Marissa Dahl is a successful film editor and to say she’s socially awkward is a serious understatement. Her brain is just wired differently but thanks to her lasting friendship with Amy, her college and current roommate who is a an award-winning director, Marissa hasn’t had to worry about selling herself for new projects…until now. A fractured relationship with Amy’s current boyfriend has Marissa out on her own and accepting a new strange assignment with a director she fears might not be over their last embarrassing encounter. Once she arrives on location, she finds that things aren’t only strange but downright sinister.
I have such mixed feelings about the story. What really worked for me was the narrator, Julia Whelan who is one of the best in the field. She helped me “get” Marissa and the craziness of how her brain works. There are a lot of back-and-forth transitions that she managed skillfully, allowing me to keep track of where I was every time. I also loved the humor as there were so many occasions where I laughed out loud. The dialogue was often pithy, which is something I adore and was glad it wasn’t lost on me. What didn’t work so well was the mystery. After a time, it just got convoluted. While I love the podcast moments (those teenagers were a stitch), they made it more difficult.
I enjoyed the story but wish it hadn’t taken on so many tangents. If you’re familiar with the film industry, you’ll recognize all of the technical jargon as I certainly learned a lot. It completely changed my perception of the role of the film editor. Finally, I loved that ending. It was perfection.
Book Info
- Release Date: February 25, 2020
- Narrator: Julia Whelan
- Audio Length: 9 hours, 35 minutes
- Publisher: Penguin Audio
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Fab review Jo! Julia Whelan is so good, glad she made it for you!
Thank you, Nicki💜 Whelan made this story better!
Sounds like there’s lots to love!
There definitely was!
The film editor angle sounds interesting! Fab review.
Thanks, Yvo💜 I was amazed at what I didn’t know. Opened my eyes about film editing.
Interesting review! I love Julia Whelan and at least it had a good ending.
Anne – Books of My Heart
Julia is the best!
Great review Jo. I have only listened to one book that Julia Whelan narrated, but I did give her a big thumbs up. This sounds interesting.
Thank you, Carla💜 I’ve made decisions about acquiring an audiobook based on her being the narrator. She’s that good.
I will look for her books.
I am finding many mystery book become way too convoluted. Hope your next book is a definite winner, Jo!
Thank you, Marialyce💜 I’m encountering the same thing. I can’t stress enough how the narrator contributed to making it work here.
I’m still fairly new to the audiobook world but I do love Julia Whelan’s narration.
I’ve yet to be disappointed with her performances and I’ve listened to many of hers.
Oh man, it sounded like it had so much potential up until the moment you mentioned the mystery. Great honest review, Jonetta! 😀
Thank you, Lashaan💜 It held together pretty well until near the end. Still a pretty good book.