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Look Closer
13 hours
From the bestselling and award-winning author comes a wickedly clever and fast-paced novel of greed, revenge, obsession--and quite possibly the perfect murder.
Simon and Vicky couldn't seem more normal: a wealthy Chicago couple, he a respected law professor, she an advocate for domestic violence victims. A stable, if unexciting marriage. But one thing's for sure ... absolutely nothing is what it seems. The pair are far from normal, and one of them just may be a killer.
When the body of a beautiful socialite is found hanging in a mansion in a nearby suburb, Simon and Vicky's secrets begin to unravel. A secret whirlwind affair. A twenty-million-dollar trust fund about to come due. A decades-long grudge and obsession with revenge. These are just a few of the lies that make up the complex web...and they will have devastating consequences. And while both Vicky and Simon are liars, just who exactly is conning who?
Part Gone Girl, part Strangers on a Train, Look Closer is a wild rollercoaster of a read that will have you questioning everything you think you know.
From the bestselling and award-winning author comes a wickedly clever and fast-paced novel of greed, revenge, obsession--and quite possibly the perfect murder.
Simon and Vicky couldn't seem more normal: a wealthy Chicago couple, he a respected law professor, she an advocate for domestic violence victims. A stable, if unexciting marriage. But one thing's for sure ... absolutely nothing is what it seems. The pair are far from normal, and one of them just may be a killer.
When the body of a beautiful socialite is found hanging in a mansion in a nearby suburb, Simon and Vicky's secrets begin to unravel. A secret whirlwind affair. A twenty-million-dollar trust fund about to come due. A decades-long grudge and obsession with revenge. These are just a few of the lies that make up the complex web...and they will have devastating consequences. And while both Vicky and Simon are liars, just who exactly is conning who?
Part Gone Girl, part Strangers on a Train, Look Closer is a wild rollercoaster of a read that will have you questioning everything you think you know.
Audiobook
First published July 5, 2022
About the author
David Ellis
73 books1,334 followersDavid Ellis is a lawyer and the Edgar Allan Poe Award winner for Best First Novel for Line of Vision. Ellis attended Northwestern Law School and began his legal career in private practice in Chicago in 1993. He served as the House Prosecutor who tried and convicted Illinois Governor Blagojevich in the Impeachment Trial before the Illinois Senate. He was elected to the Illinois Appellate Court in 2014 and took office December 1, 2014. Ellis currently lives outside Chicago with his wife and three children.
Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 7,545 reviews
November 15, 2023
Game, set, match.....
Whoa, whoa, whoa, this one had me spiraling through twists, curves, and over cliffs! Over and over the cliffs were fast approaching. Deep breath, walls closing in, damn- she knows! he knows! What else could happen? "What's gonna go wrong?" "Well sh*t, I don't know." I'd say someone needs a backup plan and fast.
Option one, two or three? Would you prefer that served cold?
You have to meet Simon who loves his word play games. Seems to help calm his nerves. The investigators are intelligent and right on the trail. No keystone cops here!
Such an insanely addictive plot. Loved every jaw dropping moment.
If your a fan of edge of your seat suspense thrillers, you will want to add this to your TBR. Trick or Treat Baby!
Thanks so much to NG and the Penguin Group Putnam for my arc. OUT July 5, 2022
Whoa, whoa, whoa, this one had me spiraling through twists, curves, and over cliffs! Over and over the cliffs were fast approaching. Deep breath, walls closing in, damn- she knows! he knows! What else could happen? "What's gonna go wrong?" "Well sh*t, I don't know." I'd say someone needs a backup plan and fast.
Option one, two or three? Would you prefer that served cold?
You have to meet Simon who loves his word play games. Seems to help calm his nerves. The investigators are intelligent and right on the trail. No keystone cops here!
Such an insanely addictive plot. Loved every jaw dropping moment.
If your a fan of edge of your seat suspense thrillers, you will want to add this to your TBR. Trick or Treat Baby!
Thanks so much to NG and the Penguin Group Putnam for my arc. OUT July 5, 2022
July 26, 2022
*This is How You Do It*
“The best lies are the ones closest to the truth.”
4.5 stars
Look Closer is an aptly titled thriller about a murder on Halloween night in an affluent suburb in Chicago. Involved are a law professor, his wife, and a con artist. All is not what it seems.
My best advice if planning on reading this is to go in blind--I did, and I am so glad that I did so. I had no idea what was going on--this book put my armchair detective skills to the test, and I failed miserably. Even when I tried to predict what was going to happen or guess the guilty party, the characters were always two (or more) steps ahead of me, so I stopped trying. I loved this aspect of the book.
Multiple POVs, including text messages and a personal diary, are shared. Oddly enough, I was rooting for two characters, even though they aren’t the best people.
Look Closer is a page-turner. I would describe it as a complicated game of cat and mouse. It is filled with twist after twist after twist--what could have been a ridiculous mess turned into a tightly wound, well-plotted, CLEVER thriller that surprised this often jaded thriller reader.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
“The best lies are the ones closest to the truth.”
4.5 stars
Look Closer is an aptly titled thriller about a murder on Halloween night in an affluent suburb in Chicago. Involved are a law professor, his wife, and a con artist. All is not what it seems.
My best advice if planning on reading this is to go in blind--I did, and I am so glad that I did so. I had no idea what was going on--this book put my armchair detective skills to the test, and I failed miserably. Even when I tried to predict what was going to happen or guess the guilty party, the characters were always two (or more) steps ahead of me, so I stopped trying. I loved this aspect of the book.
Multiple POVs, including text messages and a personal diary, are shared. Oddly enough, I was rooting for two characters, even though they aren’t the best people.
Look Closer is a page-turner. I would describe it as a complicated game of cat and mouse. It is filled with twist after twist after twist--what could have been a ridiculous mess turned into a tightly wound, well-plotted, CLEVER thriller that surprised this often jaded thriller reader.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
October 17, 2022
Look Closer by David Ellis
Narrated by Will Damron, Hillary Huber, Elizabeth Garrett, and Steve West
More than one person can play the long game. But who is the con, who is getting conned, and how can I like any of these people? I feel bad that I have my favorite characters in this story but I do. I don't even like these kinds of stories usually but I loved this one!
We zip back and forth between POVs and timelines. We have texts and diary entries. Almost everything is a lie but often the lies are built on a truth or two or three.
Nothing is as it seems but whose fault is it? Not much more I can say because I don't know how to say it. Know that I was very entertained by this story.
Pub July 5th 2022
Narrated by Will Damron, Hillary Huber, Elizabeth Garrett, and Steve West
More than one person can play the long game. But who is the con, who is getting conned, and how can I like any of these people? I feel bad that I have my favorite characters in this story but I do. I don't even like these kinds of stories usually but I loved this one!
We zip back and forth between POVs and timelines. We have texts and diary entries. Almost everything is a lie but often the lies are built on a truth or two or three.
Nothing is as it seems but whose fault is it? Not much more I can say because I don't know how to say it. Know that I was very entertained by this story.
Pub July 5th 2022
July 5, 2022
HAPPY PUB DAY TO THE BIRKIN OF DOMESTIC THRILLERS
THANK YOU SOSOSOSO much Putnam Books and David Ellis for a physical ARC in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 rounded down.
Writing: 5/5 | Plot: 4/5 | Ending: 4/5
THE PLOT
Vicky and Simon look perfect to outsiders, but something dark is brewing inside their home. Revenge. Obsession. Lies on lies on lies. Oh and a 21 million dollar trust coming due.
