A review by itshardizzy
The Truth about the Harry Quebert Affair by Joël Dicker

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

1.0

I've had read my fair share of mystery books, but this was different from the ones I'm used too. The book is set in 2008 but the mystery happened in 75', so the story goes back and forth. 

The MC is Marcus, an best seller author that doesn't have the inspiration to write a second book. He goes to spend some time with his mentor, Harry Quebert which is later accused to have killed Nola, a 15 year old girl that disappeared in 75'. Marcus then set to find out what really happened that year and decides to write a story about the case.

The book is really slow and although there is a new founding every few pages, I found myself bored and struggling. I found some problematic things about the book, like the fact our main character doesn't really condone the relationship between Harry (a 30 years old man at that time) and Nola, which is basically the whole book plot. I felt like the author didn't really established the relationship as crime (which btw it is!!!)
the ones that understands that the relationship wasn't natural are set as nosy people or are in some way involved with the case.


In end the murderer wasn't really a surprise if you pay attention to the details.
and the author had the major opportunity to develop Nola's mental health but he never really talked about the with the depth and only showed the effects and said that she has it - not really naming it tho


It's a book that every mystery lover should read at least once to experience, and maybe you'll like it better than I did.
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