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The Octopus
There's more than one way to capture a life.
When Elspeth arrives at her ex-husband's LA mansion for his 50th birthday party, she's expecting a crowd for the British film director. Instead, there are just seven other guests and Richard's pet octopus, Persephone, watching over them from her tank.
Come morning, Richard is dead.
In the weeks that follow, each of the guests come under suspicion: the school friend, the studio producer, the actress, the actor, the new boyfriend, the manager, the cinematographer and the ex-wife, Elspeth herself. As stories of Richard's past surface, colliding with Elspeth's memories of their marriage, she begins to question not just who killed Richard, but why these eight guests were invited, and what sort of man would want to trap this mysterious, intelligent creature.
From the LA hills to the Norfolk marshes, The Octopus is a stylish exploration of power: the power of memory, the power of perception, the power of one person over another.
When Elspeth arrives at her ex-husband's LA mansion for his 50th birthday party, she's expecting a crowd for the British film director. Instead, there are just seven other guests and Richard's pet octopus, Persephone, watching over them from her tank.
Come morning, Richard is dead.
In the weeks that follow, each of the guests come under suspicion: the school friend, the studio producer, the actress, the actor, the new boyfriend, the manager, the cinematographer and the ex-wife, Elspeth herself. As stories of Richard's past surface, colliding with Elspeth's memories of their marriage, she begins to question not just who killed Richard, but why these eight guests were invited, and what sort of man would want to trap this mysterious, intelligent creature.
From the LA hills to the Norfolk marshes, The Octopus is a stylish exploration of power: the power of memory, the power of perception, the power of one person over another.
304 pages, Paperback
First published April 30, 2020
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January 12, 2024
A debut novel gone wrong
Richard, a famous movie producer, is having a 50th birthday bash, and he invites 8 people as guests who have deeply impacted his life. The next morning, Elspeth (the ex-wife and mother of his daughter, Lillie) awakens to find Richard deader than a doornail. Whodunnit?
These reviews really pain me to write, because I really, really hate to put down anyone’s creative work. That being said, I refuse to lie to the book publishers, authors, and my followers. As a creator myself, I prefer actionable honesty as loving as possible so I will try to provide just that, keeping in mind what the author went through to get a book through to publication.
This book was rather dull, and this book was supposed to be a thriller. What could have been done differently?
1) 8 main characters was WAY too many. At the end of the book, I didn’t care who did it, because I didn’t care about anyone. It would have been much better for the author to pick maybe 3 (max 4) characters, showed some backstory, developed some compassion for the characters, and build up to The Moment.
2) Cut out the overly complicated sections. Early in the book, each of the characters had a card with a picture on it. Also, they each had their favorite dish. Of course, I couldn’t keep track of all of this so I had to get out a piece of paper, wrote down all of these characters, how they knew Richard, what was on the card, and what the dish was. And this was never even used later in the book. Putting this at the very beginning of the book was extremely confusing.
3) The Last Guest was written only from Elspeth’s POV. I know that this style is really overdone, but The Last Guest would have really been better off focusing on 3-4 characters and shifting the POV’s between these characters.
4) This book was written as Act I, Act II, Act III. No! This does not work for mystery/thriller. The only time I have seen this work is in Rebecca, but in all works of contemporary literature, chapters should be shorter, especially mystery/thriller. When the reader starts to approach the end, the chapter should be getting shorter and shorter. It forces the reader to turn the page rapidly, and it gives the physical sensation that the reader is running, part of the story, fully engaged, immersed, HAS to find out what is happening. Three super long chapters just do not work.
5) “Octopus” was mentioned 36 times. (Thank you, Kindle Fire, for the search feature!) This was way too many times.
6) No steam. I mean 0. It doesn’t have to raise to the level of Sally Rooney, but it had no fizzle whatsoever. This isn’t a deal breaker, but it wasn’t a plus either.
7) Develop relationships with other authors. Two of my favorite mystery authors are Riley Sager (author of Home Before Dark and The Last Time I Lied) and May Cobb (author of The Hunting Wives). When I was reading the acknowledgements of The Hunting Wives, I discovered that Riley Sager and May Cobb are friends in real life and help each other with their books! This idea is just marvelous, working with other mystery/thrillers authors! Of course, Ms. Little doesn’t have to befriend only Riley Sager or May Cobb, but I have had the opportunity to interact with both authors so I would be happy to make a twitter introduction.
This author had some interesting concepts, and it could have been decent if it was ripped apart and reformatted. Ms. Little, if you are reading this, I would be more than happy to read your second book before publication if you care for my feedback. My inbox is always open to you. Congratulations on your first novel! Despite this review, you had done what many people have not, and that is something be proud of. As a fellow Creator, there are never failures, only opportunities for learning and growth.
Overall, wait for Ms. Little’s second novel.
*Thanks, NetGalley, for a free copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest opinion.
2024 Reading Schedule
Jan Middlemarch
Feb The Grapes of Wrath
Mar Oliver Twist
Apr Madame Bovary
May A Clockwork Orange
Jun Possession
Jul The Folk of the Faraway Tree Collection
Aug Crime and Punishment
Sep Heart of Darkness
Oct Moby-Dick
Nov Far From the Madding Crowd
Dec A Tale of Two Cities
Connect With Me!
Blog Twitter BookTube Facebook Insta
Richard, a famous movie producer, is having a 50th birthday bash, and he invites 8 people as guests who have deeply impacted his life. The next morning, Elspeth (the ex-wife and mother of his daughter, Lillie) awakens to find Richard deader than a doornail. Whodunnit?
These reviews really pain me to write, because I really, really hate to put down anyone’s creative work. That being said, I refuse to lie to the book publishers, authors, and my followers. As a creator myself, I prefer actionable honesty as loving as possible so I will try to provide just that, keeping in mind what the author went through to get a book through to publication.
This book was rather dull, and this book was supposed to be a thriller. What could have been done differently?
1) 8 main characters was WAY too many. At the end of the book, I didn’t care who did it, because I didn’t care about anyone. It would have been much better for the author to pick maybe 3 (max 4) characters, showed some backstory, developed some compassion for the characters, and build up to The Moment.
2) Cut out the overly complicated sections. Early in the book, each of the characters had a card with a picture on it. Also, they each had their favorite dish. Of course, I couldn’t keep track of all of this so I had to get out a piece of paper, wrote down all of these characters, how they knew Richard, what was on the card, and what the dish was. And this was never even used later in the book. Putting this at the very beginning of the book was extremely confusing.
3) The Last Guest was written only from Elspeth’s POV. I know that this style is really overdone, but The Last Guest would have really been better off focusing on 3-4 characters and shifting the POV’s between these characters.
4) This book was written as Act I, Act II, Act III. No! This does not work for mystery/thriller. The only time I have seen this work is in Rebecca, but in all works of contemporary literature, chapters should be shorter, especially mystery/thriller. When the reader starts to approach the end, the chapter should be getting shorter and shorter. It forces the reader to turn the page rapidly, and it gives the physical sensation that the reader is running, part of the story, fully engaged, immersed, HAS to find out what is happening. Three super long chapters just do not work.
