Book Review: The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club (A Hu Done It Mystery, #1)
When I first spotted The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club by Bishakh Som on NetGalley, how could I resist? With a title that teeters on the edge of absurdity and a quirky cover promising charm and intrigue, it felt like a delightful escapade waiting to unfold. However, my excitement gave way to mixed feelings as I delved deeper into the narrative.
Set against the backdrop of a quirky mystery, the plot revolves around Kat, a relatable heroine, who finds herself entangled with her ex-boyfriend and his ex-girlfriends after a sinister series of events. From the outset, the book had strong hints of John Tucker Must Die, and while the humorous premise piqued my curiosity, it ultimately proved to be more "cozy" than captivating for my tastes.
One of the major themes explored is friendship among women, particularly how the ex-girlfriends band together. While I commend the intention behind showcasing their solidarity, the characters felt like caricatures plucked from a Hollywood casting call. Hot exes, a sleazy protagonist, and an achingly desirable detective—“Welcome to Hottie Central Casting!” Indeed, I found it hard to connect with the ensemble cast. I neither disliked nor loved the characters; they simply occupied space in the narrative, lacking the depth that could have made me root for them.
The tonal shifts throughout the story left me feeling unanchored. Initially amusing, the lighthearted narrative quickly gave way to bewildering plot twists that strained my suspension of disbelief. The relationship dynamic between Kat and the detective—where she is allowed, almost encouraged, to play detective herself—felt contrived. The Life Alert gag? A bit much. I found myself rolling my eyes more often than nodding along with the twists, which ultimately undermined the overarching mystery.
While the writing had a certain flair that felt engaging at times, it sometimes bordered on the silly. The side threads—like Kat’s musings on bad luck—distracted rather than enriched the main narrative. There was potential there, yet it often felt like a disjointed attempt to weave in humor.
On the brighter side, the ending, while predictable, didn’t fall flat—a small consolation as I closed the final pages. The bond formed among the three women, despite its cliches, reminded me of the importance of female camaraderie, even when wrapped in a fluffy narrative.
In closing, The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club may resonate with those who revel in light-hearted mysteries laced with romantic comedy—think Hallmark movie vibes! If you prefer darker themes or intricately plotted suspense, this might not be your cup of tea. Personally, while the reading experience didn’t captivate me as hoped, it did spark reflections on friendships in unexpected places. If nothing else, it’s a reminder that every story has its audience, and sometimes, bubbly coziness may just be someone’s cup of tea.
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