MY OPINION
SOUND THE ALARM BECAUSE IT'S A BANGER ALERT. YES, the hype is real. I literally screamed when I opened the envelope and saw this beauty. I've been wanting to get my grubby lil paws on it for a minute!!! It was worth the "wait."
This is the Hermes Birkin bag of domestic thrillers. The Bugatti of domestic thrillers. The private villa in Maldives of domestic thrillers. Getting the picture? Ok, good.
I usually don't vibe with a domestic thriller because the plot is very predictable—but this is the farthest thing from it. There's layers in here. There's twisty twist galores. A red herring here. A red herring there. A red herring everywhere. I don't want to get into it too much because the less you know the better.
Now ya'll know I'm a lil nervous about length (not like THAT you sickos). The physical paperback is almost 450 pages, but David Ellis had a hoe (me) engaged the entire time. I powered through this in two days and it didn't feel like a slog at all. I was writing my lil theories in the margins the entire way lol.
I'm rounding this down because there was some male gaze in here and perhaps a plot hole or two. However, I'll be shoving this down everyone's throats because it was clever, funny, original, and well-executed. This is my first Ellis book, but it certainly won't be my last.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: a lot of bang for your buck, great suspense, well-paced, complex, intelligently written, original, engrossing read
Cons: a lil plot hole or two... but easily overlooked because it was such an engaging read
THANK YOU SOSOSOSO much Putnam Books and David Ellis for a physical ARC in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 rounded down.
Writing: 5/5 | Plot: 4/5 | Ending: 4/5
THE PLOT
Vicky and Simon look perfect to outsiders, but something dark is brewing inside their home. Revenge. Obsession. Lies on lies on lies. Oh and a 21 million dollar trust coming due.
MY OPINION
SOUND THE ALARM BECAUSE IT'S A BANGER ALERT. YES, the hype is real. I literally screamed when I opened the envelope and saw this beauty. I've been wanting to get my grubby lil paws on it for a minute!!! It was worth the "wait."
This is the Hermes Birkin bag of domestic thrillers. The Bugatti of domestic thrillers. The private villa in Maldives of domestic thrillers. Getting the picture? Ok, good.
I usually don't vibe with a domestic thriller because the plot is very predictable—but this is the farthest thing from it. There's layers in here. There's twisty twist galores. A red herring here. A red herring there. A red herring everywhere. I don't want to get into it too much because the less you know the better.
Now ya'll know I'm a lil nervous about length (not like THAT you sickos). The physical paperback is almost 450 pages, but David Ellis had a hoe (me) engaged the entire time. I powered through this in two days and it didn't feel like a slog at all. I was writing my lil theories in the margins the entire way lol.
I'm rounding this down because there was some male gaze in here and perhaps a plot hole or two. However, I'll be shoving this down everyone's throats because it was clever, funny, original, and well-executed. This is my first Ellis book, but it certainly won't be my last.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: a lot of bang for your buck, great suspense, well-paced, complex, intelligently written, original, engrossing read
Cons: a lil plot hole or two... but easily overlooked because it was such an engaging read
July 5, 2022
THIS will be on my FAVORITES list this year! And, it’s AVAILABLE NOW!
Isn’t it surprising that more people don’t get murdered on Halloween?
After all, at what other time would you willingly open your door to someone wearing a mask?
Simon Dobias and his wife, Vicky Lanier Dobias will be celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary on November third, three days after Halloween.
And, then she can leave.
As long as neither files for divorce, before that date, she will be able to collect some of the twenty million dollar trust fund, that has been protected until then.
She is SO close.
But, Simon’s first love, the gorgeous Lauren Betancourt, is back in town, and tempting him more than the Halloween Candy is tempting the trick or treaters in Grace Village.
Is she a legitimate threat?
Or can, Christian Newsome, the sexy financial planner that Vicky seeks out, find a loophole in the PRE-NUP and help Vicky secure her share, regardless of Simon’s obsession with Lauren?
Told from multiple perspectives, from the timelines of before and after HALLOWEEN, everyone has an agenda, so pay close attention because nothing is what it seems…..
MIRROR MIRROR ON THE WALL-WHO IS THE MOST CLEVER OF THEM ALL?
And, WHO will you be rooting for?
At 464 pages, this took till about 20%, to set up, but once it did, you couldn’t pry my Kindle out of my hands!!
Where have you been hiding, David Ellis? Most recently as a collaborator with James Patterson, apparently, but I am excited that I discovered this individual effort, and look forward to more!
A buddy read with DeAnn and Mary Beth-be sure to check out their amazing reviews!
Thank You to G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley! It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
Isn’t it surprising that more people don’t get murdered on Halloween?
After all, at what other time would you willingly open your door to someone wearing a mask?
Simon Dobias and his wife, Vicky Lanier Dobias will be celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary on November third, three days after Halloween.
And, then she can leave.
As long as neither files for divorce, before that date, she will be able to collect some of the twenty million dollar trust fund, that has been protected until then.
She is SO close.
But, Simon’s first love, the gorgeous Lauren Betancourt, is back in town, and tempting him more than the Halloween Candy is tempting the trick or treaters in Grace Village.
Is she a legitimate threat?
Or can, Christian Newsome, the sexy financial planner that Vicky seeks out, find a loophole in the PRE-NUP and help Vicky secure her share, regardless of Simon’s obsession with Lauren?
Told from multiple perspectives, from the timelines of before and after HALLOWEEN, everyone has an agenda, so pay close attention because nothing is what it seems…..
MIRROR MIRROR ON THE WALL-WHO IS THE MOST CLEVER OF THEM ALL?
And, WHO will you be rooting for?
At 464 pages, this took till about 20%, to set up, but once it did, you couldn’t pry my Kindle out of my hands!!
Where have you been hiding, David Ellis? Most recently as a collaborator with James Patterson, apparently, but I am excited that I discovered this individual effort, and look forward to more!
A buddy read with DeAnn and Mary Beth-be sure to check out their amazing reviews!
Thank You to G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley! It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
June 28, 2022
5 Happy Dance Stars
I am left speechless. I can't give this book the justice that this book deserves. It lived up to all the hype. I loved it to the max. It was my everything. It had everything that I love in a thriller. I suggest to go into this book blindly.
Before you open this book, make sure you don't have any plans. Because all you will want to do is read this book. Lock your doors and turn off your phone.
David Ellis cracked this one out of the ball park. This book was so Amazing! It was so clever. It made my heart pound and I could not put this book down. Also it's full of twists and turns with characters that are so well developed.
I am jumping up and down with excitement on how much I am crazy in love with this book. This one is one of my favorites for this year.
That ending was so brilliant! One twist after another and my jaw hit the floor several different times. It was mind blowing!
I want to thank Netgalley, G.P. Putnam's Sons for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I am left speechless. I can't give this book the justice that this book deserves. It lived up to all the hype. I loved it to the max. It was my everything. It had everything that I love in a thriller. I suggest to go into this book blindly.
Before you open this book, make sure you don't have any plans. Because all you will want to do is read this book. Lock your doors and turn off your phone.
David Ellis cracked this one out of the ball park. This book was so Amazing! It was so clever. It made my heart pound and I could not put this book down. Also it's full of twists and turns with characters that are so well developed.
I am jumping up and down with excitement on how much I am crazy in love with this book. This one is one of my favorites for this year.
That ending was so brilliant! One twist after another and my jaw hit the floor several different times. It was mind blowing!
