Harper’s debut delivers a compelling mix of mystery and dark comedy, as Paul, a depressed and self-involved 40 year-old actor just successful enough to have “met famous people,” finds his neighbor—the pompadoured dog-trainer he suspected his wife might be enjoying an affair with—dead in their upscale Brooklyn apartment building. Another discovery that jolts Paul from his lethargy: his wife, Laura, is missing. That makes him a suspect, of course, with a “deranged strangler” on the loose and no one to turn to for help but Alina, who works the building’s front desk when she’s not toiling away “on her chick-lit romance novel.” Fortunately, she’s savvy, eager for some excitement, and willing to help Paul, even if he hasn’t bothered to read her book yet and chides himself for not remembering whether she’s “Dominican or Puerto Rican or half of each or half of one”.As Paul learns more and more about his apartment and its complex neighbors, he finds himself in a classic whodunnit. Harper’s writing is crisp, witty, and conversational, maintaining a brisk pace even as Paul can’t stop himself from musing about bagels or asking a detective for career advice. Amid the sharp dialogue and vivid descriptions, Paul often addresses readers directly—“Even if my grief was selfish, unfair, unearned, it didn’t matter”—in inner monologues and arguments that are a continual highlight. Despite his flaws, he proves easy to root for, as he pursues the case through lively twists and emotional gut-punches.
The crime is layered and engaging, but not overly complex, and despite the wit the suspense is consistent as Harper deftly blends mystery, satire, and Brooklyn character study, all with impeccable scenecraft. Harper stages surprises, revelations, gags, and bursts of self-discovery with equal aplomb. Even readers steeped in the genre will find the ending a dazzling surprise with real emotional resonance—and they’ll be heartened by the promise of a sequel.
Takeaway: Witty mystery expertly balancing suspense, emotion, and a Brooklyn murder.
Comparable Titles: Anthony Horowitz, Richard Osman
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
