David Ellis has written a masterpiece with his latest novel, "Look Closer". The book is a thrilling mystery that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. The story revolves around a wealthy married couple, Simon and Vicky, and the death of Simon's mistress, Lauren Betancourt. As the police investigate, they discover that this is not a simple suicide.

The plot is complex, but Ellis skillfully navigates through it, keeping the reader engaged and never confused. The story is in four points of view, all of them first-person present, and the characters are well-crafted. The book is filled with twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat until the very end.

A Masterful Mystery Plot

The book opens with Lauren's dead body hanging by the neck in her house and Simon fleeing from the scene. As the police try to piece together how Lauren died, they discover some interesting clues indicating this may be much more complicated than a simple suicide. Simon is the main suspect, but as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that there is much more to the story than meets the eye.

David Ellis writing is exceptional, with his attention to detail and character development being particularly noteworthy. He expertly weaves together the different points of view, making sure to maintain a delicate balance between suspense and believability. All in all, "Look Closer" is a true testament to Ellis' writing prowess, and it is sure to leave readers in awe of his masterful plot.

Unreliable Narrators: Walking a Fine Line

One of the strengths of "Look Closer" is the use of unreliable narrators. The use of unreliable narrators is a common device in literature, particularly in the mystery and thriller genres. It adds a layer of intrigue and complexity to the story, as the reader is forced to question the veracity of the narrator's account.

David Ellis employs this technique to great effect, with multiple characters acting as unreliable narrators. However, walking the line between an unreliable narrator and an unsympathetic character can be a difficult balancing act for an author. In order to keep the reader engaged, the character must be flawed, but not so much that the reader loses interest or empathy.

In "Look Closer," Simon and Vicky are both deeply flawed characters with their own secrets and motivations. Their unreliability as narrators is essential to the plot, but Ellis manages to keep them sympathetic enough that the reader remains invested in their story. Ellis skillfully walks the fine line between flawed characters and unsympathetic ones, creating a cast of characters that the reader can both love and hate.

Suspension of Disbelief and Point of View Cheat

In "Look Closer," Ellis walks a fine line with his use of unreliable narrators and a point of view cheat. While it's not uncommon in thrillers and mysteries to have characters whose perspectives cannot be fully trusted, Ellis takes it to the next level by having all four of his main characters be unreliable.

This creates a sense of ambiguity and tension throughout the story, as the reader is never quite sure what to believe. However, this also puts a strain on the reader's suspension of disbelief, as it requires them to constantly reevaluate what they think they know about the story.

Additionally, Ellis employs a point of view cheat that some readers may find off-putting. Without giving away too much of the plot, there is a significant event that occurs in the story that the reader is not privy to until much later. This event has a major impact on the story and the motivations of the characters involved, and some readers may feel that they've been cheated by not knowing about it earlier.

Despite these challenges, Ellis manages to pull off an impressive feat of storytelling with "Look Closer." He keeps the reader guessing and engaged throughout, and the payoff at the end is satisfying. While some readers may struggle with the level of unreliability and the point of view cheat, those who are willing to go along for the ride will be rewarded with a well-crafted and entertaining thriller.

"Look Closer" is an excellent thriller that keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end. The attention to detail is impressive, and the character development is exceptional. The use of unreliable narrators adds an extra layer of complexity to an already intricate plot. Ellis does an excellent job of keeping the reader engaged with the story, and the pacing is perfect. The author masterfully builds suspense, and the twists and turns keep coming until the very end.