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Detective Marlitt Kaplan #1
The Resemblance
Lauren Nossett’s artfully written debut, The Resemblance is an exhilarating, atmospheric campus thriller reminiscent of The Secret History and The Likeness.
Never betray the brotherhood
On a chilly November morning at the University of Georgia, a fraternity brother steps off a busy crosswalk and is struck dead by an oncoming car. More than a dozen witnesses all agree on two things: the driver looked identical to the victim, and he was smiling.
Detective Marlitt Kaplan is first on the scene. An Athens native and the daughter of a UGA professor, she knows all its shameful histories, from the skull discovered under the foundations of Baldwin Hall to the hushed-up murder-suicide in Waddel. But in the course of investigating this hit-and-run, she will uncover more chilling secrets as she explores the sprawling, interconnected Greek system that entertains and delights the university’s most elite and connected students.
The lines between Marlitt’s police work and her own past increasingly blur as Marlitt seeks to bring to justice an institution that took something precious from her many years ago. When threats against her escalate, and some long-buried secrets threaten to come to the surface, she can’t help questioning whether the corruption in Athens has run off campus and into the force and how far these brotherhoods will go to protect their own.
Never betray the brotherhood
On a chilly November morning at the University of Georgia, a fraternity brother steps off a busy crosswalk and is struck dead by an oncoming car. More than a dozen witnesses all agree on two things: the driver looked identical to the victim, and he was smiling.
Detective Marlitt Kaplan is first on the scene. An Athens native and the daughter of a UGA professor, she knows all its shameful histories, from the skull discovered under the foundations of Baldwin Hall to the hushed-up murder-suicide in Waddel. But in the course of investigating this hit-and-run, she will uncover more chilling secrets as she explores the sprawling, interconnected Greek system that entertains and delights the university’s most elite and connected students.
The lines between Marlitt’s police work and her own past increasingly blur as Marlitt seeks to bring to justice an institution that took something precious from her many years ago. When threats against her escalate, and some long-buried secrets threaten to come to the surface, she can’t help questioning whether the corruption in Athens has run off campus and into the force and how far these brotherhoods will go to protect their own.
320 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2022
206 people are currently reading
30472 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Nossett
8 books317 followersLAUREN NOSSETT is a professor turned novelist and the award-winning author of the thrillers THE RESEMBLANCE and THE PROFESSOR. Her books have been Amazon Editors picks and featured in The New York Times, Buzzfeed, E! News, and Paste Magazine. THE RESEMBLANCE won the ITW Thriller Award for Best First Novel and was chosen as a Book All Georgians Should Read. Lauren currently lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her spunky Pomeranian, Bowie. Her new novel, INDIE DARLING, will release July 28, 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 841 reviews
September 26, 2022
such great concept and setting! i will never not pick up a mystery/thriller that takes place on a college campus and delves into secret societies (in this case, the greek system).
so its such a shame that theres a lot i would have changed about the execution of the story.
it relies too heavily on stereotypes, leading the characters to become caricatures at times. it doesnt utilise flashback scenes to allow the reader to fully comprehend, and possibly empathise with why the MC distrusts fraternities. the reveal comes out of left field and denies the reader of any opportunities to figure out “whodunnit” for themselves. and finally, the ending is just so abrupt.
some good bare bones of the story are present and, as a debut, this is objectively pretty decent. there was never a time when i wanted to stop reading, but there are just some things i personally would have tweaked to take this from just an okay story to a really good one.
thank you, flatiron books, for the ARC!
↠ 3.5 stars
so its such a shame that theres a lot i would have changed about the execution of the story.
it relies too heavily on stereotypes, leading the characters to become caricatures at times. it doesnt utilise flashback scenes to allow the reader to fully comprehend, and possibly empathise with why the MC distrusts fraternities. the reveal comes out of left field and denies the reader of any opportunities to figure out “whodunnit” for themselves. and finally, the ending is just so abrupt.
some good bare bones of the story are present and, as a debut, this is objectively pretty decent. there was never a time when i wanted to stop reading, but there are just some things i personally would have tweaked to take this from just an okay story to a really good one.
thank you, flatiron books, for the ARC!
↠ 3.5 stars
August 17, 2022
Combine a college university setting with a police procedural and you’ve got this book! I don’t seem to tire of either theme and was pulled in by the setting and the uniqueness of the main character.
I felt that the writer created an atmosphere beyond the word descriptions. Introspective and slightly melancholy, there was an unexpected emotional flavor that I couldn’t identify but appreciated.
My only issue is that the story veered off on numerous tangents and lessened the impact of other promising aspects.
Thank you to Flatiron Books, NetGalley, and Lauren Nosset for my electronic advance review copy. Due to be published on November 8, 2022.
8/8/22 Edit: I corrected the author's first name from Harriet to Lauren. (It was late and I wrote this review rather quickly and didn't double check my content).
I felt that the writer created an atmosphere beyond the word descriptions. Introspective and slightly melancholy, there was an unexpected emotional flavor that I couldn’t identify but appreciated.
My only issue is that the story veered off on numerous tangents and lessened the impact of other promising aspects.
Thank you to Flatiron Books, NetGalley, and Lauren Nosset for my electronic advance review copy. Due to be published on November 8, 2022.
8/8/22 Edit: I corrected the author's first name from Harriet to Lauren. (It was late and I wrote this review rather quickly and didn't double check my content).
June 2, 2023
3.35⭐
Publication date ~ November 8, 2022
Page Count ~ 307
Audio length ~ 9 hours 58 minutes
Narrator ~ Saskia Maarleveld ~ enjoyable
POV ~ single 1st
Featuring ~ detectives, police procedural, hit and run, college, fraternity, hazing, money = power, connected parents, privileged kids, corruption, secrets, cover ups
Detective Marlitt Kaplan is visiting her professor mom on campus when there's a hit and run of a student. First on the scene, so she and her partner, Teddy, are on the case. Who is this victim, Jay Kemp (coincidence that he has the same last name as Georgia's Governor?) , and why does the driver look like he could be his twin?
I felt like Marlitt was out to prove herself and goes a little rogue, which I didn't hate per say because it just proves the corruption, but it's evident that she really hates Greek life. Of course we have a frat brother with a father that is the president of the school and one with a father that is in the political world. There was a lot of extra statistical information on Greek life, which doesn't really interest me.
Overall, an okay story that makes me scared that my child might attend the University of Georgia ~ not to say all this doesn't happen on campuses all across the country, but this is a little closer to home.
*Thanks to Macmillan Audio, the author and NetGalley for the advance audiobook. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
Publication date ~ November 8, 2022
Page Count ~ 307
Audio length ~ 9 hours 58 minutes
Narrator ~ Saskia Maarleveld ~ enjoyable
POV ~ single 1st
Featuring ~ detectives, police procedural, hit and run, college, fraternity, hazing, money = power, connected parents, privileged kids, corruption, secrets, cover ups
Detective Marlitt Kaplan is visiting her professor mom on campus when there's a hit and run of a student. First on the scene, so she and her partner, Teddy, are on the case. Who is this victim, Jay Kemp (coincidence that he has the same last name as Georgia's Governor?) , and why does the driver look like he could be his twin?
I felt like Marlitt was out to prove herself and goes a little rogue, which I didn't hate per say because it just proves the corruption, but it's evident that she really hates Greek life. Of course we have a frat brother with a father that is the president of the school and one with a father that is in the political world. There was a lot of extra statistical information on Greek life, which doesn't really interest me.
Overall, an okay story that makes me scared that my child might attend the University of Georgia ~ not to say all this doesn't happen on campuses all across the country, but this is a little closer to home.
*Thanks to Macmillan Audio, the author and NetGalley for the advance audiobook. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
May 8, 2023
While visiting her mother on the college campus where she teaches, Detective Marlitt Kaplan overhears screams erupt from the street. Racing down the stairs, she comes face-to-face with the dead body of hit-and-run victim, Jay Kemp. Unsure of whether it was an accident or premeditated, Marlitt calls for backup and secures the scene. But when she and her partner, Detective Teddy White, begin interviewing witnesses, the story that they’re told borders on the bizarre.
Within days, Marlitt and Teddy find themselves submerged in the secretive, cult-like world of fraternities as they investigate Jay and his fraternity brothers. It doesn’t take long, however, before chilling secrets begin to emerge, bringing with them memories of Marlitt’s past. A past she’s worked hard to forget. As she battles the ghosts of her life and the case grows darker, she starts receiving threats. Struggling to solve the case and stay out of danger, Marlitt begins to wonder how deep the tangled bonds of fraternity brotherhood extend. Does it reach into the police force itself? And if it does, who can Marlitt trust? Most importantly of all, who killed Jay…and why?
A story focusing on the very worst perils of university life, The Resemblance is a moving exploration of what loyalty, wanting to belong, and friendship mean. At the start, I wasn’t overwhelmingly enthralled with the book due to its long-winded nature and superfluous descriptions (though definitely evocative), but about 75 pages in, I became hooked. What was mildly boring, became instead a fast-paced police procedural that kept me spellbound until the final pages of the ripped from the headlines story.
Although the plot was thoroughly disturbing and powerful, some other details didn’t quite match up to the storyline. For one, I never really connected with the characters. I was impressed, however, with how easily and quickly we were introduced to Marlitt, building a solid character background within a relatively short period of time where we learned her fears, motivations, and personal framework for who she was. But, around the midpoint of the novel, a dramatic situation occurs that felt a little over-the-top. Finally, I wasn’t thrilled with the ending. While it did neatly wrap up all of the loose bits, it definitely didn’t provide the satisfying conclusion I longed for.
All in all, however, I found myself addicted to this book. An easy, fast read that was hard to put down, even the details describing college life were true-to-life (it’s not surprising that Gossett is also a college professor) and this debut novel raised the stakes in the campus murder mystery trope. Anything but a straightforward police procedural, it’s primed to be the first in a series centering on Marlitt (which I’m definitely hoping for). Despite there being some flaws, I could not put this book down and found myself wrapped up in this all too realistic tale. Rating of 4 stars.
Trigger warning: binge drinking, hazing, mass shooting, sexual assault, racism, sexism
Within days, Marlitt and Teddy find themselves submerged in the secretive, cult-like world of fraternities as they investigate Jay and his fraternity brothers. It doesn’t take long, however, before chilling secrets begin to emerge, bringing with them memories of Marlitt’s past. A past she’s worked hard to forget. As she battles the ghosts of her life and the case grows darker, she starts receiving threats. Struggling to solve the case and stay out of danger, Marlitt begins to wonder how deep the tangled bonds of fraternity brotherhood extend. Does it reach into the police force itself? And if it does, who can Marlitt trust? Most importantly of all, who killed Jay…and why?
A story focusing on the very worst perils of university life, The Resemblance is a moving exploration of what loyalty, wanting to belong, and friendship mean. At the start, I wasn’t overwhelmingly enthralled with the book due to its long-winded nature and superfluous descriptions (though definitely evocative), but about 75 pages in, I became hooked. What was mildly boring, became instead a fast-paced police procedural that kept me spellbound until the final pages of the ripped from the headlines story.
Although the plot was thoroughly disturbing and powerful, some other details didn’t quite match up to the storyline. For one, I never really connected with the characters. I was impressed, however, with how easily and quickly we were introduced to Marlitt, building a solid character background within a relatively short period of time where we learned her fears, motivations, and personal framework for who she was. But, around the midpoint of the novel, a dramatic situation occurs that felt a little over-the-top. Finally, I wasn’t thrilled with the ending. While it did neatly wrap up all of the loose bits, it definitely didn’t provide the satisfying conclusion I longed for.
All in all, however, I found myself addicted to this book. An easy, fast read that was hard to put down, even the details describing college life were true-to-life (it’s not surprising that Gossett is also a college professor) and this debut novel raised the stakes in the campus murder mystery trope. Anything but a straightforward police procedural, it’s primed to be the first in a series centering on Marlitt (which I’m definitely hoping for). Despite there being some flaws, I could not put this book down and found myself wrapped up in this all too realistic tale. Rating of 4 stars.
Trigger warning: binge drinking, hazing, mass shooting, sexual assault, racism, sexism
May 31, 2023
The few times I write ✍️ a review I try to be kind and bear in mind that writing a book is no easy feat. Having said that this book is so bad 😫 that at this point the only kind words I can find is that the book cover is beautiful and the premise sounded amazing. The execution of that premise on the other hand ✋️😳 is so bad that one 🌟 is all I can give this one.
The pacing of this book is like trying to follow a hyperactive hamster for 5 hours.
This book would have benefited from some more editing. The pacing is strange and at times just makes no sence.
The author wants you to hate fraternities and everything they stand for owww and also everyone that has ever been in one. And instead of making you feel like that through great writing ,atmosphere and caracters, you are just constantly being bashed over the head with it.
The main caracter is Immensely unlikeable, and at so many points in this story she says things or does things that make absolutely no sense and even less sence when you remember that she is a detective.
I can go on and on and on but let's just say I do not recommend this one. But like with everything in life this is just one girls opinion and other people have given this book better reviews so 🤷
The pacing of this book is like trying to follow a hyperactive hamster for 5 hours.
This book would have benefited from some more editing. The pacing is strange and at times just makes no sence.
The author wants you to hate fraternities and everything they stand for owww and also everyone that has ever been in one. And instead of making you feel like that through great writing ,atmosphere and caracters, you are just constantly being bashed over the head with it.
The main caracter is Immensely unlikeable, and at so many points in this story she says things or does things that make absolutely no sense and even less sence when you remember that she is a detective.
I can go on and on and on but let's just say I do not recommend this one. But like with everything in life this is just one girls opinion and other people have given this book better reviews so 🤷
August 5, 2022
My thanks to the author, Lauren Nossett, and the publisher, Flat iron Books, for an ARC of this novel. The Resemblance is a novel about a female detective living in a college town and dealing with her feelings of disdain and mistrust of those involved in fraternities and sororities. The story is excellent with an unforeseen twist at the end. The only thing that seemed a little cliche was the characterization of some of the police officers but that could just be my preconceptions. As a whole this book is a winner and I congratulate Ms. Nosset on her fine work and will look forward to reading more from her. I recommend this to all readers who cherish a well told story!
October 23, 2022
Greek life, brotherhood, privilege.
November - University of Georgia
A fraternity brother stepped off a curb into a busy crosswalk and was struck by a driver who did not slow down, smiled while he hit the young man, and looked like the victim. Detective Marlitt Kaplan is the first on the scene. Her father was a UGA professor, and she knows the universities dark history of the university. She will discover more while investigating the young man's death which leads her to the Greek system and students who have wealthy and powerful parents.
As the police investigation progresses, we learn about Marlitt's past. The book also tackles many issues concerning Greek life that we have been hearing for years - hazing, misogyny, bullying, power, things swept under the rug, money, and secrets. Marlitt (and the author) make a point about what her thoughts are on the negative aspects of Greek life.
I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrator did a fine job. With investigations, this book does go off in different directions. I feel a little editing here would have helped. With many police procedurals, we see the investigators driven to solve the cases and while Marlitt was the same way, she annoyed me at times. She became a little too invested and didn't feel mature when throwing in her own thoughts and not following procedure. There were also parts that I just wanted to skim through.
2.75
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
November - University of Georgia
A fraternity brother stepped off a curb into a busy crosswalk and was struck by a driver who did not slow down, smiled while he hit the young man, and looked like the victim. Detective Marlitt Kaplan is the first on the scene. Her father was a UGA professor, and she knows the universities dark history of the university. She will discover more while investigating the young man's death which leads her to the Greek system and students who have wealthy and powerful parents.
As the police investigation progresses, we learn about Marlitt's past. The book also tackles many issues concerning Greek life that we have been hearing for years - hazing, misogyny, bullying, power, things swept under the rug, money, and secrets. Marlitt (and the author) make a point about what her thoughts are on the negative aspects of Greek life.
I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrator did a fine job. With investigations, this book does go off in different directions. I feel a little editing here would have helped. With many police procedurals, we see the investigators driven to solve the cases and while Marlitt was the same way, she annoyed me at times. She became a little too invested and didn't feel mature when throwing in her own thoughts and not following procedure. There were also parts that I just wanted to skim through.
2.75
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
July 27, 2022
3.5 stars
Lauren Nossett's upcoming debut novel THE RESEMBLANCE was one of my highest priority TBR reads for 2022. I loved how gorgeous the cover is and I really enjoy mysteries surrounding the secrets behind Greek Life in college. Just a fair warning, this book does not depict fraternities and sororities in the best light, so if you belong to one, just know that going into it that you may have your defenses up. I had a very painful experience dealing with fraternities in college, so I was able to enjoy the anti-Greek life spin on this one.
Anyways, the story focuses on a fraternity brother's hit and run murder and we are given two lead investigators—Detective Marlitt Kaplan and her partner Teddy. As the duo forges an investigation, secrets and lies behind the University of Georgia's Greek Life begins to spiral out of control. With an amazing protagonist, I feel in love with Marlitt. She was my favorite character in the book. As I was reading, I felt that the pacing was disjointed. It moved very slowly and then out of nowhere everything exploded at once, followed by another slow moving story arc. I didn't expect how the ending would turn out the way it did, but I felt that it wasn't the right ending at all to tell. It seemed a bit farfetched to believe, but I still loved the mystery in this book. Marlitt Kaplan needs to return, however I am not sure this is a series. She 100% makes up for any issues I had with the book and I can't imagine anyone not being completely enamored by her. The Resemblance is an impressive debut fiction novel and I am excited to see what Lauren Nossett has up next for readers.
Lauren Nossett's upcoming debut novel THE RESEMBLANCE was one of my highest priority TBR reads for 2022. I loved how gorgeous the cover is and I really enjoy mysteries surrounding the secrets behind Greek Life in college. Just a fair warning, this book does not depict fraternities and sororities in the best light, so if you belong to one, just know that going into it that you may have your defenses up. I had a very painful experience dealing with fraternities in college, so I was able to enjoy the anti-Greek life spin on this one.
Anyways, the story focuses on a fraternity brother's hit and run murder and we are given two lead investigators—Detective Marlitt Kaplan and her partner Teddy. As the duo forges an investigation, secrets and lies behind the University of Georgia's Greek Life begins to spiral out of control. With an amazing protagonist, I feel in love with Marlitt. She was my favorite character in the book. As I was reading, I felt that the pacing was disjointed. It moved very slowly and then out of nowhere everything exploded at once, followed by another slow moving story arc. I didn't expect how the ending would turn out the way it did, but I felt that it wasn't the right ending at all to tell. It seemed a bit farfetched to believe, but I still loved the mystery in this book. Marlitt Kaplan needs to return, however I am not sure this is a series. She 100% makes up for any issues I had with the book and I can't imagine anyone not being completely enamored by her. The Resemblance is an impressive debut fiction novel and I am excited to see what Lauren Nossett has up next for readers.
October 14, 2022
2.5 stars
Well, this was a whole lot of wasted potential. I was so hooked by the premise. A student is killed in a hit-and-run. And "more than a dozen witnesses all agree on two things: The driver looked identical to the victim, and he was smiling."
This book promises to explore the toxic nature of Greek life and instead we get a police procedural with the most biased and stereotypical detective. This "brotherhood" would have been far more interesting to explore from the inside or even from a student or professor's perspective. I do not understand why the author chose to distance the reader from everything interesting about the book by limiting the book to the perspective of the detective.
Not only is the point of view limiting and uninteresting, but the detective is also so heavy-handed in her hatred of Greek life that it is impossible to take her seriously. She starts off assuming the absolute worst of every man in the fraternity, honestly every student at the school, removing any possible shock from the later revelations. Her internal monologue is preachy, she is reckless, selfish, and incredibly inconsistent. Her motivation for being obsessed with the case is very hollow. Flashbacks or something would have made it more believable. Instead, her hatred for Greek life reads as part of her general hatred for anyone below the age of 25. I can't remember exactly how old Marlitt is supposed to be, but her opinions aged her decades. She is constantly critiquing how often students are using their phones, treating them like they are stupid, and commenting that "they'll miss it when they're my age." I swear she comments on the students having "unwrinkled faces" like ten times. Every single character in this book is a bland stereotype.
The pacing made the book feel far longer than it was. The major event in the middle of the book really destroyed my interest in the plot. The end is filled with so many last-minute misdirections that I was just waiting for the book to end. And then the twist came completely out of left field and failed to impress. However, it did reveal a character that would have made for a much more interesting narrator.
The Resemblance is a waste of a fascinating mystery setup.
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan for the audiobook ARC
Links to my TikTok | Instagram
Well, this was a whole lot of wasted potential. I was so hooked by the premise. A student is killed in a hit-and-run. And "more than a dozen witnesses all agree on two things: The driver looked identical to the victim, and he was smiling."
This book promises to explore the toxic nature of Greek life and instead we get a police procedural with the most biased and stereotypical detective. This "brotherhood" would have been far more interesting to explore from the inside or even from a student or professor's perspective. I do not understand why the author chose to distance the reader from everything interesting about the book by limiting the book to the perspective of the detective.
Not only is the point of view limiting and uninteresting, but the detective is also so heavy-handed in her hatred of Greek life that it is impossible to take her seriously. She starts off assuming the absolute worst of every man in the fraternity, honestly every student at the school, removing any possible shock from the later revelations. Her internal monologue is preachy, she is reckless, selfish, and incredibly inconsistent. Her motivation for being obsessed with the case is very hollow. Flashbacks or something would have made it more believable. Instead, her hatred for Greek life reads as part of her general hatred for anyone below the age of 25. I can't remember exactly how old Marlitt is supposed to be, but her opinions aged her decades. She is constantly critiquing how often students are using their phones, treating them like they are stupid, and commenting that "they'll miss it when they're my age." I swear she comments on the students having "unwrinkled faces" like ten times. Every single character in this book is a bland stereotype.
The pacing made the book feel far longer than it was. The major event in the middle of the book really destroyed my interest in the plot. The end is filled with so many last-minute misdirections that I was just waiting for the book to end. And then the twist came completely out of left field and failed to impress. However, it did reveal a character that would have made for a much more interesting narrator.
The Resemblance is a waste of a fascinating mystery setup.
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan for the audiobook ARC
Links to my TikTok | Instagram
October 14, 2022
Oh boy! Sadly, another one bites the dust for me. The Resemblance started off on the right foot, but after 32% in, nothing else notable occurred. I still managed to trudge on till 48% and at that point, I just ended up skipping all chapters till the end when it is finally revealed who the perp was and the motive. It was a reveal that stretches the imagination.
I feel neutral about the characters. There were so many and they probably couldn't be fleshed out as much as they should have been.
The plot should have been a simple whodunnit, but it got somewhat convoluted when tangential events entered the picture. And those events really took away from the whodunnit mystery.
I'm not sure if I want to read anymore of this author's novels, but I'll keep an open mind. For now, however, The Resemblance rates a dismal one star.
I received a digital review copy from Flatiron Books through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
I feel neutral about the characters. There were so many and they probably couldn't be fleshed out as much as they should have been.
The plot should have been a simple whodunnit, but it got somewhat convoluted when tangential events entered the picture. And those events really took away from the whodunnit mystery.
I'm not sure if I want to read anymore of this author's novels, but I'll keep an open mind. For now, however, The Resemblance rates a dismal one star.
I received a digital review copy from Flatiron Books through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
November 5, 2023
A twisty, cleverly crafted, and haunting debut exploring the dark side of academia, power, and privilege—THE RESEMBLANCE from author Lauren Nossett, a new voice in fiction and one to watch!
This is one of the BEST campus/academia thrillers I have read!
Set in November in the fall (cover love), we met Detective Marlitt Kaplan, (the novel's heroine), a 20-year-old female and the first on the scene of a fatal hit and run at the University of Georgia in Athens.
According to witnesses, Kappa Phi Omicron member Jay Kemp was crossing the street when a car driven by accelerated to strike him. The driver appeared to be smiling.
Detective Kaplan is intelligent, tenacious, driven, and dedicated. She has her suspicions, and even with threats, she is determined to uncover the secrets and corruption and how far these brotherhoods will go to protect their own.
This taut campus crime thriller uncovers sinister secrets into Greek life and cultures of fraternities as well. How far will they go with their tactics?
Timely and relevant, THE RESEMBLANCE (a fitting title) is a blending of police procedural, psychological suspense, and a captivating campus mystery.
I hope we see more of Detective Kaplan in a series and enjoyed her character. Hopefully, a new series.
As a former resident of Atlanta for many years (before Florida), I love Atlanta authors and support them. Happy to discover a new debut novelist.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Saskia Maarleveld for an engaging, captivating performance and listening experience. Highly recommend the audiobook.
A special thank you to #MacmillanAudio and #NetGalley for a gifted ALC to read, review, and enjoy.
Blog Review Posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks | #AuthorElevatorSeries
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Nov 8, 2022
Nov 2022 Must-Read Books
This is one of the BEST campus/academia thrillers I have read!
Set in November in the fall (cover love), we met Detective Marlitt Kaplan, (the novel's heroine), a 20-year-old female and the first on the scene of a fatal hit and run at the University of Georgia in Athens.
According to witnesses, Kappa Phi Omicron member Jay Kemp was crossing the street when a car driven by accelerated to strike him. The driver appeared to be smiling.
Detective Kaplan is intelligent, tenacious, driven, and dedicated. She has her suspicions, and even with threats, she is determined to uncover the secrets and corruption and how far these brotherhoods will go to protect their own.
This taut campus crime thriller uncovers sinister secrets into Greek life and cultures of fraternities as well. How far will they go with their tactics?
Timely and relevant, THE RESEMBLANCE (a fitting title) is a blending of police procedural, psychological suspense, and a captivating campus mystery.
I hope we see more of Detective Kaplan in a series and enjoyed her character. Hopefully, a new series.
As a former resident of Atlanta for many years (before Florida), I love Atlanta authors and support them. Happy to discover a new debut novelist.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Saskia Maarleveld for an engaging, captivating performance and listening experience. Highly recommend the audiobook.
A special thank you to #MacmillanAudio and #NetGalley for a gifted ALC to read, review, and enjoy.
Blog Review Posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks | #AuthorElevatorSeries
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Nov 8, 2022
Nov 2022 Must-Read Books
June 10, 2023
This is an entertaining, well-written, fast paced thriller. It is a police procedural with an intelligent and likable female protagonist, mystery, intrigue, suspense, twists and turns, and a satisfying conclusion.
I listened to the audio version of this novel and the narrator, Ms.Saskia Maarleveld, has a captivating voice and does an outstanding job depicting the characters and their personalities.
I listened to the audio version of this novel and the narrator, Ms.Saskia Maarleveld, has a captivating voice and does an outstanding job depicting the characters and their personalities.
October 26, 2022
Thank you Pan Macmillan Australia for sending me a copy of this book for review.
You will love this book if you like stories with:
* Fraternities, sororities, colleges, campuses, universities, pledges and hazing.
* Police Procedurals
* Slow burners
* Unpredictable endings
* Told by 1 main character ( Marlitt) who happens to be the university professors daughter .
You will love this book if you like stories with:
* Fraternities, sororities, colleges, campuses, universities, pledges and hazing.
* Police Procedurals
* Slow burners
* Unpredictable endings
* Told by 1 main character ( Marlitt) who happens to be the university professors daughter .
May 25, 2022
The Resemblance did not work for me. This is a police procedural that follows Marlitt, a young cop, as she investigates a hit and run that seems like it may have been a planned murder. The "accident" happens in a small college town, and the victim is a member of a fraternity. Marlitt hates Greek life, and this drives her suspicions that the fraternity may somehow be involved.
I was initially intrigued, but as the story went on, I didn't feel it was well-paced. The story takes odd turns that do not work well. There is not a lot of character development either. We are supposed to believe that everyone in the town except Marlitt forgives frat boys for any bad behavior, and she is the lone person who can solve this case due to her suspicions of Greek life. It feels like a cliché and the characters are caricatures. She's tough to root for also - selfish and immature, with some background revealed at the very end that was baffling and added nothing to the story.
The actual story of the hit and run is explained at the end in a way that is confusing, convoluted, and completely unbelievable. It's just not plausible, and felt like a let down after the nice suspense developed at the very start of the book.
The author's note explains that she wanted to shine a light on fraternity hazing and its sometimes fatal consequences, but the story is so over the top that it just seems like she has an axe to grind. Her portrayal of Greek life is dark and one-dimensional in its portrayal of all frat guys as white racist misogynists who care only about sex, money, and power. I would have preferred a more nuanced story that highlights how Greek life can turn something positive - a sense of community and loyalty - into something very negative and dangerous due to hazing.
Ultimately, it didn't end up being thought-provoking due to all the stereotypes and lack of complexity in the characters. A one star review may be a bit harsh, but I feel like this was sloppy, when it could have been a fascinating story that also made a strong statement about the dangers of conformity and the desire to belong.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was initially intrigued, but as the story went on, I didn't feel it was well-paced. The story takes odd turns that do not work well. There is not a lot of character development either. We are supposed to believe that everyone in the town except Marlitt forgives frat boys for any bad behavior, and she is the lone person who can solve this case due to her suspicions of Greek life. It feels like a cliché and the characters are caricatures. She's tough to root for also - selfish and immature, with some background revealed at the very end that was baffling and added nothing to the story.
The actual story of the hit and run is explained at the end in a way that is confusing, convoluted, and completely unbelievable. It's just not plausible, and felt like a let down after the nice suspense developed at the very start of the book.
The author's note explains that she wanted to shine a light on fraternity hazing and its sometimes fatal consequences, but the story is so over the top that it just seems like she has an axe to grind. Her portrayal of Greek life is dark and one-dimensional in its portrayal of all frat guys as white racist misogynists who care only about sex, money, and power. I would have preferred a more nuanced story that highlights how Greek life can turn something positive - a sense of community and loyalty - into something very negative and dangerous due to hazing.
Ultimately, it didn't end up being thought-provoking due to all the stereotypes and lack of complexity in the characters. A one star review may be a bit harsh, but I feel like this was sloppy, when it could have been a fascinating story that also made a strong statement about the dangers of conformity and the desire to belong.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 11, 2022
“Hell is empty. All the devils are here.”
This sounded amazing! I couldn’t resist a chance at dark academia. Greek life is creepy to me so I was excited for this possibly atmospheric thriller for spooky season.
Set in a southern university with a dark past of privilege and death, Marlitt, a cop, will be investigating a suspicious death on campus that opens up a portal into a world of darkness and deceit.
On a visit with her mother, a professor at the uni, Marlitt hears a piercing scream. Rushing outside, she sees a crowd at the crosswalk. A young man is dead. Hit and run. What’s more strange is that, according to the witness, the driver was smiling, sped up, AND looked just like the victim. What gives?
Marlitt wants to work this case, along with her hangry partner Teddy. Marlitt has lived here all her life and has a hate-hate relationship with Greek life and all white people in general, apparently. “The audacity of the caucasity” is probably her motto.
She has an ax to grind with these institutions and groups with their codes of silence, which is ironic because she became a cop with that blue wall of silence, but ANYWAY..
I found this extremely biased against Greek life but mostly just men in general, and I don’t like Greek life or most men(lol jk.. or am I?). It was just too much. It came off as bitter and preachy way too often. One example is that they asked a frat bro if the victim had been with anyone’s gf(possible motive) and he said no, that it was against the rules to mess with someone else’s girl. Fair enough. Not to Marlitt! She says she is not at all surprised that women are property to them. OH ffs!
This wasn’t dark academia, it was a social justice police procedural, which annoys me given the content. If they were going in this direction with it, have a sleuth, private investigator, or podcaster do it, not a cop.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to listen and review. Narration was good, not great.
This sounded amazing! I couldn’t resist a chance at dark academia. Greek life is creepy to me so I was excited for this possibly atmospheric thriller for spooky season.
Set in a southern university with a dark past of privilege and death, Marlitt, a cop, will be investigating a suspicious death on campus that opens up a portal into a world of darkness and deceit.
On a visit with her mother, a professor at the uni, Marlitt hears a piercing scream. Rushing outside, she sees a crowd at the crosswalk. A young man is dead. Hit and run. What’s more strange is that, according to the witness, the driver was smiling, sped up, AND looked just like the victim. What gives?
Marlitt wants to work this case, along with her hangry partner Teddy. Marlitt has lived here all her life and has a hate-hate relationship with Greek life and all white people in general, apparently. “The audacity of the caucasity” is probably her motto.
She has an ax to grind with these institutions and groups with their codes of silence, which is ironic because she became a cop with that blue wall of silence, but ANYWAY..
I found this extremely biased against Greek life but mostly just men in general, and I don’t like Greek life or most men(lol jk.. or am I?). It was just too much. It came off as bitter and preachy way too often. One example is that they asked a frat bro if the victim had been with anyone’s gf(possible motive) and he said no, that it was against the rules to mess with someone else’s girl. Fair enough. Not to Marlitt! She says she is not at all surprised that women are property to them. OH ffs!
This wasn’t dark academia, it was a social justice police procedural, which annoys me given the content. If they were going in this direction with it, have a sleuth, private investigator, or podcaster do it, not a cop.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to listen and review. Narration was good, not great.
September 12, 2022
Thank you so much to Flatiron Books and Lauren Nossett for my copy of the Resemblance. This book had everything and caught my attention right away. It was about Detective Marlitt Kaplan, who was visiting her mother at the University of Georgia when she hears something terrible. She runs outside to find a victim of a hit and run, and though there are many witnesses, they can only all agree on two things- the driver looked identical to the victim, and he was smiling.
Thoughts: This book had so many things to hook my attention. The mysterious hit and run, a smiling killer, greek life, and a historical university. The book had a lot of commentary about the dangers of greek life, hazing, racism, classism, and nepotism. Even though this was fiction, there were many similarities to heartbreaking stories in real life. There were things in common with the Brock Turner story, and how white men get off without consequences in many situations. There was also examples of how money and power keep certain people out of trouble despite them committing crimes.
ANYWAY. I liked Marlitt as a main character and I think this will be a series. The story was a bit disjointed and felt like many random things put one after the other. I liked the idea of the story, but it wasn’t very logical and had a few holes. The ending wasn’t a “happily ever after” or what I even expected, but it was a solid debut with a lot of potential for an interesting series. 3.5 stars!
Thoughts: This book had so many things to hook my attention. The mysterious hit and run, a smiling killer, greek life, and a historical university. The book had a lot of commentary about the dangers of greek life, hazing, racism, classism, and nepotism. Even though this was fiction, there were many similarities to heartbreaking stories in real life. There were things in common with the Brock Turner story, and how white men get off without consequences in many situations. There was also examples of how money and power keep certain people out of trouble despite them committing crimes.
ANYWAY. I liked Marlitt as a main character and I think this will be a series. The story was a bit disjointed and felt like many random things put one after the other. I liked the idea of the story, but it wasn’t very logical and had a few holes. The ending wasn’t a “happily ever after” or what I even expected, but it was a solid debut with a lot of potential for an interesting series. 3.5 stars!
October 15, 2022
A police officer’s past is revisited when she must investigate the hit-and-run death of a fraternity brother at a college campus. The more she uncovers, the worse things get. This audiobook had a nice flow to it. The narrator effectively conveyed the feelings and urgency of the plot. The story moved along quickly with a lot of turns in the plot along the way. This will appeal to fans of contemporary suspense.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Edelweiss, Macmillan Audio and Lauren Nossett for my complimentary e-copy ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Edelweiss, Macmillan Audio and Lauren Nossett for my complimentary e-copy ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
May 1, 2022
Certain things in this really tugged at my heart. Maybe because four of my adopted kids have ADHD. But I could empathize with the female protagonist who knew what to do but had to get in her own way by sabotaging everything she tried to do. Excellent storyline the mystery was well plotted. But to me the characters were the key.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
January 17, 2024
Initially I felt like reeling off an old cliche to this book.. “Listen, I’m really sorry. It’s not you, it’s me..”. This was my follow up read to a far superior, 5-star plus gem of a book which was expertly crafted… and hence, my heart and mind were elsewhere when I started this one. Perhaps I should have left it longer between reads so I wasn’t so on the rebound from such a great book..
I just could not get into it - the characters were a bit dull and the I feel like the storyline has been done before. My heart and mind are still with the previous book which made it extra hard for The Resemblance. Nonetheless, once I read a few reviews, maybe it wasn’t just me? It’s not a bad read by any means, and some readers will love it. … For me, it’s just not The One ❤️..
I just could not get into it - the characters were a bit dull and the I feel like the storyline has been done before. My heart and mind are still with the previous book which made it extra hard for The Resemblance. Nonetheless, once I read a few reviews, maybe it wasn’t just me? It’s not a bad read by any means, and some readers will love it. … For me, it’s just not The One ❤️..
October 21, 2022
An intriguing premise, but it's let down by poor execution of the actual plot, weak pacing, and a protagonist who's got too much going on (what was the deal with that twist at the end?) but not enough depth to hook me. Too much reliance on cliches and stereotypes, some clues that are dangled too obviously despite the protagonist not picking up on them for a long time and other revelations that are relatively leapt-to assumptions. My interest was initially piqued by the resemblance of the title, but we take too long to get back to that, while the plot twist about halfway through is just...a lot, and seriously derails the book for a long time. As a thriller, it isn't particularly thrilling, but as a whodunit, it feels a little unfair - it's more police procedural than classic mystery, but I would still have liked more emphasis on figuring out who dun it than on the superficial and rather obvious indictment of the Greek system. I spent most of the book unsure if I was meant to consider Marlitt an unreliable narrator, taking things too personally because of her own coyly-hinted-at issues with Greek life, or to take her hatred for all things fraternal (or even collegiate, to be honest) as truth. By the way it ended, I suppose the latter, but it mostly just read as Marlitt being bitter for reasons we aren't clearly given for too long. And maybe it's just me, but I still don't understand why the solution ... was what it was, even after rereading it a couple of times.
A waste of an interesting premise, ultimately.
A waste of an interesting premise, ultimately.
July 9, 2023
3.5 stars
Despite some low ratings on GR, when I heard what the book was about, I immediately put the audio version on a "notify me" list in my library's Libby selection.
I liked the narrator Saskia Maarleveld a great deal. The story took place at the University of Georgia, particularly concerning one of the fraternities and a member killed by a hit and run driver. There are many strange things about the driver that kept me enthralled, and much ado about how frat houses are run. The main character, Detective Marlitt Kaplan, is willing to break one rule after another to seek justice. The revelations as the ending neared were complicated to where I can see some readers being turned off. But I'm glad my library came through with it. I liked it!
Despite some low ratings on GR, when I heard what the book was about, I immediately put the audio version on a "notify me" list in my library's Libby selection.
I liked the narrator Saskia Maarleveld a great deal. The story took place at the University of Georgia, particularly concerning one of the fraternities and a member killed by a hit and run driver. There are many strange things about the driver that kept me enthralled, and much ado about how frat houses are run. The main character, Detective Marlitt Kaplan, is willing to break one rule after another to seek justice. The revelations as the ending neared were complicated to where I can see some readers being turned off. But I'm glad my library came through with it. I liked it!
January 12, 2024
Exhilarating!
I was totally immersed in this university murder mystery with fraternities at the centre of the detective story.
For me it sure did hit the spot.
Twisty, and very interesting!
Hats off to Saskia Maarleveld for her superb narration, her delivery was smooth and flawless.
A big thank you to my Goodreads friend, Rebecca for putting this awesome author on my radar. CAN NOT WAIT to read The Professor.
Listened to the audiobook on BorrowBox
Published by Bolinda/Macmillan Australia
Duration: 9 hrs, 57min. 1.25x Speed
I was totally immersed in this university murder mystery with fraternities at the centre of the detective story.
For me it sure did hit the spot.
Twisty, and very interesting!
Hats off to Saskia Maarleveld for her superb narration, her delivery was smooth and flawless.
A big thank you to my Goodreads friend, Rebecca for putting this awesome author on my radar. CAN NOT WAIT to read The Professor.
Listened to the audiobook on BorrowBox
Published by Bolinda/Macmillan Australia
Duration: 9 hrs, 57min. 1.25x Speed
November 5, 2022
(2.5⭐️) Many thanks to my partners @flatironbooks and macmillan.audio for the #gifted copies.
When a fraternity member is murdered on the UGA campus, long held secrets and deep seated corruption will be challenged.
What’s the difference between strong, pertinent messaging and messaging that gets muddled because of the author’s immense emotion over the topic?
I’ve thought about that a lot after finishing The Resemblance.
It’s important to note that I, too, have a personal connection to this book:
🐾 I am a lifelong Georgia Bulldog. My grandfather nurtured this love from a very early age. And I’ve walked thousands of steps on that campus.
🐾Fraternity life enhanced my college experience and continues to enrich my life years later.
So when Nossett took direct aim at both Greek life and university politics, my senses were piqued.
Important for me to clearly note: As a Greek, I fully support a spotlight on the potential for power to be misused within fraternities or universities. Deadly hazing is *never* acceptable. (Any hazing is unacceptable.) And any effort to bring awareness, fictional or factual, on corruption within the Greek or university systems is always warranted.
So why then did the messaging go askew in this book? It was (overtly) apparent that Nossett wasn’t looking to create awareness. Rather, she had an ax to grind.
Instead of allowing the storyline to explore the complexities and atrocities, the approach was bombastic, turning into something harsh and cynical. And because of that, the storyline took a backseat to her personal vendetta and didn’t work.
On the positive, the eerie atmosphere of the book was established early on. It was what drew me into the book from the beginning. Ominous and dark, this college campus backdrop for murder was well done.
Unfortunately, even the best atmosphere cannot overcome inexcusably poor messaging, glaring plot inconsistencies, and disjointed writing.
As I often do, I partnered the physical and audio copies of this book. Saskia Maarleveld has become a favorite narrator, and her gritty portrayal in the book really worked.
When a fraternity member is murdered on the UGA campus, long held secrets and deep seated corruption will be challenged.
What’s the difference between strong, pertinent messaging and messaging that gets muddled because of the author’s immense emotion over the topic?
I’ve thought about that a lot after finishing The Resemblance.
It’s important to note that I, too, have a personal connection to this book:
🐾 I am a lifelong Georgia Bulldog. My grandfather nurtured this love from a very early age. And I’ve walked thousands of steps on that campus.
🐾Fraternity life enhanced my college experience and continues to enrich my life years later.
So when Nossett took direct aim at both Greek life and university politics, my senses were piqued.
Important for me to clearly note: As a Greek, I fully support a spotlight on the potential for power to be misused within fraternities or universities. Deadly hazing is *never* acceptable. (Any hazing is unacceptable.) And any effort to bring awareness, fictional or factual, on corruption within the Greek or university systems is always warranted.
So why then did the messaging go askew in this book? It was (overtly) apparent that Nossett wasn’t looking to create awareness. Rather, she had an ax to grind.
Instead of allowing the storyline to explore the complexities and atrocities, the approach was bombastic, turning into something harsh and cynical. And because of that, the storyline took a backseat to her personal vendetta and didn’t work.
On the positive, the eerie atmosphere of the book was established early on. It was what drew me into the book from the beginning. Ominous and dark, this college campus backdrop for murder was well done.
Unfortunately, even the best atmosphere cannot overcome inexcusably poor messaging, glaring plot inconsistencies, and disjointed writing.
As I often do, I partnered the physical and audio copies of this book. Saskia Maarleveld has become a favorite narrator, and her gritty portrayal in the book really worked.
August 2, 2022
'Never betray the Brotherhood'
I've always been interested in the Greek system. How, in some cases, people work so hard to be accepted into a system that will allow them major life advantages and/or significant future power at the expense of their own autonomy and (sometimes) morals.
That isn't to say that there aren't some that are well respected and actually nurture their members. But there are certainly enough bad ones around that it brings them all into the scope of suspicion.
That's probably why I've always been infatuated with reading stories with college campus settings and specifically with Greek Row Thrillers.
With so many tragic, real-life deaths that take place at college campuses all over America and still very little accountability or change in the Greek system, it's infuriating to me as a parent that the system continues to 'buy' its way out of accountability for these actions. And for every teen that has lost their life while their fellow 'brother and sisters' continue to party on around them, I feel so much sympathy for their families and anger that their lives are cut short.
The Resemblance builds its story on top of this real-world premise that money and power can make any problem get swept under the rug. And Detective Marlitt Kaplan is the bulldog investigator that we all want to see solve the mystery and find a murderer.
I loved every part of this mystery/thriller! The setting, as I said, is one of my favorites. The atmosphere is tense and uncertain at times. There are enough twists and turns in the story to keep the reader fully engaged. And the ending was fantastic!
This debut novel by Laurne Nossett is not to be missed! The Resemblance is available Nov 8th, 2022, and is a must read in the Thriller/Mystery genre!
Thank you to #flatironbooks for my ARC of The Resemblance.
Please make this a series as I can't wait to see what happens to Marlitt next!!
All the stars for this debut Thriller!
I've always been interested in the Greek system. How, in some cases, people work so hard to be accepted into a system that will allow them major life advantages and/or significant future power at the expense of their own autonomy and (sometimes) morals.
That isn't to say that there aren't some that are well respected and actually nurture their members. But there are certainly enough bad ones around that it brings them all into the scope of suspicion.
That's probably why I've always been infatuated with reading stories with college campus settings and specifically with Greek Row Thrillers.
With so many tragic, real-life deaths that take place at college campuses all over America and still very little accountability or change in the Greek system, it's infuriating to me as a parent that the system continues to 'buy' its way out of accountability for these actions. And for every teen that has lost their life while their fellow 'brother and sisters' continue to party on around them, I feel so much sympathy for their families and anger that their lives are cut short.
The Resemblance builds its story on top of this real-world premise that money and power can make any problem get swept under the rug. And Detective Marlitt Kaplan is the bulldog investigator that we all want to see solve the mystery and find a murderer.
I loved every part of this mystery/thriller! The setting, as I said, is one of my favorites. The atmosphere is tense and uncertain at times. There are enough twists and turns in the story to keep the reader fully engaged. And the ending was fantastic!
This debut novel by Laurne Nossett is not to be missed! The Resemblance is available Nov 8th, 2022, and is a must read in the Thriller/Mystery genre!
Thank you to #flatironbooks for my ARC of The Resemblance.
Please make this a series as I can't wait to see what happens to Marlitt next!!
All the stars for this debut Thriller!
May 5, 2022
This is a fast-paced campus thriller that explores Greek life, the accompanying hazing, and outdated views of women, racial differences and, to a lesser degree, religion. It’s well plotted and reads quickly although the ending was rather convoluted.
May 12, 2022
The Resemblance did not disappoint. I was captivated from the first page. It’s fast paced (but not too fast), and the mystery of who killed the fraternity brother in a hit and run continued to evolve throughout the story. Just when I thought I’d figured it out, there was a twist, and then another and another.
The main character, Marlitt, is likable and sympathetic…although there’s another mystery concerning her lurking beneath the surface. The fraternity brothers, university president, and police chief are complicated characters; both intriguing and, at times, villainous.
I found the setting, Athens and the University of Georgia, fascinating as well. Lauren Nossett has written a riveting and compelling mystery and I highly recommend it. 5 stars!
Thank you NetGalley & FlatIron Books for the ARC. Look for The Resemblance November 8, 2022.
The main character, Marlitt, is likable and sympathetic…although there’s another mystery concerning her lurking beneath the surface. The fraternity brothers, university president, and police chief are complicated characters; both intriguing and, at times, villainous.
I found the setting, Athens and the University of Georgia, fascinating as well. Lauren Nossett has written a riveting and compelling mystery and I highly recommend it. 5 stars!
Thank you NetGalley & FlatIron Books for the ARC. Look for The Resemblance November 8, 2022.
May 2, 2022
Loved this book. Great escape from real life. I cared about the main character more than I did the victim of the hit-and-run accident. Her struggle was very realistic. Would be interested in reading a follow-up book about whatever's next for her.
May 30, 2022
A taught campus mystery that grows bigger and dives deeper into the community as the crime unfolds. Lots of twists and turns, great character development and an emotional punch!
November 10, 2022
Rating: 4.5
I switched between reading the physical book and listening to the audiobook. Both formats held my attention but the narrator did such a great job I ended up listening to the audiobook more. She added so much emotion to the story and really pulled me in and kept me listening to the end. This book really surprised me. I didn’t know what to expect, only that a crime took place on a college campus and the main character was the detective on the case. Honestly, I think this is the perfect book to go into blind. Just know, it can be a little slow at points, a bit repetitive, and might seem a little preachy about the Greek system but together it all works. The author did a good job of making you feel like you had it figured out when really you probably didn’t. I saw some were upset with the ending calling it too far fetched. I don’t agree. Knowing now what happened I see that there are several clues for us to figure it out and in the beginning I had the ending as an opinion. Overall, this one was a quick read for me and I would definitely recommend it. I had no idea this one was a debut! I cannot wait to read what else this author writes.
Thank you so much for the gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I switched between reading the physical book and listening to the audiobook. Both formats held my attention but the narrator did such a great job I ended up listening to the audiobook more. She added so much emotion to the story and really pulled me in and kept me listening to the end. This book really surprised me. I didn’t know what to expect, only that a crime took place on a college campus and the main character was the detective on the case. Honestly, I think this is the perfect book to go into blind. Just know, it can be a little slow at points, a bit repetitive, and might seem a little preachy about the Greek system but together it all works. The author did a good job of making you feel like you had it figured out when really you probably didn’t. I saw some were upset with the ending calling it too far fetched. I don’t agree. Knowing now what happened I see that there are several clues for us to figure it out and in the beginning I had the ending as an opinion. Overall, this one was a quick read for me and I would definitely recommend it. I had no idea this one was a debut! I cannot wait to read what else this author writes.
Thank you so much for the gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 28, 2022
This debut fiction thriller is a slooow read. Some people love that; I personally don’t. Does the ending make up for the slow burn? Let’s take a look and see…
Officer Marlitt Kaplan is our first-person protagonist. She has been given a strange case - a local university student (Jay) was killed in a hit-and-run accident, but the car that killed him was his. The person driving it looked like him, and as the car accelerated, witnesses saw the driver smiling.
This all sounds very intriguing, but it took well over the 50% mark before things started to get really interesting. It’s a classic whodunnit, with the added topic of sorority and fraternity hazing. I kept thinking the ending would be worth the wait, but unfortunately, it was as lackluster as the book.
Pros: This had an interesting plot, and the writing was great.
Cons: I don’t care for slow books, and the ending left me unenthused. I didn’t care either way about any of the characters.
I’m giving this debut fiction three stars - it was good, but I wouldn’t choose to read it again. I think many people will really love the cozy mystery vibe, though!
(Thank you to Flatiron Books, Lauren Nossett, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.)
Officer Marlitt Kaplan is our first-person protagonist. She has been given a strange case - a local university student (Jay) was killed in a hit-and-run accident, but the car that killed him was his. The person driving it looked like him, and as the car accelerated, witnesses saw the driver smiling.
This all sounds very intriguing, but it took well over the 50% mark before things started to get really interesting. It’s a classic whodunnit, with the added topic of sorority and fraternity hazing. I kept thinking the ending would be worth the wait, but unfortunately, it was as lackluster as the book.
Pros: This had an interesting plot, and the writing was great.
Cons: I don’t care for slow books, and the ending left me unenthused. I didn’t care either way about any of the characters.
I’m giving this debut fiction three stars - it was good, but I wouldn’t choose to read it again. I think many people will really love the cozy mystery vibe, though!
(Thank you to Flatiron Books, Lauren Nossett, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.)
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