I want to thank Netgalley, G.P. Putnam's Sons for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 9, 2023
Lots of notorious, nefarious, backstabber characters are tangled in a web of lies! Well thrown twists, scandalous moments, slow burn, uneventful start picks up in the middle and takes you to a wild ride!
Yeap, this is pure definition of my favorite pop corn thriller reads!
Here are the main troublemaker characters list:
Simon: husband, geeky, extra smart law professor who is undeniable romantic.
Vicky; wifey, helping domestic violence survivors, traumatized wife who is burying too many secrets
Lauren: Simon’s ex girlfriend who broke his vulnerable heart 19 years ago. Now she’s back, trying to continue their love story where they’ve left behind.
Christian: financial planner who may help Vicky to reach the trust fund before 10th year anniversary. Did I mention he’s a con man to seduce Vicky for infidelity?
You cannot trust any of them. Each character has her/ his own agenda. A grandiose trust fund, lies, grandiose secrets bigger than my tbr list ( right now it reached to 1265 books) , betrayals!
Who’s innocent? Who’s villain? Who’s the murderer? Who loves who?
So many questions are giving you headaches! Tension increases just like your heart rates!
Yes, this juicy, naughty, scandalous gem gave me hard time to get into. But don’t let its slow beginning fool you! I advise you get invested into story! So much fun, unexpected twists, oh what the freaking hell screams and wide open mouth moments are guaranteed!
So many thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP PUTNAM, G&P Putnam’s Sons for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
Yeap, this is pure definition of my favorite pop corn thriller reads!
Here are the main troublemaker characters list:
Simon: husband, geeky, extra smart law professor who is undeniable romantic.
Vicky; wifey, helping domestic violence survivors, traumatized wife who is burying too many secrets
Lauren: Simon’s ex girlfriend who broke his vulnerable heart 19 years ago. Now she’s back, trying to continue their love story where they’ve left behind.
Christian: financial planner who may help Vicky to reach the trust fund before 10th year anniversary. Did I mention he’s a con man to seduce Vicky for infidelity?
You cannot trust any of them. Each character has her/ his own agenda. A grandiose trust fund, lies, grandiose secrets bigger than my tbr list ( right now it reached to 1265 books) , betrayals!
Who’s innocent? Who’s villain? Who’s the murderer? Who loves who?
So many questions are giving you headaches! Tension increases just like your heart rates!
Yes, this juicy, naughty, scandalous gem gave me hard time to get into. But don’t let its slow beginning fool you! I advise you get invested into story! So much fun, unexpected twists, oh what the freaking hell screams and wide open mouth moments are guaranteed!
So many thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP PUTNAM, G&P Putnam’s Sons for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
July 18, 2022
***HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY***
“I got my mind set on you
I got my mind set on you
But it’s gonna take money
A whole lotta spending money
It’s gonna take plenty of money
To do it right, child” – sung by George Harrison
This is easily one of the best thrillers I’ve read this year!!
A set of characters that I found to be believable in all of their nefarious and cunning ways.
BUT I WAS WRONG!!! You can’t believe anything that you read about this group:
Simon: the wealthy lawyer, he had a tough time getting where he is and he has always been known to push back against the establishment for unfairness when it comes to himself or his friends.
Vicky: his wife of ten years. She works with the department of domestic abuse, helping women escape their slimy, abusive, money grabbing partners.
Lauren: Simon’s ex-girlfriend from WAY BACK. She’s back in Chicagoland and isn’t afraid to let Simon know it.
Christian: Con artist who is intent on making Vicky his next target. His MO is getting women to become infatuated with him, grabbing their money and disappearing.
NOT SO FAST: Remember the opening???” It’s gonna take a whole lotta spending money”, where will it all come from?? Who has the money and who doesn’t??
This was twisty, clever, multi-layered and I inhaled it!! This is my first novel by Mr. Ellis but he is most definitely on my radar now!!
If you love well written, character driven thrillers that will definitely keep you up until 3 a.m., this is the book for you.
Highly recommend for lovers of what I’m going to start calling “literary thrillers” – my own made up genre!! Because I need good writing in whatever genre I’m reading – call me finicky!!
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to read and review this title.
“I got my mind set on you
I got my mind set on you
But it’s gonna take money
A whole lotta spending money
It’s gonna take plenty of money
To do it right, child” – sung by George Harrison
This is easily one of the best thrillers I’ve read this year!!
A set of characters that I found to be believable in all of their nefarious and cunning ways.
BUT I WAS WRONG!!! You can’t believe anything that you read about this group:
Simon: the wealthy lawyer, he had a tough time getting where he is and he has always been known to push back against the establishment for unfairness when it comes to himself or his friends.
Vicky: his wife of ten years. She works with the department of domestic abuse, helping women escape their slimy, abusive, money grabbing partners.
Lauren: Simon’s ex-girlfriend from WAY BACK. She’s back in Chicagoland and isn’t afraid to let Simon know it.
Christian: Con artist who is intent on making Vicky his next target. His MO is getting women to become infatuated with him, grabbing their money and disappearing.
NOT SO FAST: Remember the opening???” It’s gonna take a whole lotta spending money”, where will it all come from?? Who has the money and who doesn’t??
This was twisty, clever, multi-layered and I inhaled it!! This is my first novel by Mr. Ellis but he is most definitely on my radar now!!
If you love well written, character driven thrillers that will definitely keep you up until 3 a.m., this is the book for you.
Highly recommend for lovers of what I’m going to start calling “literary thrillers” – my own made up genre!! Because I need good writing in whatever genre I’m reading – call me finicky!!
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to read and review this title.
March 18, 2022
The twistiest book I’ve read this year!🤩
There is little I can share about the premise without revealing spoilers. I’ll just suggest you go into this one as blind as possible!
One thing I will say, I loved all the fabulous, quirky characters! Simon, the Law School professor with his fun language games.
His wife Vicky, with her shadowy background. They are closing in on ten years of marriage! Life couldn’t be better for the happy couple….
Revenge!😱
I was ‘super-glued’ to the pages, stunned with one shocking twist after another. Picking my jaw up off the ground with every “are you kidding me” and “no way” moments!
Deception!😱
I’ve read a number of books by this author in the past. Both solo work as well as his collaborations with James Patterson. This is by far my favorite book of his to date and I cannot wait to read his next! Let’s go!
If you love a manically twisted thriller, don’t miss out on this one! This shouldn’t just be on your list… it should be at the top!
Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam
There is little I can share about the premise without revealing spoilers. I’ll just suggest you go into this one as blind as possible!
One thing I will say, I loved all the fabulous, quirky characters! Simon, the Law School professor with his fun language games.
His wife Vicky, with her shadowy background. They are closing in on ten years of marriage! Life couldn’t be better for the happy couple….
Revenge!😱
I was ‘super-glued’ to the pages, stunned with one shocking twist after another. Picking my jaw up off the ground with every “are you kidding me” and “no way” moments!
Deception!😱
I’ve read a number of books by this author in the past. Both solo work as well as his collaborations with James Patterson. This is by far my favorite book of his to date and I cannot wait to read his next! Let’s go!
If you love a manically twisted thriller, don’t miss out on this one! This shouldn’t just be on your list… it should be at the top!
Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam
June 22, 2024
**Many thanks to NetGalley, Putnam, and David Ellis for an ARC of this book! Now available as of 7.5!!**
If Look Closer were a Black Eyed Peas song, it would have to be...
