spahade's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoy Richmond's writing style. I liked this book because I felt like it was a biography of the main character Ellie, not a work of fiction. The story was interesting, not to predictable, not to out there. But basically the story of losing a sibling hit close to home and the idea of writing a book did as well. These topics combined with her intense story line and clear writing maed it a very easy and enjoyable book.
bxermom's review against another edition
2.0
Really hard time reading this. Just wasn't for me but it was ok.
jerrica's review against another edition
5.0
Really great writing, gripping story, memorable characters. I highly recommend it for a good mystery story.
lollybee's review against another edition
challenging
informative
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
I felt that the author was tryinging to be too clever and that the great mathematical problems didn't add anything to the story. In fact they hindered it.
usbsticky's review against another edition
5.0
I picked this book because I liked another book this author had written. This is an unusual murder mystery, it's very different from the run of the mill books I've read for a long time. This is a murder mystery hidden inside a book of art. It's something more than a murder mystery book, it's a beautifully written book.
Ellie's sister was murdered many years ago. No one was ever charged with her murder. A chance meeting with someone associated with her sister from those years leads to Ellie looking into her murder. From then on it's a pretty well written investigative procedural. She finds clues and using those clues, she investigates and eliminates suspects. But around all of that, we learn of Ellie's deep relationship with her sister, her sister's heretofore hidden life, her sister's professional life and much more. The characters are not just a framework which the murder mystery is hung on, they are their own storyline in itself. We also get a crash course in higher maths. This is something I don't know a lot about and I will be looking into some of those theories after I finish this review.
The writing was easy to read and follow. I enjoyed all parts of this book, even the parts which weren't associated with the murder. It's full of tiny details, nuances and bits that add flavor and depth to the story. I'll definitely check out this author's other works.
Ellie's sister was murdered many years ago. No one was ever charged with her murder. A chance meeting with someone associated with her sister from those years leads to Ellie looking into her murder. From then on it's a pretty well written investigative procedural. She finds clues and using those clues, she investigates and eliminates suspects. But around all of that, we learn of Ellie's deep relationship with her sister, her sister's heretofore hidden life, her sister's professional life and much more. The characters are not just a framework which the murder mystery is hung on, they are their own storyline in itself. We also get a crash course in higher maths. This is something I don't know a lot about and I will be looking into some of those theories after I finish this review.
The writing was easy to read and follow. I enjoyed all parts of this book, even the parts which weren't associated with the murder. It's full of tiny details, nuances and bits that add flavor and depth to the story. I'll definitely check out this author's other works.
andreagraves's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this mystery. There were interesting characters and a cool plot.
gingey0411's review against another edition
3.0
I thought this book was okay. A lot of reviewers complained about the constant mention of mathematical calculations but I did not find it to be that bad. I just kinda of skimmed over those parts of the text. Otherwise, I liked the story line of this book. I didn’t find the story to be predictable like many books of this nature.
jackelynvb's review against another edition
5.0
What writing! A book hasn't swept me away like this since reading "The Shadow of the Wind" by Carlos Ruiz Zafón. I would give it more stars if I could. What made this book so wonderful to read? The story line itself was captivating, and then the sub-topics on mathematics and coffee were fascinating. But I think what I loved most was Richmond's inclination for telling stories. Everything sparked a memory or a story that made me feel like I was entering a world of magic and escape. This book wasn't merely about telling the story of a sister who was murdered - a math genius nonetheless - but of life and the mysteries that surround every tiny event. I loved how the author described the settings as well. Nicaragua, San Francisco, even bedrooms and hotel rooms. If you like sensual books that don't try to parade themselves as pretentious poetry, then you'll love this. I can't wait to read Richmond's other books.
a_muggle's review against another edition
So slow and boring. I wanted to know who dun it, but I couldn't stand the long drawn out-ness any longer.
buymorebooks's review against another edition
5.0
This book is going to stick with me. I love her ideas and new understandings of "story". I love learning more about coffee (shade grown, cupping, etc) and she fills the field of mathematics with poetry and relationships to make it one of the most interesting fields I've never before cared about.