Book Reviews by Ariella Moon
The Main Character, by Jaclyn Goldis
In The Main Character, Jaclyn Goldis crafts a page-turning thriller with an unusual premise. Instead of mining her own life for inspiration, Ginevra, a mysterious reclusive author, pays people to be the main character in her novels. She extensively interviews and investigates them, digs up or creates mysteries, then fictionalizes their lives. Ginevra gifts her next main character, Rory, with a lavish, all-expenses-paid trip on the Orient Express.
The mere mention of the famed train ignites mystery readers’ suspicions, especially when Rory discovers Ginevra has also assembled onboard Rory’s brother Max, her close friend Caroline, and her former fiancé Nate. Soon, long held relationships slowly unravel.
Goldis skillfully weaves red herrings and other misdirects into the story. Will there be a murder and betrayals akin to Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express?
The Chateau, by Jaclyn Goldis
In The Chateau, Jaclyn Goldis creates a tense whodunit set in a grand Provence chateau, where the owner has invited her granddaughter Darcy and three of Darcy’s longtime friends for a visit.
Paranoia sets in when Grand-mère is brutally murdered, and each woman’s unique relationship with the victim is gradually revealed. When the police order the friends to remain at the chateau during the investigation, long-simmering grievances, jealousies, and possible motives bubble to the surface.
Goldis keeps readers engrossed and guessing as relationships fracture, the plot twists, and the chateau itself is exposed as a silent secret-keeper.
Happy reading!
Wishing you all a happy, healthy, book-filled New Year!
Ariella Moon