BOOM BOOM POW! 🎇🎇🎇
This firecracker of a thriller is filled with explosive twists, scandalous turns, clever wordplay, and will leave you BREATHLESS! Prepare to cancel your plans, be on the edge of your seat, and be surreptitiously opening this book at EVERY opportunity! This is a 5 star stunner you won't soon forget!
I'd recommend going in as blind as possible, but for a quick intro to this tale? Simon is a law professor who isn't quite the buttoned up, stuffed shirt type. He's after a full professorship, but hasn't quite gotten there. His partner Vicky does some noble work of her own at a shelter for abused women. These two click well, and life seems simple and straightforward... until it isn't.
Lauren Betancourt is a wealthy and stunning woman...well, she WAS a wealthy and stunning woman. Found dead hanging over the banister on Halloween night, police don't know where to begin....but Simon might. Or is it his wife Vicky who could shed some light?
What follows is more than your average murder mystery...where sex, money, lies, secret lives, burner phones, a mysterious journal, and a hefty trust fund of 20 MILLION dollars all have a part to play in the fabulously twisty, knotted, complex, and expertly crafted tale! Can you figure out WHO launched that fated rope over the banister on Halloween night, WHAT the perp had to gain, WHERE the murderer first saw Lauren, WHEN the plot was hatched, WHY it had to be Lauren...and HOW on earth they are confident they'll escape with more than just their freedom...but the 20 million dollar windfall to boot??
(If you figure out ANY of this, by the way, you're FAR better than I!)
I've never picked up a David Ellis novel (or even heard of him!) prior to a few months ago, and I could not stop mentally kicking myself throughout the pages of this read. From the very start, I was hooked, as Ellis nailed EVERY SINGLE ONE of my hallmarks for fabulous and unputdownable thrillers, from short snappy chapters, to fantastic character development, and from thorough and intricate plotting, to INCREDIBLE twists that kept coming, coming, coming at just the right intervals. Not a single one was OTT, and for the genre these days, that is somewhat of a small miracle!
I can't remember the last time I found any excuse to open a book, even if I was only going to have time for HALF A PAGE, but that is how good this one is! Although it clocks in at over 400 pages, I truly think that back in my less busy and childfree days, I could have zipped through this on a Saturday afternoon with no regrets, as long as I was armed with snacks of course!
I LOVE thrillers that make me smile, and Simon's love for language games had me giggling, and some of the snarky and witty inner monologues of various characters also had me chuckling. Ellis also isn't afraid to turn up the heat during the bedroom scenes (such as they are), or amp up the emotion in the romantic relationships, or the angst of relationships past, the skeevy vibes of a stalker, or the devious nature of the desperate and money-hungry. As much as part of me wanted to try to figure out so much as I went along, I was having such a fabulous time reading, that was wholly unnecessary. Nary a plot hole to be found here: Ellis crafted this one with expert precision and perfect timing and I wouldn't change a SINGLE THING!
This is hands-down my favorite book of the year, my FIRST five star read published in 2022 (!) and easily one of the best thrillers I've read in the past two or even three years. I can't think of a better book to be published after the Fourth of July. But unlike your local show, this book is ALL light, spark, and sizzle...but with ZERO fizzle! 🧨
5 shining stars
Special thanks to my Goodreads friend Holly, whose excellent review inspired me to read this book!!
Now in paperback!
If Look Closer were a Black Eyed Peas song, it would have to be...
BOOM BOOM POW! 🎇🎇🎇
This firecracker of a thriller is filled with explosive twists, scandalous turns, clever wordplay, and will leave you BREATHLESS! Prepare to cancel your plans, be on the edge of your seat, and be surreptitiously opening this book at EVERY opportunity! This is a 5 star stunner you won't soon forget!
I'd recommend going in as blind as possible, but for a quick intro to this tale? Simon is a law professor who isn't quite the buttoned up, stuffed shirt type. He's after a full professorship, but hasn't quite gotten there. His partner Vicky does some noble work of her own at a shelter for abused women. These two click well, and life seems simple and straightforward... until it isn't.
Lauren Betancourt is a wealthy and stunning woman...well, she WAS a wealthy and stunning woman. Found dead hanging over the banister on Halloween night, police don't know where to begin....but Simon might. Or is it his wife Vicky who could shed some light?
What follows is more than your average murder mystery...where sex, money, lies, secret lives, burner phones, a mysterious journal, and a hefty trust fund of 20 MILLION dollars all have a part to play in the fabulously twisty, knotted, complex, and expertly crafted tale! Can you figure out WHO launched that fated rope over the banister on Halloween night, WHAT the perp had to gain, WHERE the murderer first saw Lauren, WHEN the plot was hatched, WHY it had to be Lauren...and HOW on earth they are confident they'll escape with more than just their freedom...but the 20 million dollar windfall to boot??
(If you figure out ANY of this, by the way, you're FAR better than I!)
I've never picked up a David Ellis novel (or even heard of him!) prior to a few months ago, and I could not stop mentally kicking myself throughout the pages of this read. From the very start, I was hooked, as Ellis nailed EVERY SINGLE ONE of my hallmarks for fabulous and unputdownable thrillers, from short snappy chapters, to fantastic character development, and from thorough and intricate plotting, to INCREDIBLE twists that kept coming, coming, coming at just the right intervals. Not a single one was OTT, and for the genre these days, that is somewhat of a small miracle!
I can't remember the last time I found any excuse to open a book, even if I was only going to have time for HALF A PAGE, but that is how good this one is! Although it clocks in at over 400 pages, I truly think that back in my less busy and childfree days, I could have zipped through this on a Saturday afternoon with no regrets, as long as I was armed with snacks of course!
I LOVE thrillers that make me smile, and Simon's love for language games had me giggling, and some of the snarky and witty inner monologues of various characters also had me chuckling. Ellis also isn't afraid to turn up the heat during the bedroom scenes (such as they are), or amp up the emotion in the romantic relationships, or the angst of relationships past, the skeevy vibes of a stalker, or the devious nature of the desperate and money-hungry. As much as part of me wanted to try to figure out so much as I went along, I was having such a fabulous time reading, that was wholly unnecessary. Nary a plot hole to be found here: Ellis crafted this one with expert precision and perfect timing and I wouldn't change a SINGLE THING!
This is hands-down my favorite book of the year, my FIRST five star read published in 2022 (!) and easily one of the best thrillers I've read in the past two or even three years. I can't think of a better book to be published after the Fourth of July. But unlike your local show, this book is ALL light, spark, and sizzle...but with ZERO fizzle! 🧨
5 shining stars
Special thanks to my Goodreads friend Holly, whose excellent review inspired me to read this book!!
Now in paperback!
June 13, 2024
Part Gone Girl, part Strangers on a Train.
It begins with a dead socialite hanging from the stair railing in her wealthy suburban Chicago home. And it begins from the perspective of the man who killed her, walking away from the scene of the crime, on Halloween night, in a Grim Reaper costume with no one the wiser.
From there, this twisty, turny, rollercoaster of a thriller is off to the races.
Because nothing and no one in this story is what they seem. Or even close to it. At all.
╰⪼ Psychological/Domestic Thriller
╰⪼ Fast Paced
╰⪼ Greed
╰⪼ Revenge
╰⪼ Obsession
╰⪼ Corkscrew Turns
╰⪼ Surprising Twists
╰⪼ The Perfect Murder?
Besties!! This book! This book. This book! Omg! Talk about keep me on the edge of my seat and ignore/give minimal effort to my responsibilities today in order to find out what was going to happen next!
