A Neat Bow for a Messy Murder
As a dedicated thriller enthusiast—and someone who finds that a great narrator can truly elevate a mystery—I was eager to dive into Jessie Garcia’s work. This was my first introduction to her writing, and while it kept me listening until the early morning hours, it ultimately landed as a 3-star experience: a solid, middle-of-the-road suspense that didn’t quite stick the landing.
The story centers on the sudden death of Faith Richards, Detroit’s beloved meteorologist. Her passing sends shockwaves through a city that treated her like royalty, prompting an unlikely cast of characters to take the investigation into their own hands. We’re tossed into a whirlwind of perspectives—ranging from grieving coworkers and her protective sister to obsessed fans and even a stalker.
While the multi-POV approach kept the pace moving, the execution felt like “schemes on schemes on schemes.” Instead of building genuine tension, the plot became so cluttered with overlapping agendas that the eventual twists lost their impact. By the time we reached the resolution, it felt like every character had drawn the short straw. It’s a story where everything is tied up in a perfectly neat bow, yet I left the experience feeling strangely unsatisfied.
I enjoyed the ride, but the story lacked the character depth needed to make me feel that “oh no” pit in my stomach when things went south. If the narrative had been simplified to focus on stronger development rather than constant plotting, the stakes would have felt much higher. It’s a decent “popcorn thriller” for those who like a tidy ending, but for me, it just needed a bit more soul.
