Assessment:
Plot/Idea: When friends who have fallen out of touch since graduate school reunite, events take a sinister turn. Mullin's premise is a ripe one and he maintains a sense of uncertainty and suspense as the novel leads to a shocking denouement.
Prose: Mullin's prose is polished and propulsive, while dialogue effectively amplifies the storytelling.
Originality: While the set-up for the story (old friends reconnecting under peculiar circumstances--in this case, at the request of a particularly enigmatic member of their social circle), Mullin keeps readers invested, consistently raising questions about the undercurrents of their relationships.
Character/Execution: By introducing each of the characters through distinct chapters, Mullin gives readers a clear sense of their personalities and insecurities. Especially intriguing is the exploration of the characters' creative endeavors and the inevitable tendency to compare one's own achievements to those of one's peers.
Date Submitted: June 26, 2023
"...a hugely entertaining journey that works as both a high-concept thriller and as a work of deeply absorbing psychological suspense.""While fans of recent destination thriller hits The Guest List and Glass Onion will no doubt be pleased, this book is smarter and more complex."
"...masterful use of shifting perspectives""Mullin effortlessly delivers a plot twist that will leave readers astounded"
"Gothic Revival is a fascinating work that I found enjoyable at every level."
"The plot is intelligent and clever, moving methodically along tracks that twist and turn in exciting directions. The spooky setting of the mansion and the backstory of famous writers from the 1800s add extra layers of flavor to this already juicy story. There is an underlying tension that is present from page one and carries on to the very end."
"A cunningly plotted mystery thriller"
"An intensely suspenseful tale, it features characters that are believable, sophisticated, and finely drawn."
"Suspense, intrigue, and betrayal are some of the elements that elevate the quality of the writing and Mullin's plotting."