All of the characters in this story are unreliable and morally grey. Best kind of characters to have in a thriller-keeps you on your toes!
I was hooked from the first page and couldn't put the book down. It's compulsive, electrifying, gripping, and pure entertainment at it's finest!
I don't want to say anything more about the plot of the story other than what I already did. I'm so afraid of saying something that will clue readers into something spoilery. And this story is just way too good to miss out on.
╰⪼ I highly recommend reading this to literally anyone and everyone.
It begins with a dead socialite hanging from the stair railing in her wealthy suburban Chicago home. And it begins from the perspective of the man who killed her, walking away from the scene of the crime, on Halloween night, in a Grim Reaper costume with no one the wiser.
From there, this twisty, turny, rollercoaster of a thriller is off to the races.
Because nothing and no one in this story is what they seem. Or even close to it. At all.
╰⪼ Psychological/Domestic Thriller
╰⪼ Fast Paced
╰⪼ Greed
╰⪼ Revenge
╰⪼ Obsession
╰⪼ Corkscrew Turns
╰⪼ Surprising Twists
╰⪼ The Perfect Murder?
Besties!! This book! This book. This book! Omg! Talk about keep me on the edge of my seat and ignore/give minimal effort to my responsibilities today in order to find out what was going to happen next!
All of the characters in this story are unreliable and morally grey. Best kind of characters to have in a thriller-keeps you on your toes!
I was hooked from the first page and couldn't put the book down. It's compulsive, electrifying, gripping, and pure entertainment at it's finest!
I don't want to say anything more about the plot of the story other than what I already did. I'm so afraid of saying something that will clue readers into something spoilery. And this story is just way too good to miss out on.
╰⪼ I highly recommend reading this to literally anyone and everyone.
November 4, 2023
Searching for a perfectly executed psychological thriller? Look closer and you’ve found it right here. Ellis managed to deliver punch after punch, with small pockets of air where you could draw your breath before you dove right into the story once again. There was always a new revelation waiting, and how he managed to do that, I don’t know. His brilliant lawyer mind maybe, used to come up with loopholes and twisting the truth into a new narrative? Add two awesome characters, with sarcasm as their middle name, and you have a an amazing psychological thriller.
October 3, 2023
Okay WHAT I need to catch my breath
August 26, 2022
"Hello stranger danger"
I am speechless. What a brilliant thriller! Look no further readers. This is the mystery thriller you do not want to miss.
A few POVs - Simon, an associate law professor with a $21mil trust fund, Vicky - the wife of 9 years and 51 weeks, Jane - the detective, and the green journal. This is as twisty as it gets. Hooked me from the beginning to the end.
Look Closer is my 7th book by David Ellis and for me his best yet. Who was I kidding to think I can predict the ending? I don't know how many times I had to rewind a few chapters because I wanted to make sure I didn't miss any details. I had a couple of "wait...what?" with my mouth opened moments. Needless to say, all that rewinding didn't help as I was fooled big time!🤓
July 5, 2022
HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY! (July 5, 2022)
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.
August 7, 2022
4.5 Stars
I am still fairly new to the thriller/mystery/suspense genre and, despite being a lifelong power reader, have only been reading it the last few years...so I'm not sure if that means I'm still easily impressed at this point or what, but...I was very impressed by this book and the way Ellis laid this thing out.
There were so many moving parts and I thought it was brilliant how everything came together in the end. And I ALWAYS love a good revenge story. I don't want to say too much so as not to spoil any plot points, so I'll stop there. But I really enjoyed this and will definitely check out more from this author in the future.
***ARC received via Netgalley for an honest review***
I am still fairly new to the thriller/mystery/suspense genre and, despite being a lifelong power reader, have only been reading it the last few years...so I'm not sure if that means I'm still easily impressed at this point or what, but...I was very impressed by this book and the way Ellis laid this thing out.
There were so many moving parts and I thought it was brilliant how everything came together in the end. And I ALWAYS love a good revenge story. I don't want to say too much so as not to spoil any plot points, so I'll stop there. But I really enjoyed this and will definitely check out more from this author in the future.
***ARC received via Netgalley for an honest review***
May 29, 2024
‘Don’t speak unless you have something to say,” she used to say to me during our talks when she tucked me in. “But when you do choose to speak, say what you mean, mean what you say, and be ready to support your points. If you can’t support your point of view, then it wasn’t much of a point of view to begin with.’
Look Closer by David Ellis is a compelling psychological thriller that intricately weaves suspense and plot twists, making it a standout in the genre.
The novel follows the complex lives of Simon and Vicky, whose seemingly perfect marriage hides dark secrets and a labyrinth of deception. Ellis masterfully unravels their story through alternating perspectives and timelines, ensuring that just when you think you have a handle on the plot, a new twist shatters your expectations. This structure not only maintains suspense but also adds depth to the characters, making their motives and actions all the more intriguing.
Ellis excels at creating a tense atmosphere. His prose is sharp and precise, painting vivid scenes that enhance the overall feeling of unease. The characters are well developed, each with their own flaws and secrets, which makes their interactions all the more compelling. Simon, in particular, stands out as a character whose dual nature keeps readers guessing about his true intentions.
One of the strengths of Look Closer is its exploration of themes like trust, betrayal, and the facades people maintain. Ellis delves into the psychological aspects of his characters, offering insights into their inner worlds and the reasons behind their actions.
Some readers might find the multiple perspectives and timelines a bit disorienting at first. The narrative requires close attention to detail, but this complexity ultimately pays off as the pieces of the puzzle come together in a satisfying and unexpected conclusion.
Look Closer is a meticulously crafted thriller. It's a must read for fans of psychological thrillers who enjoy a story that challenges their perceptions and keeps them guessing until the very end.
I Highly Recommend.
Look Closer by David Ellis is a compelling psychological thriller that intricately weaves suspense and plot twists, making it a standout in the genre.
The novel follows the complex lives of Simon and Vicky, whose seemingly perfect marriage hides dark secrets and a labyrinth of deception. Ellis masterfully unravels their story through alternating perspectives and timelines, ensuring that just when you think you have a handle on the plot, a new twist shatters your expectations. This structure not only maintains suspense but also adds depth to the characters, making their motives and actions all the more intriguing.
Ellis excels at creating a tense atmosphere. His prose is sharp and precise, painting vivid scenes that enhance the overall feeling of unease. The characters are well developed, each with their own flaws and secrets, which makes their interactions all the more compelling. Simon, in particular, stands out as a character whose dual nature keeps readers guessing about his true intentions.
One of the strengths of Look Closer is its exploration of themes like trust, betrayal, and the facades people maintain. Ellis delves into the psychological aspects of his characters, offering insights into their inner worlds and the reasons behind their actions.
Some readers might find the multiple perspectives and timelines a bit disorienting at first. The narrative requires close attention to detail, but this complexity ultimately pays off as the pieces of the puzzle come together in a satisfying and unexpected conclusion.
Look Closer is a meticulously crafted thriller. It's a must read for fans of psychological thrillers who enjoy a story that challenges their perceptions and keeps them guessing until the very end.
I Highly Recommend.
July 29, 2022
Simon is a law professor and his wife, Vicky works at a center for victims of domestic violence. The marriage has grown stale and both are keeping secrets from one another.
However, their lives are going to be shaken up and what follows is anything but boring.
I’m not going to say much about the plot but there is a woman who has a past history with Simon, who was found murdered and hanging from a bannister in her home. Secrets begin to unravel.
