What makes a mystery novel work? Can a familiar plot – murder in a small town! – still entice readers, even if the usual themes have been trotted out countless times before? In this week’s review of
Bury the Lead, reviewer David Moscrop explains why details matter. In the deft hands of writers Elizabeth Renzetti and Kate Hilton, the book explores the decline of journalism, life as a woman in the industry, the challenges of motherhood, class tensions, race, the #Me Too movement and more. Writes Moscrop: “The themes work because they tell the truth and you believe those who grapple with them in the novel are well and truly grappling with them as one might, and does, in life.”
Read review.As always, I want to hear about what you’re reading. This week’s recommendation comes from Globe reader Dave Trembley, who hails Sarah Bernstein’s critically acclaimed short novel,
Study for Obedience.
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–Lara Pingue