Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Don't You Cry

Don't You Cry by Mary Kubica
Mira: 5/17/16
eBook review copy; 320 pages
ISBN-13: 9780778319054

Don't You Cry by Mary Kubica is a highly recommended psychological mystery.

In the opening Quinn wakes up to her roommate Esther's alarm in the apartment they share in Chicago. The problem is Esther is gone. Apparently she left via the fire escape and left her window open. Quinn becomes increasingly alarmed about Esther's disappearance and begins to wonder if something sinister was planned as she discovers more and more clues and makes many assumptions based on those clues.

Alternating chapter feature 18 year-old Alex. All his friends have left for college, but Alex is still working at the diner and taking care of his alcoholic father. He is intrigued by a mysterious new girl who has started coming to the diner. He nicknames her "Pearl" because she is wearing a pearl bracelet. Alex continues to watch, and sometimes follow Pearl.

Kubica continues to alternate between the two narratives with each chapter until things merge at the end. This tale is more psychological mystery and treatise on making assumptions rather than a fast-paced thriller, per se. It is not full of nail-biting suspense, but it is still compelling. Part of the appeal is Kubica's talent. The writing is excellent, descriptive and believable. She does an admirable job establishing the atmosphere, handling the two narrative threads in the plot, and developing her very different characters. It just seems to be taking the action along at a little slower pace.

In the end I enjoyed Don't You Cry quite a bit. It's a decent mystery and enjoyable entertainment. Fans will like it and it should be well received by readers new to Kubica. (Try The Good Girl too.)

Disclosure: My Kindle edition was courtesy of Mira for review purposes.

No comments: