Book Review: Look Closer by David Ellis

My Rating:

4.5⭐

Look Closer by David Ellis revolves around Simon Dobias and Vicky Lanier Dobias, a married couple who have been together for almost ten years - the husband, an associate professor in law aspiring for a tenured position and his wife who works with victims of domestic abuse- respectable people, comfortably well-to-do and about to come into a lot more money from a trust fund after their 10th anniversary. Their marriage might not be perfect- a fact that they both acknowledge but they seem to be okay with the status quo. Or are they? When Lauren Betancourt, a wealthy woman with links to Simon is found hanging in her home you begin to question whether Simon is truly the respectable law professor he appears to be or if he is hiding a more diabolical side to him. Is Vicky aware of her husband’s true nature? Everything is not as it seems – both Simon and Vicky have secrets – the kind that they would do anything to protect.

When I started with the novel, it seemed formulaic- unhappy couple, infidelity, murder, multiple PoVs and rambling journal entries leading to what I presumed would be a predictable ending! I WAS WRONG! Describing these characters and their dynamics as complicated would be a gross understatement. A plethora of twists and turns, revelation upon revelation with past and present grudges, betrayals and manipulation and a cast of shady supporting characters with hidden agendas of their own make for an absorbing read. Who is the real victim here? Who is guilty or rather guiltier? Who is conning whom and who is complicit? I felt only sympathy for the investigators who were assigned to solve the case and were taken on a wild ride in the process! Saying anything more is impossible without giving away too much. However, this is a lengthy novel that could have been more concise and it took a while to gain momentum (approximately the 25 % mark for me) but once I was engaged I found it hard to put down. Gripping and suspenseful, this is a smartly crafted thriller that I would not hesitate to recommend. This is my first David Ellis novel and I look forward to reading more of his work.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for a digital review copy of this riveting novel in exchange for my honest review.