Wow, this one really came out of nowhere for me. I saw some buzz about it when it was a BOTM selection so I decided to request it on @netgalley and luckily I was granted access. I really enjoyed this story. It’s timely (it takes place as the pandemic is hitting), it’s atmospheric (Dublin *sigh*), it’s got probably my favorite meet-cute of all time (hello – NASA chat!) and the mysteries within are really cleverly written.
I would say it’s best to go into this one not knowing much about the story. Ciara and Oliver are strangers who meet in a grocery store just as the pandemic is hitting. They have chemistry and lovely banter but both are holding back pieces of themselves. The first lockdown of the pandemic has them make an unusual choice to share an apartment only a couple of weeks into their relationship. Interesting details as they both begin to wonder about who one another really is.
You should the story is not written in a straightforward manner, it has multiple POV and a timeline that skips around a little. It reminded me of Memento (am I dating myself with that reference?) meets Sally Rooney with a dash of Lisa Jewell. I really loved that, but I can imagine it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. I also wouldn’t say it’s a thriller so much as a well-written slow burn mystery. Really surprised to be giving two “thrillers” five stars this month but there you go. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this novel. All opinions above are my own.
What did your first 56 Days of the pandemic look like?
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