Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore

This book came highly recommended by dear Goodreads friends and the front cover was more than inviting. So, the time finally came for me to start reading during a week-long seaside vacation. It seemed to be the perfect spot for reading a literary thriller. Almost two weeks later, I'm writing this review. It took me so long to gather my thoughts, because I'm in the unpleasant position to say that this was a book I liked. Just that. And if I take all of my expectations into consideration, then simply “liking” it isn't enough. I wanted to be blown away, to emerge myself to an experience that would feel similar to The Thirteenth Tale which I consider the finest bookish mystery. Instead, I found a book that was good. Sometimes, “good' makes me feel so disappointed....

The story starts with a bang, when something terrible happens inside a bookstore. From then on, Lydia -the main character- tries to find the answers to Joey's quest and to break free from a nightmare that butchered her childhood and her relationship with her father. One could say that we have quite a lot to focus on as readers. A suicide, a family massacre, a young man's struggle to break free from his tyrannical family, a troubled man estranged from his only child. Perhaps, it was a bit too much for the writer to handle.

For the most part, the writing was enganging. At times, it was almost poetic. Denver is so beautifully described that I felt I was there as I was reading. I think the writer succeeded in creating the atmosphere of the wintry city during the night with its bright lights and the dark corners. The bookstore also came to life so the setting was tangible and familiar. The dark scenes were also vividly depicted and I confess that I did look over my shoulder and out of the window once or twice. So what went wrong?

In my opinion, there was something in the interactions that left me utterly cold. I understand that it's a thriller, a situation we cannot fully relate to, so I wasn't particularly bothered by that. However, the dialogue was full of issues, in my opinion. I found it wooden, uninspired and, at times, unrealistic. Often, I found it awkward, silly, like a B- police film. It didn't take over the whole book but it was problematic for me. A book needs to succeed in all levels to feel satisfying and the interactions here were far from ideal.

My major problem is much better described in Adina's brilliant review. I felt that the “bookish” theme wasn't as present as I'd wanted it to be. Yes, there is a bookstore, a number of books become the instruments of discovery and Lydia is a major bookworm, but other than these instances, there was nothing substantial. I expected references to books, authors and literary characters, something that would trigger Lydia's thinking. A few quotes, at the very least, but there was no sign of any of these. Therefore, I'd venture to say that the whole setting was more of a gimmicky to appeal to dedicated readers like us. It may sound harsh, but this is how I felt.

The solution of the crime itself was well-written. To a degree. I was convinced I'd discovered the culprit early on but the revelation came out of nowhere and the built-up was really good. It was clever to combine problematic relationships with family problems and a deep feeling of isolation for most of the characters in a way that wasn't melodramatic or mundane. However- I hate this word- the motive felt underwelming. Less than original. The Epilogue was cheesy, all this paranorms- buffoonery was completely unnecessary, the closure and the aftermath felt rushed and too convenient. Also, Lydia's behaviour in the end made no sense to me. It was the horrible Epilogue that made me consider this book a lost chance and a major disappointment.

Now these writing issues cannot but influence the characters of the story. I fully agree with James. Lydia was a very sympathetic heroine, strong and clever and sensitive at times, but she didn't make a lasting impression on me and the way she deals with her personal relationships was quite questionable. I can't say that the cast was anything special overall. Raj was indifferent and Thomas was someone that troubled me at first, but in the end fell flat on the floor of the narrative. Joey was the heart of the story and the only character that created feelings in me. Anger, sadness and a deep sense of actions that are always in vain. He is the most complex person in the book, the one who is remotely interesting.

I don't know...I suppose I may sound a bit all over the place, but I feel frustrated. Yes, the novel is interesting and I do recommend reading it. There were certain moments of darkness and bright ideas beautifully orchestrated, but upon turning the last page, I felt underwhelmed. Perhaps my expectations were once again too high. I feel that the author wanted to tackle many issues and tropes, but somewhere along the way, the momentum was lost. It seemed to me like a poorly organized attack in basketball. When the rhythm is good and then, a mediocre, inexperienced player decides to throw the ball to the stands. While I am glad I read it, I didn't find it exceptional or memorable. It was nothing I haven't seen before, and to be honest, there are other mysteries out there that are truly and honestly “bookish” without trying to pretend and trick us. So, three stars given with a heavy heart....