Add in a 20-million-dollar trust fund, a con man financial advisor, an old unsolved murder, and the two detectives working the case. Throw in lies, affairs, greed, and revenge. Top it all off with red herrings galore, twists upon twists, and a plot so diabolical there is no chance of guessing where this is going.
Sometime less is more, but not this time! This time more means more fun for the reader and no eye rolls. Is there anyone to root for? Other than the poor detectives charged with the investigation?
The less you know going in, the better, so my review is deliberately vague.The plot is a complex one, but the author ties it all together in the end. Hang on tight, because it is quite the roller coaster! The author is a judge and I must say I like the way his mind works.
A fun read!
• I received a digital ARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
• I also listened to the audiobook, which had an excellent cast of narrators
• Available now
However, their lives are going to be shaken up and what follows is anything but boring.
I’m not going to say much about the plot but there is a woman who has a past history with Simon, who was found murdered and hanging from a bannister in her home. Secrets begin to unravel.
Add in a 20-million-dollar trust fund, a con man financial advisor, an old unsolved murder, and the two detectives working the case. Throw in lies, affairs, greed, and revenge. Top it all off with red herrings galore, twists upon twists, and a plot so diabolical there is no chance of guessing where this is going.
Sometime less is more, but not this time! This time more means more fun for the reader and no eye rolls. Is there anyone to root for? Other than the poor detectives charged with the investigation?
The less you know going in, the better, so my review is deliberately vague.The plot is a complex one, but the author ties it all together in the end. Hang on tight, because it is quite the roller coaster! The author is a judge and I must say I like the way his mind works.
A fun read!
• I received a digital ARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
• I also listened to the audiobook, which had an excellent cast of narrators
• Available now
September 28, 2023
5.0++++ stars— First, let me give credit to Goodread reviewer, Jayme, whose review of “Look Closer” made me add it to my Want to Read List. I had read one of David Ellis’s older books a few years ago so I knew he was a good writer, but I didn’t know he was this good. If there was a more clever sequel to “Gone Girl” where everything you think about a character or predict about the plot gets turned on its head, then “Look Closer” is it. I know it is not easy for an author to put unexpected twists and turns in his or her book without causing it to collapse in a a sea of implausibilities, but when they are done well nothing gives me more enjoyment than reading a good book filled with them. This is that book. “Look Closer” tells the story of Simon, a law school professor, who is married to Vicky. Simon’s father left him a 21 million dollar inheritance in a trust which is set up to where it is solely Simon’s property until he is married to his wife for 10 years at that time it would then convert to joint marital property. As Vicki and Simon approach their 10 year anniversary, both start acting in ways that could jeopardize their marriage and Vickie’s shot at being joint owner of 21 million dollars. To say that the book takes off from there and that nothing is what it seems is an understatement. I won’t spoil the book by giving away plot points, but I will say the author does as good of a job of writing a fast paced thriller that is exciting from beginning to end than I have read in quite a while. He did so good of a job that I ended up reading this 420 page book in less than 3 days. I would definitely rate this as the best thriller I’ve read in the last 5 years, and it definitely should have been the thriller of the year for 2022 (I’m still baffled that the ridiculously overrated “The Maid” won). All I can tell you is if you liked “Gone Girl” do yourself a favor and read this book and see if you don’t like it better.
August 14, 2022
David Ellis … you are a freaking magician. Look Closer, you say? You played the ultimate shell game. I watched you put the ball under one of those shells and switch them all around before my eyes, but your sleight of hand was masterful and I never ONCE guessed where that ball ended up, no matter how closely I looked.
So who are the “shells” in this game? You have married couple Simon Dobias and his wife Vicky Lanier Dobias, a law professor and victims advocate, respectively, wealthy socialite Lauren Betancourt, and financial planner, Christian Newsome. What is the “ball” being played? Well, on the surface I’d say it’s Simon’s $21 million dollar trust fund that’s due to become his without strings in just a matter of days, and all four of these characters are keenly aware of it.
Small change to the game, though: one of them won’t make it through Halloween night. That’s one shell out of the game, but I promise it won’t matter. Ellis is going to mess with your head with the remaining three, so buckle up.
Normally I’d give a longer rundown of the story and plot, but this is definitely an occasion where the less said the better. I personally think even the blurb says way too much, so I’d recommend going in as blind as possible for ultimate enjoyment.
I listened to this on audiobook, narrated by a full cast: Will Damron, Hillary Huber, Elizabeth Garrett, and Steve West, all of whom did a stellar job giving voice to these characters.
It says something when I tell you that I don’t even like magic, but I’d watch Ellis play this game all day long, just so I could walk away with a smile on my face at how many times and in how many ways he fooled me! If you want to read a murder mystery/thriller done right, I recommend you look closer at this one. I know I’ll be eagerly watching for what else he has up his sleeve!
★★★★★❤️
So who are the “shells” in this game? You have married couple Simon Dobias and his wife Vicky Lanier Dobias, a law professor and victims advocate, respectively, wealthy socialite Lauren Betancourt, and financial planner, Christian Newsome. What is the “ball” being played? Well, on the surface I’d say it’s Simon’s $21 million dollar trust fund that’s due to become his without strings in just a matter of days, and all four of these characters are keenly aware of it.
Small change to the game, though: one of them won’t make it through Halloween night. That’s one shell out of the game, but I promise it won’t matter. Ellis is going to mess with your head with the remaining three, so buckle up.
Normally I’d give a longer rundown of the story and plot, but this is definitely an occasion where the less said the better. I personally think even the blurb says way too much, so I’d recommend going in as blind as possible for ultimate enjoyment.
I listened to this on audiobook, narrated by a full cast: Will Damron, Hillary Huber, Elizabeth Garrett, and Steve West, all of whom did a stellar job giving voice to these characters.
It says something when I tell you that I don’t even like magic, but I’d watch Ellis play this game all day long, just so I could walk away with a smile on my face at how many times and in how many ways he fooled me! If you want to read a murder mystery/thriller done right, I recommend you look closer at this one. I know I’ll be eagerly watching for what else he has up his sleeve!
★★★★★❤️
January 21, 2022
This is my first David Ellis book and will not be my last. A lot of thought and study went into it. A clever, fast-paced psychological thriller sure to be a best seller! I was drawn in by so many elements and especially the law abiding precision and constitutional protections that Professor of Law, Simon, teaches at a university in Chicago.
The title alone gives away the need to be on alert: LOOK CLOSER!
Appearing normal with unusual backgrounds, Simon and Vicky have shared a home together for ten years and upon their anniversary they will be awarded a trust fund left by his father of twenty million dollars. As secrets unravel and normal turns sketchy, it will have you questioning.... who is conning who?
A beautiful, wealthy woman, Lauren, is found dead in a suburban mansion. How is she linked to them? This will have you gripping your seat and wondering who is insane or imagining what is occurring. With grudges on the table, comes obsession, lies and devastating consequences. There are several characters introduced and creates a phenomenal web to untangle and reconnect. Many POVs give a well-rounded look into their minds. The breaking down of the law and examining how to get away with The Perfect Murder will be so profound I'm not sure if Bull would have known these intense breakdowns... LOL .....One of them is a killer or a con artist.... Well-played!!!!
Side Note* Reading Simon's quirks on etymology and lexicology highlighting the extensive linguistics in our society cracked me up and I couldn't wait for his next approach on words.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons for this title in exchange for my honest review.
The title alone gives away the need to be on alert: LOOK CLOSER!
