Book 30 of 2023
Summary
Malcolm Kershaw is a bookseller at the little mystery bookshop “Old Devils Bookstore” in Boston. Years ago he wrote a blog post as a budding new employee of the eight perfect murders found in literature. With the likes of such classics as, “The ABC murders,” and “Strangers on a Train” a budding serial killer has found a shopping list in Malcolm’s blog post. At least that is what the FBI thinks when agent Gwen Mulvey shows up at the door of Old Devils. As Gwen and Malcolm investigate it is becoming more clear that perhaps her hunch was correct about the murders all along. Is it possible for Malcolm to figure out who the killer is before the killer comes for him? How could a little mystery book shop be the source of so much mystery worthy of Dame Agatha Christie herself?
Thoughts and Review
I absolutely loved this book. From start to finish the author wove such a fascinating story that I could not put it down. Malcolm was aggravating in a way due to his ordinariness but it was endearing. The more you got to know him the more you got to understand his reclusive nature. How often did I day-dream about owning a little bookstore somewhere and just living quietly and here he is living the dream. His reaction to FBI agent Gwen Mulvey was probably the most genuine response even you or I would have. How baffling that a blog post we made years ago would be a shopping list for a serial killer? How could I be so interesting? Well Malcolm you are. Often I think we find ourselves thinking what if something interesting could happen to us. But what if it did happen to us? What if we reveal to ourselves secrets that we were trying to forget? This is that story. What if? What if a federal agent walked in our shop door? What if all the colour was sucked out of life?
Malcolm speaks directly to the reader relaying his experiences, thoughts, and musings. His ordinariness stands out as relatable as the reader gets to know him like a reluctant friend. As the novel progresses you find that relationship growing and it is easy to become invested in Malcolm’s life. Through the monotony of life, the heartbreaks, the few relationships he has, and the falling snow Malcolm comes further into focus one page at a time. With each tiny detail I think the reader must decide if this focus is actually clarity or a fog. If you are looking for characters you love to despise, a puzzle that is missing all the right pieces, and twists and turns this novel is waiting for you.
Recommendation
This book is recommended to anyone who still has a fondness for the murder mysteries of the past. The classics that we still love to read even though we already know what happens. This book is a homage to the great authors who have gripped our imaginations like Dame Agatha Christie. The murders are detailed but not too gory for those not inclined. It is a fast paced story that has all the possibility of being that book that is “just one more chapter” criteria. The snowy winter setting is the perfect background to pair with a budding serial killer; who is obviously a stalker. I think our classic favourites (and their authors) would be happy to share the shelves with this one! Happy Reading!