5) “Octopus” was mentioned 36 times. (Thank you, Kindle Fire, for the search feature!) This was way too many times.
6) No steam. I mean 0. It doesn’t have to raise to the level of Sally Rooney, but it had no fizzle whatsoever. This isn’t a deal breaker, but it wasn’t a plus either.
7) Develop relationships with other authors. Two of my favorite mystery authors are Riley Sager (author of Home Before Dark and The Last Time I Lied) and May Cobb (author of The Hunting Wives). When I was reading the acknowledgements of The Hunting Wives, I discovered that Riley Sager and May Cobb are friends in real life and help each other with their books! This idea is just marvelous, working with other mystery/thrillers authors! Of course, Ms. Little doesn’t have to befriend only Riley Sager or May Cobb, but I have had the opportunity to interact with both authors so I would be happy to make a twitter introduction.
This author had some interesting concepts, and it could have been decent if it was ripped apart and reformatted. Ms. Little, if you are reading this, I would be more than happy to read your second book before publication if you care for my feedback. My inbox is always open to you. Congratulations on your first novel! Despite this review, you had done what many people have not, and that is something be proud of. As a fellow Creator, there are never failures, only opportunities for learning and growth.
Overall, wait for Ms. Little’s second novel.
*Thanks, NetGalley, for a free copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest opinion.
2024 Reading Schedule
Jan Middlemarch
Feb The Grapes of Wrath
Mar Oliver Twist
Apr Madame Bovary
May A Clockwork Orange
Jun Possession
Jul The Folk of the Faraway Tree Collection
Aug Crime and Punishment
Sep Heart of Darkness
Oct Moby-Dick
Nov Far From the Madding Crowd
Dec A Tale of Two Cities
Connect With Me!
Blog Twitter BookTube Facebook Insta
April 9, 2020
Tess Little's debut is a strangely weird literary mystery which opens with the discovery of the apparent OD'd death of British director, Richard Bryant, at his exclusive Hollywood home, Sedgwick, the morning after his raucous drink and drug fuelled 50th birthday party. For those that may harbour illusions that this is straightforward crime fiction, let me strongly disabuse you of this notion, if that is what you are looking for, steer well clear of this novel. Instead, this is an intelligent exploration of power, its abuse, exploitation and the parallels between Richard's ex-wife, Elspeth, and the Persephone of myth and legend. Persephone here is the all too smart eponymous octopus, controlled and owned by Richard, imprisoned in his aquarium, constantly trying to escape, but unable to do.
Elspeth arrives for the birthday party from New York, apprehensive, anxious, not looking forward to it, but expecting the presence of her 19 year old daughter, Lillie, and large numbers of others to ameliorate the painful experience. However, Lillie does not turn up and there are only a small number of guests, including Richard's current male partner and lover, Anton Honey Carlisle, his manager, Jerry Debrowski, schoolfriend, Tommo Coates, rich producer, Miguel Montana, cinematographer, Kei Nakamura, leading lady, Sabine Semi and young actor, Charles Pace. Evidence suggests that Richard has been murdered by one of the guests, and in a narrative that goes back and forth in time, it is slowly revealed how each of the guests have motive for wanting Richard dead, and we learn just how much of a monster the odious Richard was. Elspeth becomes obsessed with Persephone, entertaining the idea of Persephone being a murder suspect too.
Richard is a Harvey Weinstein type of figure, and Little explores the nature of why no-one is willing to be honest and open about what Richard was really like through the years, the NDAs, the fear, his financial generosity, the shame, and the raw power and influence that Richard wielded. Richard has addictions, is detestable, controlling, volatile, a perfectionist, not above blackmail, a master manipulator. Elspeth lies and lies about her marriage, to the police, to her daughter, Lillie, publicly proclaiming Richard as the best of men and husbands, when this is so far from the truth. What will it take for her to be truthful? This is a astute study of a abusive marriage, memory, perception, and how the blatant horrors and terrors of a nightmare Hollywood director are tolerated. Elspeth stays with Richard for Lillie, living in denial, with her confused and fractured memories, until the pressure and threats become too much. A brilliant and offbeat read. Many thanks to Hodder and Stoughton for an ARC.
Elspeth arrives for the birthday party from New York, apprehensive, anxious, not looking forward to it, but expecting the presence of her 19 year old daughter, Lillie, and large numbers of others to ameliorate the painful experience. However, Lillie does not turn up and there are only a small number of guests, including Richard's current male partner and lover, Anton Honey Carlisle, his manager, Jerry Debrowski, schoolfriend, Tommo Coates, rich producer, Miguel Montana, cinematographer, Kei Nakamura, leading lady, Sabine Semi and young actor, Charles Pace. Evidence suggests that Richard has been murdered by one of the guests, and in a narrative that goes back and forth in time, it is slowly revealed how each of the guests have motive for wanting Richard dead, and we learn just how much of a monster the odious Richard was. Elspeth becomes obsessed with Persephone, entertaining the idea of Persephone being a murder suspect too.
Richard is a Harvey Weinstein type of figure, and Little explores the nature of why no-one is willing to be honest and open about what Richard was really like through the years, the NDAs, the fear, his financial generosity, the shame, and the raw power and influence that Richard wielded. Richard has addictions, is detestable, controlling, volatile, a perfectionist, not above blackmail, a master manipulator. Elspeth lies and lies about her marriage, to the police, to her daughter, Lillie, publicly proclaiming Richard as the best of men and husbands, when this is so far from the truth. What will it take for her to be truthful? This is a astute study of a abusive marriage, memory, perception, and how the blatant horrors and terrors of a nightmare Hollywood director are tolerated. Elspeth stays with Richard for Lillie, living in denial, with her confused and fractured memories, until the pressure and threats become too much. A brilliant and offbeat read. Many thanks to Hodder and Stoughton for an ARC.
October 17, 2021
A exclusive birthday party of successful Hollywood director’s Hollywood Hills mansion ends with director’s choking on his own vomit: in medical terms: he died because of asphyxiation! But could that narcissistic man who highly believes his perfectionist ways and his genius mind who fascinates to play dark games with people dare to take his own life so dramatically?
As the officers dig out more about 7 guests of the special night, evaluating the evidences, listening more about their back stories, they figure out there are so many secrets they kept! All of them have motives to get rid of poor Richard Bryant ( trust me ! He isn’t truly deserved your pity on him as you learn more about his interactions with his so called best friends!) and is it the murder instead of suicide attempt?
The birthday party gives eerie vibes from the beginning. All the guests are invited at different time schedules, ironic food combinations specialized for them consisted of one asparagus, Thanksgiving Turkey, tiramisu, donut, sushi etc. which are symbolizing some memories they’d experienced with Richard.
From the beginning, we feel like Richard has a great scheme to bring those people together including his ex wife Elspeth who is not happy to be here and she’s tricked to come this party because she thinks their daughter Lilly will also be there.
