I thoroughly enjoyed this murder mystery, which is written in a unique style. The entire story is laid out from the perspective of highlights from the filming of a true crime reality tv show. Each episode is a separate Chapter and contains the same type of format, in the same order. It includes a Production Information sheet regarding the shoot and the schedule, messages from an online chat group about the show, various correspondence amongst the cast (including voice mails and emails), photocopies of newspaper clippings and a dialog from the actual set during the shooting of the episode as the action occurs. I found the change in format to be refreshing and it also seemed to capture my interest from the very beginning of the book. Although I'm sure that had to do with the compelling storyline as well as the writing style!

The producer has hired a cast that includes crime experts of various types with the credentials you might expect to see in this type of show, including a former cop from the department that investigated the murder case that is the subject of the show, some 20 years ago. The director of the show is one of three siblings whose stepfather was the murder victim. Their mother was briefly a suspect but no evidence was found to implicate her further. The producer's mission is to break open the case and solve it. In Episode One they jump right in, and new information, motives and clues start to appear everywhere they turn.

As it turns out, no one is beyond suspicion and the suspense and mystery keeps building. A literal page turner! I couldn't wait to get to the end and finally find out whodunit! The book's style also makes it a quicker than normal read, boosted by the fact that you can't put it down. ( )

3.75 if I could.

The plot: Six experts are selected by a crime TV show producer to help solve an infamous 20 year old cold case murder at a family estate. The now-adult stepson of the murder victim is a member of the TV show production team. It's set in a posh area of London.

The book is written as if it is the production / shoot notes for the eight episodes. Each 'episode' covers both the filming and the airing of the episode and you get a headshot and 'bio' of the six experts and other key characters, as well as the weekly news article coverage from a crime TV critic and the newsgroup feed 'chatter' of fans dissecting each episode's clues and cliffhanger.

While it's kind of a fun idea at first, 400 pages of it wears thin. While it conveys a vibe and is an attempt to be immersive, little of the 'extra' material or supporting context really advances the plot.

While there are a lot of plot twists and misdirection/red herrings tossed in, it was fairly easy to guess whodunit. There weren't many choices and there's a pivotal clue dropped early and ignored. It was the absence of interest in that clue that stuck out to you.

It's a pleasant, low stakes way to pass time, a good rainy day read that won't stick with you for when you need one.

This was my first book by Cara Hunter and I'd definitely try another--I imagine she gave this format a try as a writer flex and while I didn't love it, I finished it without regret and admire the attempt. ( )

This book took me ages to finish, and when I finally did I forgot who the murderer was the next day. I think books in a non-book format just really don’t do it for me. ( )

The format to this book was very unique and it was fun! It was a UK book and I felt like some of the grammar was off, but not the typical UK things. So, I don't know if that was bad editing, or because of the format of a TV episode, that they put some mistakes in there. Anyway, but there were articles in there and other fun stuff. There were a lot of characters and I had to keep checking on some of them to see who they were. But each "episode" left us with a great cliffhanger. I did predict somewhat early on that I thought it was the boy who did it. However, I did waiver from that a bit, but then thought it was weird that no one else had thought of it. Then again why would he want to do the show if he was the one who had done it. It was a fun read overall, great twists, and just very different format from what I've read, so I gave it 4 stars. I can see this book being a love it or hate it kind of thing! ( )

Unique crime mystery that can't be missed!

This was such a fun read! I loved the style and format as it created an immersive experience making the reader feel totally involved in this true crime docudrama. One can review all sorts of different pieces of information such as: photos, reports, maps, emails, text conversations, and best of all -- the transcript of the TV series, Infamous, that is said to be streaming on Netflix.

The premise: A specially selected group of experts is hired to analyze the evidence surrounding a cold case involving the murder of Luke Ryder in December, 2003. Twenty years have passed and no one was ever charged. Can the team figure out what happened on that winter night?

This was twisty with a new revelation at every turn. I was able to guess parts of the true crime story but wrong about some aspects. I really enjoyed how the truth unfolded and the way the clever author chose to do it. I think it's best to read this in the shortest sitting possible to keep everything straight and to get the full appreciation of some of the discoveries, coincidences, and surprises.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for this e-book ARC to read, review, and recommend. ( )