Tuesday Mooney works as a researcher for a hospital fundraising department. She’s incredibly good at her job, and happy in her life, though she has few friends (apart from Dex, who seemingly needs her more than she needs him). One night at an auction event, Vincent Pryce (not that one), an eccentric billionaire, drops dead. He leaves behind clues to a possible fortune, and sends willing volunteers around the city on his treasure hunt.
Tuesday and Dex are in immediately, but Tuesday is distracted by another rich, handsome man, in the form of Nathaniel Arches. She thought she knew who he was from her research, but in person he seems so much more interesting. Together they team up to solve Pryce’s riddles, with help from his widow, Lila, and her friend Bert (whom Dex finds particularly interesting). There’s also a teenage neighbour, Dorry Bones, and a teenage ghost who may or may not be haunting Tuesday. The more she gets involved, the more it takes over her life. But is it just a game?
I had really enjoyed the author’s previous book, Bellweather Rhapsody, and this follow up does not disappoint. It hooked me from pretty early on, with excellent characters and a fun plot (which I liken a little to Ready Player One, but in the real world, with more accessible references). There’s also a lot more mystery going on in this one. Who is telling the truth? Who even knows the truth? Who was Vincent Pryce really? What’s going on with Nathaniel Arches? And there’s a missing best friend from childhood, Nathaniel’s missing father, as well as the clues themselves. It definitely keeps your brain working.
I liked that Tuesday wasn’t perfect, and that she realises over time how much she does need other people. Her prickliness can be understood once you understand what happened in her teenage years, and what’s still happening to her now. I would definitely read another book about her and the other characters, even though this is well wrapped up. I’d just like to spend a bit more time with them.
I think this will be my last review for the year, and for a little while too as I’m not planning to carry on next year. It’s been hard to concentrate on reading and I haven’t found many books lately I want to review. I don’t think 2021 is going to be any better for that. I’ll keep popping in to check on reviews, cos I need those recommendations!
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