Appearing normal with unusual backgrounds, Simon and Vicky have shared a home together for ten years and upon their anniversary they will be awarded a trust fund left by his father of twenty million dollars. As secrets unravel and normal turns sketchy, it will have you questioning.... who is conning who?
A beautiful, wealthy woman, Lauren, is found dead in a suburban mansion. How is she linked to them? This will have you gripping your seat and wondering who is insane or imagining what is occurring. With grudges on the table, comes obsession, lies and devastating consequences. There are several characters introduced and creates a phenomenal web to untangle and reconnect. Many POVs give a well-rounded look into their minds. The breaking down of the law and examining how to get away with The Perfect Murder will be so profound I'm not sure if Bull would have known these intense breakdowns... LOL .....One of them is a killer or a con artist.... Well-played!!!!
Side Note* Reading Simon's quirks on etymology and lexicology highlighting the extensive linguistics in our society cracked me up and I couldn't wait for his next approach on words.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons for this title in exchange for my honest review.
March 10, 2023
4.5 great twists!
Not sure why I waited so long to read this one, but I loved it! This is the kind of book I want when I read a thriller. I want something that completely surprises me, one where I can't guess what is going to happen.
I honestly went into this domestic thriller completely blind (except for knowing that the large majority of readers really liked it) and I think it's the best way to go about your reading experience. Just know that it is a story that will take you for a wild ride. You will never know who is telling the truth and who is not, and in this case it's an entirely good thing because it builds suspense towards some gasping reveals.
If you're looking for a unique suspense tale, then look no further. This one is a winner.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Not sure why I waited so long to read this one, but I loved it! This is the kind of book I want when I read a thriller. I want something that completely surprises me, one where I can't guess what is going to happen.
I honestly went into this domestic thriller completely blind (except for knowing that the large majority of readers really liked it) and I think it's the best way to go about your reading experience. Just know that it is a story that will take you for a wild ride. You will never know who is telling the truth and who is not, and in this case it's an entirely good thing because it builds suspense towards some gasping reveals.
If you're looking for a unique suspense tale, then look no further. This one is a winner.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
August 2, 2022
Stunningly good......
Look Closer needs a closer look from all of you avid readers out there. It's now one of my top reads of 2022. Why? David Ellis is a master of intrigue and mysterious mischief. I like my mystery/thrillers smart and Ellis lights up the sky with it. He's created deeply intricate characters that are knotted up tight with secrets and questionable behavior. And he thrusts them into the surround sound of a storyline that you've not experienced before. Clever, oh so clever.
The game of life keeps score with money. The haves and the have nots in this world. At stake here is 21 million dollars in a tidy trust fund. Simon Dobias' father, Ted, left that huge chunk of change for his son with the stipulation that his partner will share access to it after ten years of marriage. Said partner is Vicky who is just counting the days until November 3rd when she can reap its benefits.
Simon is a law professor who is up for a full professorship. But there's a tag hangin' off his legal application for the position. Simon's father, Ted, gifter of huge amounts, was found murdered in his swimming pool in St. Louis. Simon is still living in the shadows of that police investigation. Vicky works at a women's shelter. She also has shadows following her from her past. Together, they seem to have a plan in place that seems to travel on crooked roads.
All roads lead to Rome and one of them possibly leads to this unusual team. The body of a beautiful socialite is found hanging from her second floor balcony. The police thought it was suicide, but the devil is in the details. It's definitely murder. Simon knew Lauren from years ago......and not in a good way. The police just can't seem to shake those cobwebs from St. Louis. Is there anything shakin' here? You betcha!
Look Closer is a must read. It published recently. Do yourself a favor and grab this one. Guaranteed to tie you up in an outstanding read for the Summer. Sizzlin' storyline.......
Look Closer needs a closer look from all of you avid readers out there. It's now one of my top reads of 2022. Why? David Ellis is a master of intrigue and mysterious mischief. I like my mystery/thrillers smart and Ellis lights up the sky with it. He's created deeply intricate characters that are knotted up tight with secrets and questionable behavior. And he thrusts them into the surround sound of a storyline that you've not experienced before. Clever, oh so clever.
The game of life keeps score with money. The haves and the have nots in this world. At stake here is 21 million dollars in a tidy trust fund. Simon Dobias' father, Ted, left that huge chunk of change for his son with the stipulation that his partner will share access to it after ten years of marriage. Said partner is Vicky who is just counting the days until November 3rd when she can reap its benefits.
Simon is a law professor who is up for a full professorship. But there's a tag hangin' off his legal application for the position. Simon's father, Ted, gifter of huge amounts, was found murdered in his swimming pool in St. Louis. Simon is still living in the shadows of that police investigation. Vicky works at a women's shelter. She also has shadows following her from her past. Together, they seem to have a plan in place that seems to travel on crooked roads.
All roads lead to Rome and one of them possibly leads to this unusual team. The body of a beautiful socialite is found hanging from her second floor balcony. The police thought it was suicide, but the devil is in the details. It's definitely murder. Simon knew Lauren from years ago......and not in a good way. The police just can't seem to shake those cobwebs from St. Louis. Is there anything shakin' here? You betcha!
Look Closer is a must read. It published recently. Do yourself a favor and grab this one. Guaranteed to tie you up in an outstanding read for the Summer. Sizzlin' storyline.......
July 29, 2022
Pssst. come here. Look closer.
A murder. whodunnit it? He/she/they? This was a mind spinner. A bitter cast of characters all selfishly want Simon’s money. Some marvellous twists that surprised even this thriller cynic. A Clever and satisfying read. 4⭐️
A murder. whodunnit it? He/she/they? This was a mind spinner. A bitter cast of characters all selfishly want Simon’s money. Some marvellous twists that surprised even this thriller cynic. A Clever and satisfying read. 4⭐️
July 2, 2022
Well, well, well what do we have here?
A carefully plotted and twisty book which does not disappoint.
Simon and Vicky appear to be a happily married couple, but when the body of a socialite is found hanging nearby, their secrets and lies may be exposed.
Whew! David Ellis had my attention from page one. I kept wondering who could be trusted? Who is reliable? Will the cops catch a killer?
This was an engrossing and riveting book that had so many twists and turns that I needed to hang on to my hat and hope not to get whiplash! Clever, clever clever!
Go in as blind as possible and enjoy the ride!
#LookCloser #NetGalley
Thank you to PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
A carefully plotted and twisty book which does not disappoint.
Simon and Vicky appear to be a happily married couple, but when the body of a socialite is found hanging nearby, their secrets and lies may be exposed.
Whew! David Ellis had my attention from page one. I kept wondering who could be trusted? Who is reliable? Will the cops catch a killer?
This was an engrossing and riveting book that had so many twists and turns that I needed to hang on to my hat and hope not to get whiplash! Clever, clever clever!
Go in as blind as possible and enjoy the ride!
#LookCloser #NetGalley
Thank you to PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
September 25, 2022
This is a must-read and I will say, it should also be a must-make movie.
How cool would it be to see these characters come to life?
After hearing so many good things about this book from Jayme, Holly, and Christina (to name a few), I had a huge FOMO. I knew I had to read Look Closer.
I can honestly say that I found it to be addicting. I listened to the audible every waking moment I had when I was not working and finished it in record time.
The characters were intriguing and I was rooting for Simon and Vicky Dobias almost from the very beginning. Yes, neither was perfect but I liked them individually. The other two characters that had a POV were Christian Newsome who is a financial advisor and Jane, the detective in charge of the investigation.
