I Need You to Read This

I think I liked this a bit less than The Golden Spoon. Just like that one, this felt like it couldn't decide whether it was a thriller or a cozy mystery. It started strongly, but then felt almost zany near the end.

A Thrilling Read with a Few Flaws

I Need You to Read This by Jessa Maxwell is a fast-paced and engaging novel that follows an advice columnist on a quest to uncover the truth behind her predecessor's murder. The book has its strengths and weaknesses, but overall, it's an enjoyable read that will keep you guessing until the very end.

On the plus side, the book's plot is well-developed and suspenseful. The author does a good job of keeping the reader engaged, and there are plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. I have never gotten a chance to read a book by Jessa Maxwell and I am happy that I had time today to try and get it done. I will say that I feel like this book has two interesting parallels: one being the columnist trying to solve the murder and the other being her story and why she moved. Both being wrapped up beautifully.

The characters are also well-drawn and relatable, and I found myself invested in their fates. However, the one thing I didn't like is the supporting cast. The only one I liked was her editor.

The book's pacing is a bit uneven in places. There are a few sections that drag on a bit, and the ending felt a bit rushed. Additionally, some readers may find the plot twist to be predictable.

Overall, I Need You to Read This is a solid 4-star read. It's a good choice for fans of suspenseful novels with well-developed characters. Just be aware that the pacing can be a bit uneven in places.

This book didn’t do anything for me. The twist this book had was pretty predictable and lack luster. It’s not that long of a book but I felt like it was going in circles for a bit talking about the same things. The story was hard pressed to move forward. I didn’t get attached to any of the characters. The plot had potential to be a lot more twisty but it was a let down. Not the worst book in the world, but I would not recommend.

CW: Intimate partner gaslighting and violence

Ho hum, another woman with a secret past who finds herself in danger when she investigates a murder. Yay for the FMC's gutsiness in making a new start in the Big Apple, and yay for her growing friendship with two middle-aged regulars at the corner diner, but boo for the plot resolution (FMC needs to be rescued not once, not twice, but THREE TIMES when her life is in danger).

I have to note that the FMC is hired to write a weekly advice column at a NYC newspaper, and offered an annual salary of $125,000 (plus benefits). Didn't realize this was a comedy as well as a mystery. And of course there is a banker who would rather be a novelist! Is this every current author's way of convincing their readers that their high powered corporate executive MMCs are really Good Guys?

I just don't believe any of this. I don't need all my books to be believable, but some details are just so silly.

Alex is in her 20s and she gets a prestigious job replacing a beloved columnist with no journalism experience?

She makes $125k in NYC for said prestigious job with no relevant experience and has a personal assistant* and a private office at a newspaper?! And if my memory is correct, she has to write ONE column a week.

She has no friends or support group, oh wait, except for that eccentric group of friends she sees daily at a diner in NYC.

This was a cozy mystery when I expected a thriller and I'm a little annoyed.