Lady in the Lake

Okay. I think I have enjoyed a previous book by her a great deal more.

Come for the true crime adjacent thriller, stay for the 60s Charm City vibes.

Probably not for everyone with the POV changes, but I liked that aspect of this book. I can see why some people would really dislike the main character, but I found her grounded and real- she certainly is self serving and can be frustrating- but that's how real people can be.

I've been following Laura Lippman online for years, but I think this is the first time I've read one of her novels. Generally, I steer away from mysteries and thrillers, but I'm trying to read more of them. This seemed like a good way to start.

I enjoyed this quite a bit. The writing is strong and not entirely driven by the plot. The various perspectives and voices and an unlikable protagonist add depth. My trouble here is actually with the plot. I'm a believer in the theory that what happens in the end is both a surprise and something we saw coming the whole time. Here, though, the end contains so many twists that it is just too much. Maybe I missed clues, but I don't think all of the twists are even necessary for what has been accomplished through the length of the novel.

Mostly really enjoyed this (1960s Baltimore, yay) but struggled at first with the multiple POVs, then the ending just kind of fizzled for me.