The murder of Lauren Betancourt was committed on Halloween night and maybe one of the main characters was the killer.
That is it. My lips are sealed in regards to any more details. I had none when I started it and I believe this is the way to go to get the most out of it.
Deception, intrigue, vengeance, revenge, and cleverness were all pieces that made this puzzle, one to be remembered.
Cliffhanger: No
5/5 Fangs
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
How cool would it be to see these characters come to life?
After hearing so many good things about this book from Jayme, Holly, and Christina (to name a few), I had a huge FOMO. I knew I had to read Look Closer.
I can honestly say that I found it to be addicting. I listened to the audible every waking moment I had when I was not working and finished it in record time.
The characters were intriguing and I was rooting for Simon and Vicky Dobias almost from the very beginning. Yes, neither was perfect but I liked them individually. The other two characters that had a POV were Christian Newsome who is a financial advisor and Jane, the detective in charge of the investigation.
The murder of Lauren Betancourt was committed on Halloween night and maybe one of the main characters was the killer.
That is it. My lips are sealed in regards to any more details. I had none when I started it and I believe this is the way to go to get the most out of it.
Deception, intrigue, vengeance, revenge, and cleverness were all pieces that made this puzzle, one to be remembered.
Cliffhanger: No
5/5 Fangs
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
September 30, 2022
Such a fun thriller with some nicely plotted twists! While none of them were completely mind-blowing, they were still extremely clever. Don't let the length deter you. You'll will get hooked on this one almost immediately and gobble through the short chapters until the highly entertaining conclusion! Can't wait to read more from this author.
May 26, 2022
Simon and Vickie are a happily married couple. He a law professor and she works at a women's shelter helping victims of abuse. What happens to a happily married couple when the love of Simon's previous life steps back in the picture? That's what happens when he spots Lauren Lemoyne on the street outside his work. He can't believe his eyes. She's back! He knows what he should do. He knows he should just ignore her and walk away. He knows all this in his head but his heart is leading him astray and right back into her arms.
What happens to a happily married couple when Vickie finds out that Simon hasn't been faithful? You'll have to read this to find out!
I can not in good conscience say any more than that.
David Ellis, you sly dog! How is this the first book I've read by you?!?! This is the kind of book where everything you think you know you don't. This is the kind of book where you think you're heading in one direction when the author pulls a u-ey so fast you have whiplash. This is the kind of book that my cold black heart adores. Jaw drops, gasps, and muttering WTF is how I spent the majority of my time reading this book. It was so intricately woven that I am in awe. I, personally, did myself and this book a disservice by reading it in fits and starts. I wish I hadn't been so busy when I picked this up that I couldn't read it in a sitting or two. So not only do I give this exceptional psychological thriller my highest recommendation but I suggest you pick this up at a time when you can devote yourself to it for the maximum mind blowing effect it will have on you. ALL. THE. STARS!!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for my complimentary copy.
What happens to a happily married couple when Vickie finds out that Simon hasn't been faithful? You'll have to read this to find out!
I can not in good conscience say any more than that.
David Ellis, you sly dog! How is this the first book I've read by you?!?! This is the kind of book where everything you think you know you don't. This is the kind of book where you think you're heading in one direction when the author pulls a u-ey so fast you have whiplash. This is the kind of book that my cold black heart adores. Jaw drops, gasps, and muttering WTF is how I spent the majority of my time reading this book. It was so intricately woven that I am in awe. I, personally, did myself and this book a disservice by reading it in fits and starts. I wish I hadn't been so busy when I picked this up that I couldn't read it in a sitting or two. So not only do I give this exceptional psychological thriller my highest recommendation but I suggest you pick this up at a time when you can devote yourself to it for the maximum mind blowing effect it will have on you. ALL. THE. STARS!!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for my complimentary copy.
July 12, 2024
4.25⭐
Genre ~ psychological thriller
Setting ~ Illinois
Publication date ~ July 5, 2022
Publisher ~ G.P. Putnam's Sons
Est Page Count ~ 459
Audio length ~ 13 hours
Narrators ~ Will Damron, Hillary Huber, Elizabeth Garrett and Steve Wes
POV ~ multiple 1st
Featuring ~suicide references, crime, police procedural, revenge, betrayal, secrets, lies, infidelity up the wazoo
Our narrators are ~ married couple Simon & Vicky, Jane, the detective, & Christian.
A tagline that came true! It certainly was a wickedly clever and fast-paced novel of greed, revenge, obsession--and quite possibly the perfect murder.
With an average rating of 4.2 here and 4.3 on Amazon you know this one is a winner, so I don't have to say too much except sneaky sneaky sneaky!
Narration notes:
They are all well seasoned narrators and did a great job. I am so happy we had 4!
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ psychological thriller
Setting ~ Illinois
Publication date ~ July 5, 2022
Publisher ~ G.P. Putnam's Sons
Est Page Count ~ 459
Audio length ~ 13 hours
Narrators ~ Will Damron, Hillary Huber, Elizabeth Garrett and Steve Wes
POV ~ multiple 1st
Featuring ~suicide references, crime, police procedural, revenge, betrayal, secrets, lies, infidelity up the wazoo
Our narrators are ~ married couple Simon & Vicky, Jane, the detective, & Christian.
A tagline that came true! It certainly was a wickedly clever and fast-paced novel of greed, revenge, obsession--and quite possibly the perfect murder.
With an average rating of 4.2 here and 4.3 on Amazon you know this one is a winner, so I don't have to say too much except sneaky sneaky sneaky!
Narration notes:
They are all well seasoned narrators and did a great job. I am so happy we had 4!
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
February 1, 2023
3 stars.
An entertaining eye-roller!
Simon and Vicky live in a wealthy close-knit neighbourhood. The community is shocked when a local woman is found hanging in her foyer — a woman Simon has a history with. As the police investigate the death, deeply buried secrets start getting revealed. Hidden affairs, multi-million dollar trust funds, con artists — nothing is what it seems.
This book has countless raving 5 star reviews which is what enticed me to pick it up. I connected with the story immediately and found myself invested and curious. The fast paced storyline kept me flipping the pages quickly at the start.
My connection began to waver when I got a third of the way in. I give this book a lot of credit for the countless twists and turns that keep the reader curious and guessing right until the very end. However, the twists and turns were too far fetched for me to buy into and the manipulation was over the top. As more twists and manipulation happened, it simply became too much. I didn’t believe anything that was happening after the halfway point.
I’m definitely the outlier with my thoughts, so please check out the multiple 5 star reviews before deciding on this.
Thank you to my lovely local library for the loan!
An entertaining eye-roller!
Simon and Vicky live in a wealthy close-knit neighbourhood. The community is shocked when a local woman is found hanging in her foyer — a woman Simon has a history with. As the police investigate the death, deeply buried secrets start getting revealed. Hidden affairs, multi-million dollar trust funds, con artists — nothing is what it seems.
This book has countless raving 5 star reviews which is what enticed me to pick it up. I connected with the story immediately and found myself invested and curious. The fast paced storyline kept me flipping the pages quickly at the start.
My connection began to waver when I got a third of the way in. I give this book a lot of credit for the countless twists and turns that keep the reader curious and guessing right until the very end. However, the twists and turns were too far fetched for me to buy into and the manipulation was over the top. As more twists and manipulation happened, it simply became too much. I didn’t believe anything that was happening after the halfway point.
I’m definitely the outlier with my thoughts, so please check out the multiple 5 star reviews before deciding on this.
Thank you to my lovely local library for the loan!
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