Final Exam

by P.F. Kluge

Kluge, P.F.

252 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2005

About the author

P.F. Kluge attended Kenyon College and the University of Chicago, and served in the U.S. Peace Corps (in Micronesia). He has worked as a reporter at the Wall Street Journal and as an editor at Life magazine. He has written for numerous publications, including Playboy, Rolling Stone, and Smithsonian, and is a contributing editor at National Geographic Traveler. As Writer-in-Residence at Kenyon, Kluge specializes in the reading and writing of American literature. He is a reporter, a writer, and a teacher.

Reviews

[Erica Verrillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

P. F. Kluge is a truly gifted story-teller, and this tale of murder, deception and guilt is no exception. From the first page to the last, you will be gripped by the plot, fascinated by the characters, and, whether you wish to be or not, educated in college politics.

The story line is fairly straightforward. A serial killer is stalking an idyllic, mid-western campus, committing murder after murder with no end in sight. When a state detective is brought in for the investigation, the college administration is dismayed to find that the DI is more interested in digging up the dirt on the college than in finding out who the killer is. What's more, it seems that the targets are not just students and faculty, but the entire college. Who could maintain this kind of deep-seated hatred? As it turns out, the list of potential "college murderers" is far longer than anyone would have suspected.

While the story was gripping, and the writing superb (Kluge really is wonderful), the resolution of the central plot line was disappointing, to say the least. The problem with the book was that Kluge was really much more interested in exposing the flaws (and strengths) of a small college than in providing a well-rounded tale. And while I enjoyed his expose, I felt somewhat cheated in the end. Readers who have not encountered Kluge before would fare better with his most recent book, Gone Tomorrow, which deftly and humorously explores the same themes (and uses some of the same characters), as well as providing a satisfying and memorable resolution.

[J. Jeffrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very pleasing book to read, esp. for those interested in life (and in this case death!) at liberal arts colleges ... a reasonably compelling murder mystery intertwined with quite compelling reflections on life in the academy, all set clearly in the beautiful environs of Kenyon College in Ohio -- The book reads quickly and easily, the three main narrators are distinct and well-drawn, Kluge nails the college president and the poet/professor narrators perfectly, and there are page-turner moments as well ...

[Andrew Pessin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, esp. for anyone interested in life (and in this case death!) at liberal arts colleges ... Kluge nails the college experience better than anyone out there, in this case wrapping it all up in a compelling murder mystery ...

[Cheryl · Rating 1 out of 5]

I've suffered for weeks, I can't make myself finish it...

[Juliette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite enjoyable! I appreciated the multiple character perspectives and found myself hooked on the plot rather quickly. Klume does a beautiful job of creating strong voices and styles for the three narrators, and in doing so shows a well-rounded view of the murder mystery.

[Paula Atkinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

found this quite a slow read. Expect more pace and 'excitement' in murder books.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a solid, entertaining read with three compelling narrators: a bloviating college president, a loser English prof, and a surprisingly perceptive security guy. All of them are attached to a small liberal arts college that is suddenly shaken up by a series of brutal murders, which seem to be aimed at destroying the college itself. Intertwined with the murder mystery are extended musings on academia, the priorities of professors and their students, and all of the politicking that goes on behind closed doors on a college campus. Overall, the "Final Exam" is definitely worth a read.

There are two main issues I would criticize, however. The first is that the ending wasn't very strong—it felt like a bit of a letdown, rather than an important realization. The second is that Kluge's portrayal of women isn't particularly appealing. They can be fickle, seductive, slutty, or shrill, but on a human level, they are inscrutable and difficult to like. This was definitely a novel of the old boys' network, and it's hard to tell whether Kluge finds that to be a good thing or a bad thing.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my second in the Kluge collection. I enjoyed the story, again, set in the small college near Columbus. The murder mystery theme of the story was good and lots of characters, some of the same names as in the newer one I read.

I did not, however, appreciate the more graphic sexual detail of one scene that added nothing to the story, nor the increased use of the "F" word. I usually put books down that turn me off this way, but I was interested in reading the story.

This would keep me from recommending the book.

[Bridget · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this book was OK, though, in all honesty just wanted it to be over by the end. There were flashes of great writing, and the triumvarate of different perspectives between college president, English professor and security guard was well done. It certainly provided a bird's eye view into small town college life and how a college literally becomes the community, both socially and economically. But, overall, even the interwoven murders were not enough to move this up to three stars...

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

A thinly veiled and at times bitter critique of the small liberal arts college wrapped in a fairly decent murder mystery. Worth your time, especially if you enjoy discussions of the nature of higher education. If you went to Kenyon College as I did, the unnamed school where the book is set and the author matriculated, you will get a kick out of a trip down memory lane.

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

A decent read for those who, like myself, treasure their days along middle path. Kluge really wants to discuss the decline of modern academia (overly indulged students, soft courses, etc.) and does so in the framework of a mediocre somewhat contrived murder mystery. HE writes what he knows, so Kenyonites will recognize just about every setting.

[Erika · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this directly after I read Alma Mater. I loved that book, but reading the two so close together made annoying characteristics of Kluge's writing more apparent. I especially found the sexist portrayal of women troubling in this book.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a good murder mystery. I enjoyed it and would recommend it. I was expecting a little more, especially with "early praise" from Martin Scorsese on the back. It didn't wow me. And I thought one of the three narrators was a dull choice. His parts were slower. But it was pretty good overall.