And Elspeth is the one who found her husband dead. As we learn more about her dysfunctional past about the couple, we suspect Elspeth also has quiet concrete reasons to take his life as like the others who have abused by the decease in different ways!
So was it a real murder? If it was, who took life of Richard?
The book is advertised as mash up of Mulholland Drive and Agatha Christie books with its claustrophobic, locked room murder mystery premise. In my opinion only common thing with Mulholland Drive is the story takes place in LA. But it doesn’t give us surreal, complex, mind bending vibes like the alternative universes created by David Lynch’s restless mind. But it is surely having resemblances with Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express. There’s a big bad wolf and the other guests truly hate the guts of him!
I like the conjecture moving back and forth help us more insider information about the characters’ pasts and empathize with the motivations behind their actions. It was slow burn, high tension read deserves your patience which made me round up 3.5 stars to 4 mysterious, dark side of Hollywood, karmic stars.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group/ Ballantine Books for making my wish come true by sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
As the officers dig out more about 7 guests of the special night, evaluating the evidences, listening more about their back stories, they figure out there are so many secrets they kept! All of them have motives to get rid of poor Richard Bryant ( trust me ! He isn’t truly deserved your pity on him as you learn more about his interactions with his so called best friends!) and is it the murder instead of suicide attempt?
The birthday party gives eerie vibes from the beginning. All the guests are invited at different time schedules, ironic food combinations specialized for them consisted of one asparagus, Thanksgiving Turkey, tiramisu, donut, sushi etc. which are symbolizing some memories they’d experienced with Richard.
From the beginning, we feel like Richard has a great scheme to bring those people together including his ex wife Elspeth who is not happy to be here and she’s tricked to come this party because she thinks their daughter Lilly will also be there.
And Elspeth is the one who found her husband dead. As we learn more about her dysfunctional past about the couple, we suspect Elspeth also has quiet concrete reasons to take his life as like the others who have abused by the decease in different ways!
So was it a real murder? If it was, who took life of Richard?
The book is advertised as mash up of Mulholland Drive and Agatha Christie books with its claustrophobic, locked room murder mystery premise. In my opinion only common thing with Mulholland Drive is the story takes place in LA. But it doesn’t give us surreal, complex, mind bending vibes like the alternative universes created by David Lynch’s restless mind. But it is surely having resemblances with Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express. There’s a big bad wolf and the other guests truly hate the guts of him!
I like the conjecture moving back and forth help us more insider information about the characters’ pasts and empathize with the motivations behind their actions. It was slow burn, high tension read deserves your patience which made me round up 3.5 stars to 4 mysterious, dark side of Hollywood, karmic stars.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group/ Ballantine Books for making my wish come true by sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
October 13, 2021
As a fan of literary crime fiction and unique storytelling concepts, I thought for sure this would be a winner for me, but the ending was so unsatisfactory that I couldn't justify a higher rating. If you enjoy slow burning murder mysteries, character driven plots, and cool pet octopuses, give this one a try for yourself. Who knows, maybe the ending will work better for you than it did for me!
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
August 25, 2021
Behind the scenes of the rich and famous, can be hard to watch....never the life they live on the big screen. When Hollywood Director, Richard, uniquely handpicks 7 guests to celebrate his 50th birthday in his glamorous mansion, his lifestyle slowly unravels. These guests include his wife, Elspeth, much to her dismay. She wants to exit quickly, but curious why this particular RSVP includes this odd assemble. Instead, the party gets out of hand with the guests passed out and when they awaken, Richard is dead.
Was it a drug overdose? Is someone to blame? How many of them had a reason to kill him?
The investigation breaks down the guests as suspects giving everyone a reason to kill him. A lot of painful memories Elspeth shares what she has tried to forget giving off some angry vibes.
The conglomerate of guests include a watchful eye from her tank is a mystical creature & octopus, Persephone. She plays a key role in her appearance. What kind of a man keeps an octopus as his pet?
This Hollywood mystery thriller is slow to start, but picks up when you disentangle this web of deception. It can be compared to Agatha Christie's brillant design of whodunnit.
Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Was it a drug overdose? Is someone to blame? How many of them had a reason to kill him?
The investigation breaks down the guests as suspects giving everyone a reason to kill him. A lot of painful memories Elspeth shares what she has tried to forget giving off some angry vibes.
The conglomerate of guests include a watchful eye from her tank is a mystical creature & octopus, Persephone. She plays a key role in her appearance. What kind of a man keeps an octopus as his pet?
This Hollywood mystery thriller is slow to start, but picks up when you disentangle this web of deception. It can be compared to Agatha Christie's brillant design of whodunnit.
Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 26, 2021
Richard Bryant, a successful British film director is turning 50 and summons a disparate group of people to help celebrate including his ex-wife Elspeth Bryant Bell, Honey Carlisle his boyfriend, his manager Jerry, old school friend Tommo and so on. The house, Sedgwick, is stunning and contains an enormous aquarium in which a large octopus called Persephone is contained. By morning Richard is dead, which one of the guests killed him and why? The story is told by Elspeth in varying timelines from the evening of the party and episodes in her marriage to Richard.
This is a novel about abuse, power and control which centres around Richard, symbolised by his control of Persephone. There are some amazingly surreal images as she makes appearances throughout the evening and the guests must have wondered if they’d consumed LSD! Richard describes how she can briefly escape her captivity but has no choice but to return to the aquarium. Persephone is very original metaphor as although she appears to be powerfully alien, yet she’s confined. The dinner party, the house and the octopus are totally theatrical, the meal is Bacchanalian resembling a Roman feast but it becomes apparent that Richard is orchestrating something and tension grows especially as he demonstrates his power and hold over them all. There are interesting dynamics between the guests who vary in their attitude to Elspeth, the characters are well portrayed but not very likeable.
As the novel progresses a picture of Richard builds and its a deeply unpleasant one to say the least. It’s clear that any one of those present at the dinner party have motive to wish Richard dead. Elspeth is interesting as the narrator and observer but you question her truthfulness as she struggles with separating truth from lies, with memory and false memory and confronting the reality of her former relationship with Richard which only emerges towards the end.
Despite the many things to praise in the book I struggle with the format at times. It drifts from past to present with no delineation and that leads to some confusion. The minutiae of the night of Richards death becomes a little tedious in its length and I would have liked the role of Honey to have been more prominent too as I think he’s important. However, overall, this is a very powerful book and it’s obvious that the author has considerable talent. This is a complex novel with powerfully original imagery - who would have thought that an octopus could be so symbolic or even thought of the octopus in the first place! Kudos, Tess Little. The topic is very current in the light of #Me Too and the conviction of Harvey Weinstein and the book shows how reluctant and difficult it is to confront your abuser and the various forms of impact if you don’t.
