My thoughts on the books I read in January 2024:
A Murder Is Announced by Agatha Christie
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Like many Christie novels, I guessed the gist of the mystery without placing all the smaller details perfectly. This novel reaffirms my theory that while the best Poirots might be better than the best Marples, the Marples are overall more consistent in their quality.
Post Office by Charles Bukowski
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My first time reading a Bukowski novel, and I loved it. The main character is Henry Chinaski, an alcoholic misanthrope with a brilliant intellect and no drive. I think we all have known a Chinaski at some point—someone who can be fun to be around, but whose demons ultimately bring everyone down.
The Only One Left by Riley Sager
⭐1/2
This book is infuriating. Excessive descriptions of mundane details do not add suspense. Withholding information that is commonly known and referenced by every character does not make for a good reveal. Stop beating around the bush and just tell us. The only saving grace is how self-aware the novel becomes by the end by leaning into the laughable and gratuitous twists.