ReplyDeleteNice summary! Your summary has given me great insight about what this book hold s for the reader. I will definitely be giving this a read some time in the future.
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