This is a novel about abuse, power and control which centres around Richard, symbolised by his control of Persephone. There are some amazingly surreal images as she makes appearances throughout the evening and the guests must have wondered if they’d consumed LSD! Richard describes how she can briefly escape her captivity but has no choice but to return to the aquarium. Persephone is very original metaphor as although she appears to be powerfully alien, yet she’s confined. The dinner party, the house and the octopus are totally theatrical, the meal is Bacchanalian resembling a Roman feast but it becomes apparent that Richard is orchestrating something and tension grows especially as he demonstrates his power and hold over them all. There are interesting dynamics between the guests who vary in their attitude to Elspeth, the characters are well portrayed but not very likeable.
As the novel progresses a picture of Richard builds and its a deeply unpleasant one to say the least. It’s clear that any one of those present at the dinner party have motive to wish Richard dead. Elspeth is interesting as the narrator and observer but you question her truthfulness as she struggles with separating truth from lies, with memory and false memory and confronting the reality of her former relationship with Richard which only emerges towards the end.
Despite the many things to praise in the book I struggle with the format at times. It drifts from past to present with no delineation and that leads to some confusion. The minutiae of the night of Richards death becomes a little tedious in its length and I would have liked the role of Honey to have been more prominent too as I think he’s important. However, overall, this is a very powerful book and it’s obvious that the author has considerable talent. This is a complex novel with powerfully original imagery - who would have thought that an octopus could be so symbolic or even thought of the octopus in the first place! Kudos, Tess Little. The topic is very current in the light of #Me Too and the conviction of Harvey Weinstein and the book shows how reluctant and difficult it is to confront your abuser and the various forms of impact if you don’t.
May 30, 2021
This quirky, spooky book is Mulholland Drive meets Agatha Christie, with a cameo by My Octopus Friend.
This is a moody, languid story, not so much a traditional locked room mystery (although it has all the required elements) - but more of a character study and an examination of a Hollywood marriage. Richard, a famous and demanding film director, has a party for his birthday, inviting only an odd and select group of guests, including his ex-wife, Elspeth. As a tragedy unfolds, we learn bit by bit about Elspeth’s marriage, Richards aggressive style of working, and the circle of suspects, all of whom were affected deeply by Richard both personally and professionally.
I would recommend this to anyone who likes stories about Hollywood; weird, moody movies; and octopi. Yes. Octopi. Because an octopus plays a significant role.
The book is a bit slow getting where it is going, but I really enjoyed the feel of the writing and the issues it examined. I think it could have had a bit of a stronger ending to the whodunit, however, I loved the very last line. 3.75 stars.
Thanks to Random House, Ballantine, he author and NetGalley for this unique read.
This is a moody, languid story, not so much a traditional locked room mystery (although it has all the required elements) - but more of a character study and an examination of a Hollywood marriage. Richard, a famous and demanding film director, has a party for his birthday, inviting only an odd and select group of guests, including his ex-wife, Elspeth. As a tragedy unfolds, we learn bit by bit about Elspeth’s marriage, Richards aggressive style of working, and the circle of suspects, all of whom were affected deeply by Richard both personally and professionally.
I would recommend this to anyone who likes stories about Hollywood; weird, moody movies; and octopi. Yes. Octopi. Because an octopus plays a significant role.
The book is a bit slow getting where it is going, but I really enjoyed the feel of the writing and the issues it examined. I think it could have had a bit of a stronger ending to the whodunit, however, I loved the very last line. 3.75 stars.
Thanks to Random House, Ballantine, he author and NetGalley for this unique read.
September 17, 2021
An exclusive party at a mansion in the Hollywood Hills...thrown by a famous producer in celebration of his own birthday...the guest list includes...his ex wife...his new boyfriend...his pet octopus...and a few others...Richard also decides to fall off the wagon that night...What could go wrong???
Well Richard ended up being found dead the next morning...that's what went wrong...and everyone at the party had good motive...even the octopus...
I spent much of my time trying to figure out...who did it...I failed miserably...
This read like a classic locked room mystery...which I love those...In typical fashion, it was a slow burn...as we analyzed all the suspects...the more we learn about Richard..the more we can see what fueled this outcome...let's just say...he is not exactly a nice guy...
My favorite character was Persephone...I had no idea how intelligent an octopus is...
Have you read this one? Did you realize how smart these creatures are??
Huge shoutout to Ballantine Books /Random House for my gorgeous copy!
Well Richard ended up being found dead the next morning...that's what went wrong...and everyone at the party had good motive...even the octopus...
I spent much of my time trying to figure out...who did it...I failed miserably...
This read like a classic locked room mystery...which I love those...In typical fashion, it was a slow burn...as we analyzed all the suspects...the more we learn about Richard..the more we can see what fueled this outcome...let's just say...he is not exactly a nice guy...
My favorite character was Persephone...I had no idea how intelligent an octopus is...
Have you read this one? Did you realize how smart these creatures are??
Huge shoutout to Ballantine Books /Random House for my gorgeous copy!
January 20, 2022
Fish or fiend?
Richard Bryant’s fiftieth birthday party in the Hollywood Hills has gone extremely wrong. There are just eight guests plus Persephone the octopus, who watches from behind the glass of her tank. When Richard is found dead the next morning, everyone is a suspect. Why was his ex-wife, Elspeth Bell invited? Where was his daughter Lily? Who killed Richard? All of the guests are suspects in this locked room thriller.
Agatha Christie style locked room mystery? Sign me up! I listened to the audiobook, which was read by Patty Neiman. Unfortunately, I found her reading to be very slow and monotonous. Miguel’s character, who has a lisp, was difficult to listen to as well. I recommend reading the hard copy for these reasons.
What worked for me about this book was the old Hollywood setting and atmosphere. I definitely felt the sense of glam and glitter associated with that lifestyle.
Elspeth’s relationship with Lily was fully developed. I enjoyed this mother daughter dynamic and the storyline was believable.
Persephone was a phenomenal character! Just an octopus you say? Well, I learned the most unbelievably fascinating facts about octopuses. Did you know they have nine brains and are extremely intelligent? I do wish more time was spent developing Persephone’s character, because she was a fantastic and original plot twist.
What didn’t work for me was the structure of the book. Instead of chapters, it was sectioned off by Act I, II, and III. This, coupled with the copious amounts of flashbacks made it very difficult to follow, especially while listening.
Additionally, there were too many characters to keep track of. Many of the guests were not fully developed, so I had a hard time investing in them. The action moved very slowly and didn’t include enough attention grabbing moments.
Overall, I enjoyed the story, but am not sure if I actually understood the ending. Was it an attempt at another twist? A few more sentences may have cleared up the author’s intention. This was a decent debut from Tess Little and I am intrigued to read her next book!
3.5/5 stars rounded down
Richard Bryant’s fiftieth birthday party in the Hollywood Hills has gone extremely wrong. There are just eight guests plus Persephone the octopus, who watches from behind the glass of her tank. When Richard is found dead the next morning, everyone is a suspect. Why was his ex-wife, Elspeth Bell invited? Where was his daughter Lily? Who killed Richard? All of the guests are suspects in this locked room thriller.
Agatha Christie style locked room mystery? Sign me up! I listened to the audiobook, which was read by Patty Neiman. Unfortunately, I found her reading to be very slow and monotonous. Miguel’s character, who has a lisp, was difficult to listen to as well. I recommend reading the hard copy for these reasons.
