I have enjoyed the Carlotta Carlisle series for years and years. But this book was a disappointment. I read only the first chapter and was ready to toss it even before I finished that much. All the other reviewers who didn't like this one have said what I thought. Basically, there is nothing there.

Very early on figured out the mystery around Malcolm, but it took the narrator/detective/ghost writer the whole book, so she was hard to 'follow' as a detective. Plus 'her' writing style (as first person narrator) was so stilted and precious -- mixed metaphors, adverbs everywhere, and who in this day and age says 'hither' without irony? -- that it was hard to believe she (the narrator/ghost writer) had won writing awards for her partner. Linda Barnes is one of my favorite authors, but give this one a miss.

I am a fan of the Carlotta Carlisle series so was eager to read this Barnes novel. Very evocative setting and an interesting narrator, and good pacing. I did find the "Shakesperean" elements to be more a distraction than an enhancement to the story, and toward the end the plot got quite convoluted, though I began to correctly suspect "whodunnit". Too bad this is a stand-alone-I think there was potential to develop a series along the lines of "Murder She Wrote" given the narrator's occupation.

This mystery novel was very strange, but at the same time, very compelling. I couldn't put it down. I liked the style of writing, the characterizations and the knock-out climax at the end.

i enjoyed this book a lot. but, i am a big fan of the author, and have all her carlotta carlyle novels. this book is unlike the author's others, yes.... part of the set up (emails, accident reports, etc) are a bit unorthodox, but so what! did i figure out whodunnit before the end, well... yes and no. an interesting main character too, haven't read one with an agoraphobic before. quite impressed overall!

Gotta admit this book really didn't strike a cord with me. I was just expecting a little bit more out of it than I got. Overall not impressed.

Really enjoyed this book, first one by this author that I've read. Has a great twist at the end of the story that I didn't see coming! I will definitely look out for more by her.

A good mystery that will keep you guessing.

To be blunt: I didn't love this book. Much of the narration involves one-sided conversations between the protagonist and her dead writing partner, which I didn’t find very effective. The book is full of unlikeable characters with whom I was unable to connect with. Emails, interview transcripts, and news articles were placed throughout the book to provide clues and red herrings which did help to keep me interested in the outcome. I did actually finish the book, only to be disappointed in the end with the big twist. I figured it out myself. What a letdown.

By the author of the Carlotta Carlyle series. June 2013 Thrillers and Suspense newsletter http://www.nextreads.com/Display2.aspx?SID=5acc8fc1-4e91-4ebe-906d-f8fc5e82a8e0&N=642594