A review by sometimes_iread
The Shape of Night by Tess Gerritsen

mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

Can someone please enlighten me as to what genre this book actually falls under? My brain cannot seem to classify it satisfactorily. The Shape of Night by Tess Gerritsen swung wildly from gothic novel to supernatural thriller, to erotica before finally settling into murder mystery. There were definitely parts that I preferred to others (gothic literature is my weakness), but in general, I would have appreciated it if the book didn’t try to be quite so many things at once. 

Ava is running away from a secret eating away at her. Fortunately, as a food writer, relocating is a piece of cake, as long as there’s a functional kitchen. However, her new house has secrets of its own. Why is there a walled-off alcove in the turret room? Why did the previous tenant leave so hurriedly? And who is that mysterious man on the widow’s walk?

This book was an enjoyable read, so much so I finished it in a day. There’s just so much meat to be unpacked in Ava’s backstory and that glorious old house. Plus, I need more recipe trials! Tell me about luscious lobsters and smooth risottos please! Word of advice, do not read this on an empty stomach. 

The only fly in the ointment for me was the aforementioned genre dump. It felt almost like Gerritsen, who I understand is an accomplished mystery writer, decided to try a new genre and took inspiration from Rebecca (that prologue!). There’s nothing wrong with challenging oneself and going out of one’s comfort zone, but I have to confess that I got whiplash with the wild tonal shifts and genre hopping. There’s a reason why mash-ups are commonly preferred to medleys in popular culture. 

Diversity meter:

-