What worked for me about this book was the old Hollywood setting and atmosphere. I definitely felt the sense of glam and glitter associated with that lifestyle.
Elspeth’s relationship with Lily was fully developed. I enjoyed this mother daughter dynamic and the storyline was believable.
Persephone was a phenomenal character! Just an octopus you say? Well, I learned the most unbelievably fascinating facts about octopuses. Did you know they have nine brains and are extremely intelligent? I do wish more time was spent developing Persephone’s character, because she was a fantastic and original plot twist.
What didn’t work for me was the structure of the book. Instead of chapters, it was sectioned off by Act I, II, and III. This, coupled with the copious amounts of flashbacks made it very difficult to follow, especially while listening.
Additionally, there were too many characters to keep track of. Many of the guests were not fully developed, so I had a hard time investing in them. The action moved very slowly and didn’t include enough attention grabbing moments.
Overall, I enjoyed the story, but am not sure if I actually understood the ending. Was it an attempt at another twist? A few more sentences may have cleared up the author’s intention. This was a decent debut from Tess Little and I am intrigued to read her next book!
3.5/5 stars rounded down
September 14, 2021
So there is a core to this book that is really in my wheelhouse - a locked room mystery at a fancy dinner party. Really, the set up is pretty analogous to my all time favorite mystery, CARDS ON THE TABLE. However, the writing and pacing in this was really just not for me. It felt quite herky jerky and it kept taking me out of the story. So while there were definitely elements I enjoyed in this, it didn't fully connect for me as well as I wanted it to
March 22, 2020
This is a very unusual mystery. Our central character is Elspeth Bryant Bell, ex-actress, mother to Lillie, nineteen, and ex-wife of British movie director, Richard. She is surprised to be invited to Richard’s fiftieth birthday party and is expecting a typically large, Hollywood event. Instead, she finds a handful of guests and Lillie, who should be attending, missing. Among the guests are Anton ‘Honey’ Carlisle, Richard’s current partner, Thomas ‘Tommo’ Coates, Richard’s old school friend, Jerry Debrowski, his manager, Miguel Montana, his ‘fat cat’ producer, Keiko Nakamura, cinematographer, his current leading lady, Sabine Semi and young actor, Charles Pace.
Despite her misgivings, Elspeth is impressed by the house, ‘Sedgwick,’ which is dominated by the huge aquarium, inhabited by Richard’s octopus, Persephone. Initially, she thinks of leaving, but, somehow, she stays and wakes in the morning to find Richard dead and all of the guests suspects.
This novel weaves backwards and forwards through time and includes the many interviews that Elspeth has with the police, as she is forced to stay in L.A. and negotiate her tricky relationship with her daughter. This is a really interesting literary mystery, with a good setting and characters. For, although Richard had stated that the guests were his nearest, and closest, friends, it seems that all the guests have reasons to dislike him and all of them are harbouring secrets. Quite unique and well written, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
Despite her misgivings, Elspeth is impressed by the house, ‘Sedgwick,’ which is dominated by the huge aquarium, inhabited by Richard’s octopus, Persephone. Initially, she thinks of leaving, but, somehow, she stays and wakes in the morning to find Richard dead and all of the guests suspects.
This novel weaves backwards and forwards through time and includes the many interviews that Elspeth has with the police, as she is forced to stay in L.A. and negotiate her tricky relationship with her daughter. This is a really interesting literary mystery, with a good setting and characters. For, although Richard had stated that the guests were his nearest, and closest, friends, it seems that all the guests have reasons to dislike him and all of them are harbouring secrets. Quite unique and well written, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
April 11, 2020
It's been done before: put a group of people in a big house and let the reader figure out why one of them was killed. Simple?
The Octopus is not so simple.
None of the people invited for the party where Richard gets killed is completely innocent. They all have something in their past that makes you think they could have done it. Even the octopus seems not entirely innocent.
The real story unfolds slowly with each time we read about the past and the link between what happened then and now. For me, a little bit too slow and with eight not very likable characters it was sometimes hard to keep interested. It's very well written and it has a clever plot and I can see why most people rate this book higher than three stars. I'm happy though to have read it.
Thanks to Netgalley for the digital review copy of this book.
The Octopus is not so simple.
None of the people invited for the party where Richard gets killed is completely innocent. They all have something in their past that makes you think they could have done it. Even the octopus seems not entirely innocent.
The real story unfolds slowly with each time we read about the past and the link between what happened then and now. For me, a little bit too slow and with eight not very likable characters it was sometimes hard to keep interested. It's very well written and it has a clever plot and I can see why most people rate this book higher than three stars. I'm happy though to have read it.
Thanks to Netgalley for the digital review copy of this book.
March 23, 2020
Martie's Rating: 2 1/2 stars
Genre: Murder Mystery
Publisher: Hodder &Stoughton
Pub. Date: August 20, 2020
Mini-Review
In this unusual whodunit along with eight party guests, a pet octopus is also a murder suspect. The octopus may just be the most interesting and emphatic character. Our long-suffering protagonist is a woman attending her ex-husbands 50th birthday party. He is now living with his male partner. There is lots of boozing and drugging going on. They all pass out. When the guests wake up the birthday boy is dead. Early on, the ex-husband is outed as a nasty guy. The author ensures that you won’t feel much sorrow about his death. After all, what sort of person, just for the fun of it, traps and watches a living creature constantly attempting escape? This is a murder mystery. There should be tension but because there are changing timelines with no warning of the change, the tension is dulled. Although I didn’t particularly care for Little’s debut novel (she has published two short stories), it is hard to miss that she is talented. I look forward to her future work.
I received this Advance Review Copy (ARC) novel from the publisher at no cost in exchange for an honest review.
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Genre: Murder Mystery
Publisher: Hodder &Stoughton
Pub. Date: August 20, 2020
Mini-Review
In this unusual whodunit along with eight party guests, a pet octopus is also a murder suspect. The octopus may just be the most interesting and emphatic character. Our long-suffering protagonist is a woman attending her ex-husbands 50th birthday party. He is now living with his male partner. There is lots of boozing and drugging going on. They all pass out. When the guests wake up the birthday boy is dead. Early on, the ex-husband is outed as a nasty guy. The author ensures that you won’t feel much sorrow about his death. After all, what sort of person, just for the fun of it, traps and watches a living creature constantly attempting escape? This is a murder mystery. There should be tension but because there are changing timelines with no warning of the change, the tension is dulled. Although I didn’t particularly care for Little’s debut novel (she has published two short stories), it is hard to miss that she is talented. I look forward to her future work.
I received this Advance Review Copy (ARC) novel from the publisher at no cost in exchange for an honest review.
Find all my book reviews at:
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September 28, 2021
I really tried to get into this book. The hype about it being similar to an Agatha Christie page-turner hooked me. Unfortunately, the only thing Christie-like about the book was that all of the murder suspects were in the house at the time of the murder. I gave it until 40% before I gave up so this is a DNF for me.
