Thursday, April 17, 2008

Review: The Murder Notebook by Jonathan Santlofer


What's that you say? This book isn't even out yet? Why, you're absolutely correct! I received it from the Early Reviewers Group on Library Thing! You can request books in advance of publication, to read and review. Some people say they have never received a book, but I've received one every single month that I've requested one!

I really enjoyed this book. I don't think I would have ever picked it up in a bookstore, although I'm not sure why. I think it has something to do with the cover, all the blood...? I'm usually not a mystery, and certainly not a gory type of reader. So I may have passed this one by. However, having recieved it from the Early Reviewers group, I felt I should give it a try.

It's a story about a police sketch artist, and how he helps solve cases with his drawings. His girlfriend, a homicide detective, is trying to solve a big case and he's called in. Other characters include his mother, a therapist, and his dead father, a cop whose death he seems to feel responsible for. There's plenty here for readers like me who seek out books mostly about the complexities of relationships and how they play out in our lives. Throw in a dash of suspense, and you'll be up all night!

I know some readers will be turned off by the combination of the storyline and the sketch drawings that pepper the book. I can hear some of my fellow readers now saying that it's "gimmicky" and another way to stand out from the rest of the mystery crowd. It didn't bother me; in fact, the drawings were wonderful and helped me in my imaginings of the characters. I know, I know, though - some people like their own imaginings, thank you very much. At most, it would be a very minor criticism of a great book.

7 comments:

jonathan said...

Dear Lisa,
Thanks so much. You may have the distinction of writing the very first review of THE MURDER NOTEBOOK! I'm glad you liked the drawings. I think of them as seeing through Nate's eyes and therefore into his world. If you want to try and win one of the prints I am making from the drawings please see my website
www.jonathansantlofer.com
The contest will be up soon.
Again, thanks for your kind words.
Jonathan

Lisa said...

Wow! Thanks for writing, Jonathan! I'll go check out the prints. I really did like the book, and went to check out reviews of some of your others, which convinced me that I'll have to read some of those, too!!

jay are said...

Now I know I HAVE to read this book! If it's got an author in tune enough to find your review, then it's gotta be good! Thanks for all the great suggestions.

Literary Feline said...

I also got the chance to read and review this one. In fact I posted my review just this week too! :-) I was glad to see that you enjoyed it as well. This was my second by the author and I keep meaning to go back and read his other books. One of these days.

And I think it's great the author commented on your blog!

Joy said...

It appeals to me! On the list it goes. Thanks, Lisa.

Booklogged said...

Wow! How exciting - both winning an ARC from LibraryThing (which I've never been lucky enough to do) and having the author leave a comment.

This book sounds good and I'm adding it to my TBR list. Thanks for the great review.

jonathan said...

Hey,
I think you're all great! Go to my website and try to win a drawing from The Murder Notebook.
The fact is... where would a writer be without readers? Nowhere.
Thanks again.
Jonathan Santlofer