"You don't start writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it's good stuff, and then gradually you get better at it. That's why I say one of the most valuable traits is persistence." - Octavia Butler
With it being Spooktober and all, I thought this would be an appropriate review.
But, more importantly, this is my friend, Amy L. Sauder's novella! Spoiler, I LOVED beta-reading this novel. And guys, it's only like 60 pages, and they go by in a heartbeat!
Disclaimer: I was sent this book in exchange for an honest review.
Unlike many of my other reviews, this will be SPOILER-FREE. Nobody likes a spoiled mystery, and since this is a new release, I want you to get the chance to read it for yourself first.
The Bad
1. Pacing
While I do think that IKYLAM should be a short novella, the pace isn't conducive to the slow burn murder mystery that it is. It goes both ways: it works short, but I feel like it could be longer.
IKYLAM is one of those books that you should just sit down and read in one sitting. And while this is a plus considering the story, plot, and characters, it does have some downsides for being so short.
The most notable being that it doesn't really get to ruminate and stew around inside you. A good mystery strings you along, giving you just enough to keep you turning that next page but not too much that you start to feel bored. Sauder does this well. However, this could have been even more impactful if the story was a bit longer, so the mystery and suspense really could have simmered and built up, leading to a smashing conclusion.
The Good
1. Tone/Style
This is really what IKYLAM has going for it. I can't say enough good about the writing style and the tone that it exudes. It's absolutely perfect. It's surreal and suspenseful and pulls you into its tongue-in-cheek atmosphere.
The awesome thing is that it feels coldly detached, yet so laser-focused. The use of language is refined and specific, and it echoes nineteenth-century classic mysteries with modern accessibility.
I can't even accurately describe how awesome the writing style and tone is in IKYLAM. You just have to experience it for yourself.
2. The Characters
While IKYLAM isn't a character study, the characters are at the forefront. Each one of them is complex in their own way, but they feel mundane and accessible. That's the draw of IKYLAM - mysteries can feel daunting and pretentious, but IKYLAM is lightning-fast and down-to-earth.
The narrator is humorous and cunning. Equal parts insecure and maniacal, Camille is . . . stunning and so incredibly interesting. Shy Boy is guarded and unstable. Divas and egos run rampant, and you can't help but enjoy every juicy second.
Each character has their masks - pun intended - but we get to see glimpses of their inner layers and their complexity. This style of character development is perfect not only for the tone but also for the length of the novel. I'd love to see more of some of the characters, but I think that's the beauty of it. IKYLAM feels like a flashbulb of an old-timey camera, revealing the true nature and how deep the motives go.
Objective Rating: 9/10
Enjoyment Level: 10/10
~
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading this. I was swept up in the style and encapsulated by the foreshadowing and suspense.
So, in the words of my author blurb on the inside cover:
"This is SUCH a quirky meta-mystery and I am 100% on board."
I recommend this for everyone tired of the mystery/crime thriller genre, fans of The Phantom of the Opera, and anyone who loves a good
I'm so happy for you, Amy! Go buy I Know You Like A Murder on Amazon here!
~The WordShaker
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