The beginning was promising: a successful director celebrating his fiftieth birthday with an eclectic group of people is found dead by the end of the party. The invitees weren't his nearest and dearest but an odd group that included his current gay lover and his ex-wife among others who, we later discover, aren't sure why they were even invited. Come morning, the guests wake to find their host is dead from an apparent drug overdose. It's only when the police begin investigating each of them that they find out he was murdered. Told from the ex-wife's point of view, the story switches back and forth between the party and the days following it.
Although the writing is good, the pacing is slow and I just couldn't get into the minutiae of the lives of the guests as the ex-wife begins her own investigation. I kept waiting for a twist or a hook that would keep me engaged, but neither ever came.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publish Group for an advance copy of this book. The publication date is October 5, 2021.
The beginning was promising: a successful director celebrating his fiftieth birthday with an eclectic group of people is found dead by the end of the party. The invitees weren't his nearest and dearest but an odd group that included his current gay lover and his ex-wife among others who, we later discover, aren't sure why they were even invited. Come morning, the guests wake to find their host is dead from an apparent drug overdose. It's only when the police begin investigating each of them that they find out he was murdered. Told from the ex-wife's point of view, the story switches back and forth between the party and the days following it.
Although the writing is good, the pacing is slow and I just couldn't get into the minutiae of the lives of the guests as the ex-wife begins her own investigation. I kept waiting for a twist or a hook that would keep me engaged, but neither ever came.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publish Group for an advance copy of this book. The publication date is October 5, 2021.
April 22, 2020
Richard is a film director but he's also a very controlling man. He uses and abuses people, even then ones he called friends. He's arranged a fiftieth birthday party and in attendance are people that he has upset at some point or another. But Richard is dead the morning after the celebrations. His ex-wife Elspeth was among the eight guests . But who or what killed him.
The story is told from Elspeth's point of view. It's another whodunnit. There are no chapters in the book just parts 1, 2 and 3. It's told mainly from before the party. We are given snippets of information to help us work out what had happened. Everyone at the party could have had reasons to want Richard dead. This is a well written and interesting read. I just felt there was a couple of loose ends that still needed tied up.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton and the author Tess Little for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story is told from Elspeth's point of view. It's another whodunnit. There are no chapters in the book just parts 1, 2 and 3. It's told mainly from before the party. We are given snippets of information to help us work out what had happened. Everyone at the party could have had reasons to want Richard dead. This is a well written and interesting read. I just felt there was a couple of loose ends that still needed tied up.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton and the author Tess Little for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 6, 2021
I was excited to read this book, but it didn't hit the mark for me and I found it to be a boring read. It centers on Elspeth, who travels to attend her egomaniac movie director ex-husband's 50th birthday party. The next morning, the ex-husband is dead and Elspeth, as well as the other guests at the party, are all suspects. There is a bit of a side story here as well regarding what happened in Elspeth's marriage as well as her relationship with her daughter.
My primary issue with the story is that I felt that I never got to know any of the characters, including Elspeth herself. I had no idea why they did the things they did or what kind of people they were. Also, much of the dialogue was Elspeth's inner dialogue, which made the story move very slowly.
I do think the writing was lyrical and even haunting at times, especially when describing the scenes and the overall dynamic related to the octopus.
Overall, this wasn't the book for me and I hope others have a better experience. I didn't really find it suspenseful and even when I found out what really happened, I just wasn't that invested. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
My primary issue with the story is that I felt that I never got to know any of the characters, including Elspeth herself. I had no idea why they did the things they did or what kind of people they were. Also, much of the dialogue was Elspeth's inner dialogue, which made the story move very slowly.
I do think the writing was lyrical and even haunting at times, especially when describing the scenes and the overall dynamic related to the octopus.
Overall, this wasn't the book for me and I hope others have a better experience. I didn't really find it suspenseful and even when I found out what really happened, I just wasn't that invested. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2021
Despite the Agatha Christie influence, the too slow narrative bogged down pace and ultimately lost my interest. Grateful, still, to the author, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, and NetGalley for the ARC; opinions are mine.
Pub Date 05 Oct 2021
#TheLastGuest #NetGalley
Pub Date 05 Oct 2021
#TheLastGuest #NetGalley
May 12, 2021
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.
I was excited to read this book--an Agatha Christie/locked room murder mystery. Right up my alley. Unfortunately, it really missed its mark.
It was slow, bogged down with heavy descriptions and too much repetitive inner monologue. I wanted to know each suspect, but they were glossed over, leaving me without much interest in what happened to them. In other words, I was never able to become invested in this story. I did, however, quite enjoy the octopus--my favorite part, actually.
I was excited to read this book--an Agatha Christie/locked room murder mystery. Right up my alley. Unfortunately, it really missed its mark.
It was slow, bogged down with heavy descriptions and too much repetitive inner monologue. I wanted to know each suspect, but they were glossed over, leaving me without much interest in what happened to them. In other words, I was never able to become invested in this story. I did, however, quite enjoy the octopus--my favorite part, actually.
November 3, 2021
The Last Guest
October 30, 2021
Book Review
The Last Guest
Tess Little
reviewed by Lou Jacobs
readersremains.com | Goodreads
Tess Little’s debut novel is a psychodrama in three acts with elements of a locked-room mystery, but the focus is an exploration on the abuse of power.
Long retired actress, Elspeth “Bryant” Bell, reluctantly attends the fiftieth birthday party of her ex-husband and director Richard Bryant in his posh Los Angeles mansion, along with eight other guests—all wondering why they were invited. The ninth guest is actually Richard’s pet octopus, Persephone, who glides effortlessly around her tank, while watching the party surreally evolve from greetings, drinking, feasting on an unreal glutinous dinner—and ending in the partaking of drugs. Persephone is known as the Greek goddess of the underworld and wife of Hades, and may very well be a harbinger that foreshadows future events.
When the guests are seated for dinner, Richard individually toasts each of them. To Miguel (Montana), my producer, who fights for my dreams and understands my vision (and yet, his most recent endeavor, Dominus, has lost extensive revenue); To Jerry (Debrowski), my beloved long time manager, who has stuck with me, thick and thin (and yet, who was recently fired); To “Tommo” (Thomas Coates), my oldest and dearest friend (and yet, at best have had a multitude of disagreeable confrontations); To Kei (Keiko Nakamura), the one who weaves my ideas into being (actually the oft criticized and intimidated cinematographer); To Charlie ( Charles Pace), the talented young handsome actor at the very start of a dazzling career (the male lead in his recent flop movie); To Sabine (Selmi) a star, an actor and icon (the female lead in the same unsuccessful movie); To “Honey” (Anton Carlisle), my love, who I want to spend every day of the rest of my life (who actually just reunited with his paramour after a stormy past); To Ellie (Elspeth Bell), who raised my wonderful Lillie into a bright young woman (who actually hasn’t spoken to him in a decade, leaving while pregnant after his fortieth birthday party.)
Elspeth slowly awakens the next morning in a chair, and glances over to see Richard immobile on the opposite couch, with his head thrown back, eyes staring upward, and mouth shaped into an ‘O’, with an overwhelming stench of vomit. She approaches him and finds his neck to be cold and pulseless. Then she is aware of the other guests strewn about and slowly awakening with yawns and groans, and the presence of drug paraphernalia next to Richard’s body. It is immediately assumed by all that he died from an overdose, and the police are called.
Study of the security camera footage reveals the catering staff leaving at 10 p.m. and nobody else either entered or exited the property until the arrival of the police at 9:05 the following morning. Soon after, the forensic examination reveals startling results: wounds running along the inside of his throat which seem to be caused by a long blunt object. His death was caused by suffocation and not overdose.
In the weeks that follow, each guest is interrogated, some multiple times, each appears under suspicion. Tess Little crafts a masterful, slow-burn psychological treatise that unfolds into a twisted and complex study of emotion, confrontation, and systemic abuse of power. The dark character and interpersonal relationships of Richard comes to the fore, with those around him dissected in vivid detail. Richard was an expert at goading those around him into anger, and was not bashful about badgering, belittling, and intimidating. Apparently everyone has a reason to snuff out his life.
Tess Little expertly layers evidence, while weaving red herrings into the fabric of her narrative.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House / Ballantine Publishing Group for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review.
.....Published at Mystery And Suspense Magazine.com. ......
October 30, 2021
Book Review
The Last Guest
Tess Little
reviewed by Lou Jacobs
readersremains.com | Goodreads
Tess Little’s debut novel is a psychodrama in three acts with elements of a locked-room mystery, but the focus is an exploration on the abuse of power.
Long retired actress, Elspeth “Bryant” Bell, reluctantly attends the fiftieth birthday party of her ex-husband and director Richard Bryant in his posh Los Angeles mansion, along with eight other guests—all wondering why they were invited. The ninth guest is actually Richard’s pet octopus, Persephone, who glides effortlessly around her tank, while watching the party surreally evolve from greetings, drinking, feasting on an unreal glutinous dinner—and ending in the partaking of drugs. Persephone is known as the Greek goddess of the underworld and wife of Hades, and may very well be a harbinger that foreshadows future events.
When the guests are seated for dinner, Richard individually toasts each of them. To Miguel (Montana), my producer, who fights for my dreams and understands my vision (and yet, his most recent endeavor, Dominus, has lost extensive revenue); To Jerry (Debrowski), my beloved long time manager, who has stuck with me, thick and thin (and yet, who was recently fired); To “Tommo” (Thomas Coates), my oldest and dearest friend (and yet, at best have had a multitude of disagreeable confrontations); To Kei (Keiko Nakamura), the one who weaves my ideas into being (actually the oft criticized and intimidated cinematographer); To Charlie ( Charles Pace), the talented young handsome actor at the very start of a dazzling career (the male lead in his recent flop movie); To Sabine (Selmi) a star, an actor and icon (the female lead in the same unsuccessful movie); To “Honey” (Anton Carlisle), my love, who I want to spend every day of the rest of my life (who actually just reunited with his paramour after a stormy past); To Ellie (Elspeth Bell), who raised my wonderful Lillie into a bright young woman (who actually hasn’t spoken to him in a decade, leaving while pregnant after his fortieth birthday party.)
Elspeth slowly awakens the next morning in a chair, and glances over to see Richard immobile on the opposite couch, with his head thrown back, eyes staring upward, and mouth shaped into an ‘O’, with an overwhelming stench of vomit. She approaches him and finds his neck to be cold and pulseless. Then she is aware of the other guests strewn about and slowly awakening with yawns and groans, and the presence of drug paraphernalia next to Richard’s body. It is immediately assumed by all that he died from an overdose, and the police are called.
Study of the security camera footage reveals the catering staff leaving at 10 p.m. and nobody else either entered or exited the property until the arrival of the police at 9:05 the following morning. Soon after, the forensic examination reveals startling results: wounds running along the inside of his throat which seem to be caused by a long blunt object. His death was caused by suffocation and not overdose.
In the weeks that follow, each guest is interrogated, some multiple times, each appears under suspicion. Tess Little crafts a masterful, slow-burn psychological treatise that unfolds into a twisted and complex study of emotion, confrontation, and systemic abuse of power. The dark character and interpersonal relationships of Richard comes to the fore, with those around him dissected in vivid detail. Richard was an expert at goading those around him into anger, and was not bashful about badgering, belittling, and intimidating. Apparently everyone has a reason to snuff out his life.
Tess Little expertly layers evidence, while weaving red herrings into the fabric of her narrative.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House / Ballantine Publishing Group for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review.
.....Published at Mystery And Suspense Magazine.com. ......
September 7, 2021
Right up front, I'll say this is one of the strangest, for wont of a better word, books I've ever read. More to the point, I spent several "chapters" (of which, notably, there are none, BTW) telling myself it was bound to get less confusing. Long before the end, though, I decided that not only was this a good story, but in a sense, a real work of written art.
The confusion, I should explain, mostly came because of those non-chapters. There are something like four different "scenarios" - starting with the self-planned 50th birthday dinner for Hollywood director Richard Bryant during which all his guests (with the exception of his pet octopus, Persephone) get totally drugged out and Richard ends up totally dead. But, I assume on purpose, there's no delineation other than a couple of hard carriage returns between the scenario shifts. Without warning, I'd read two or three pages wondering what the heck was going on until finally I discovered I was reading about a whole new time and place. That said, once I realized what was happening and what the clue was to the switcheroo (i.e., those extra carriage returns), everything began to make sense.
And from then on, I was hooked; in fact, I was somewhat in awe of the skillful writing. The story is told by Elspeth, an actress and former wife of Richard - till she left for early-on unexplained reasons and he married a young Black man who goes by "Honey." Richard, known for his volatile temper almost as much as his directorial prowess, has invited just a few of his closest friends (enemies?), including Elspeth. After he proceeds to humiliate most of them, the ever-flowing drinks and drugs send everyone (except perhaps Persephone) to La-La Land. Problem is, Richard doesn't wake up.
Although there's some question about his death, the police conclude it was a murder; as such, the list of possible killers is limited to the not more than a handful of party guests. Elspeth didn't wake up until after the others, so she's fairly certain it wasn't her (although goodness knows she had plenty of motives). But who did it, and why?
The rest of the book looks at interactions between Richard and each of the other characters, none of whom is particularly likable and all of whom had means opportunity to do the deed (even the tanked-up Persephone can't escape suspicion). As Richard's true character begins to emerge, their motives - all based on hatred of the despicable Richard - become apparent as well. But who is the guilty party?
I know, but I'll won't say another word except that finding out was a totally enjoyable experience. Many thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy. Well done!
The confusion, I should explain, mostly came because of those non-chapters. There are something like four different "scenarios" - starting with the self-planned 50th birthday dinner for Hollywood director Richard Bryant during which all his guests (with the exception of his pet octopus, Persephone) get totally drugged out and Richard ends up totally dead. But, I assume on purpose, there's no delineation other than a couple of hard carriage returns between the scenario shifts. Without warning, I'd read two or three pages wondering what the heck was going on until finally I discovered I was reading about a whole new time and place. That said, once I realized what was happening and what the clue was to the switcheroo (i.e., those extra carriage returns), everything began to make sense.
And from then on, I was hooked; in fact, I was somewhat in awe of the skillful writing. The story is told by Elspeth, an actress and former wife of Richard - till she left for early-on unexplained reasons and he married a young Black man who goes by "Honey." Richard, known for his volatile temper almost as much as his directorial prowess, has invited just a few of his closest friends (enemies?), including Elspeth. After he proceeds to humiliate most of them, the ever-flowing drinks and drugs send everyone (except perhaps Persephone) to La-La Land. Problem is, Richard doesn't wake up.
Although there's some question about his death, the police conclude it was a murder; as such, the list of possible killers is limited to the not more than a handful of party guests. Elspeth didn't wake up until after the others, so she's fairly certain it wasn't her (although goodness knows she had plenty of motives). But who did it, and why?
The rest of the book looks at interactions between Richard and each of the other characters, none of whom is particularly likable and all of whom had means opportunity to do the deed (even the tanked-up Persephone can't escape suspicion). As Richard's true character begins to emerge, their motives - all based on hatred of the despicable Richard - become apparent as well. But who is the guilty party?
I know, but I'll won't say another word except that finding out was a totally enjoyable experience. Many thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy. Well done!
March 24, 2020
What an amorphous book this is! It's structured like a traditional country house mystery: the party, the limited number of suspects all of whom have a motive to murder, the bizarre death... only the 'victim' is a famous Hollywood director, and the time is Harvey Weinstein-now. And then introduced into this scenario is Persephone, an octopus who leaves her aquarium at night and might even be a suspect in the murder...
Little has put this together with lots of smarts: the 1st person narrative weaves together the past and post-death present, gradually revealing the vile life of the victim. Some of his actions are breathtaking (no spoilers but what he does to his ex-wife on the movie-set...), and the shifting perspective reveals fractures in the narrator's tale that only make sense at the end.
But the octopus? There's a good idea here of Persephone as the abducted and raped goddess trapped in the underworld; and also the octopus as a careful mother (who knew?) but while these ideas resonate thematically, the book would stand perfectly fine without Persephone. Though it would be a sacrifice of some nicely weird quirkiness!
3.5 stars for not quite tying the whole thing together, rounded up to 4.
Thanks to Hodder and Stoughton for an ARC via NetGalley.
Little has put this together with lots of smarts: the 1st person narrative weaves together the past and post-death present, gradually revealing the vile life of the victim. Some of his actions are breathtaking (no spoilers but what he does to his ex-wife on the movie-set...), and the shifting perspective reveals fractures in the narrator's tale that only make sense at the end.
But the octopus? There's a good idea here of Persephone as the abducted and raped goddess trapped in the underworld; and also the octopus as a careful mother (who knew?) but while these ideas resonate thematically, the book would stand perfectly fine without Persephone. Though it would be a sacrifice of some nicely weird quirkiness!
3.5 stars for not quite tying the whole thing together, rounded up to 4.
Thanks to Hodder and Stoughton for an ARC via NetGalley.
September 25, 2022
I enjoyed this one as an audio book. I didn't really feel the star power of this story. It was easy to think of them as rich but not necessarily famous. I liked the twists, as the MC talks to her daughter and other suspects and slowly untangles her own confusing memories.
I liked that I just rolled with the story and didn't try to figure out who actually did it. I liked the information about the little octopus in the room and how Elsbeth seemed to use it to unfree herself of the memories and moments she'd crammed down, hidden, to forget.
My only grumble were the flashbacks. It may have been just because I was doing an audio and not reading, but they were jarring, with little to no warning you'd flipped back in time. It could happen mid page and then flip back and I found it took a while for me to get used to it.
But all in all, I liked this one. I liked the twist at the end and how it all came about.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
I liked that I just rolled with the story and didn't try to figure out who actually did it. I liked the information about the little octopus in the room and how Elsbeth seemed to use it to unfree herself of the memories and moments she'd crammed down, hidden, to forget.
My only grumble were the flashbacks. It may have been just because I was doing an audio and not reading, but they were jarring, with little to no warning you'd flipped back in time. It could happen mid page and then flip back and I found it took a while for me to get used to it.
But all in all, I liked this one. I liked the twist at the end and how it all came about.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
September 28, 2021
Richard, a famous Hollywood director, is throwing himself a 50th birthday party and contrary to his parties in the past, this one is intimate with only 9 other guests. Each one connected to Richard through their shared youth or Hollywood. Each guest questioned why they were one of the few friends invited. The next day, Richard is found dead and no one is saying anything. Elspeth, Richard’s ex wife and one of the guests is the one who discovered his death. Based on how she found him, she immediately assumes that Richard has overdosed. Richard had been in and out of rehab several times during his adult life, so this revelation was not shocking. Here begins the closed room mystery and investigation. The authorities determine that contrary to what was originally assumed as an overdose, was actually a murder. Since no one entered or left the house around the time of his death, the killer has to have been be one of the 9 guests.
The story alternates between the night of the party/murder and the current day of the investigation. I was not a big fan of this approach to the story. It felt jumpy and lacked symmetry between the timelines. All of the guests were given some background, but not really enough to be too concerned about any of them. The more revealed about Richard, the more believable it was that one of the guests would want him out of the picture. But who had the most to gain? And how was it accomplished while everyone was in the same house?
The story was interesting and the side story of Persephone, Richard’s octopus, was intriguing. I never did totally connect the dots between the octopus and the murder though. I hoped for her to be more of the final story. I did appreciate the final look at her and I could connect that part with Elspeth. The ending just kind of ended. There was not really a climax. Although I doubted the sincerity of each guest, once the details of the murder were clearer, I didn’t feel much tension about who committed the crime. There also seemed to be some observations that were never fully vetted. Did Richard plan for this night to be his last? What would he gain from that?
One of the underlying themes was that the persona we portray is seldom our true selves. We hide the parts we don’t want anyone to see and hold on to the parts we are proud of. Once several characters were able to reveal their hidden secrets regarding Richard, it felt a little too late. But maybe it was to show that the characters were able to move on after this tragedy and leave a better legacy for their next generation. Overall a good read, but not my favorite type of thriller. I thought the character development of Richard and Elspeth was good, but I wanted more for the guests.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Ballentine for the ARC to read and review.
The story alternates between the night of the party/murder and the current day of the investigation. I was not a big fan of this approach to the story. It felt jumpy and lacked symmetry between the timelines. All of the guests were given some background, but not really enough to be too concerned about any of them. The more revealed about Richard, the more believable it was that one of the guests would want him out of the picture. But who had the most to gain? And how was it accomplished while everyone was in the same house?
The story was interesting and the side story of Persephone, Richard’s octopus, was intriguing. I never did totally connect the dots between the octopus and the murder though. I hoped for her to be more of the final story. I did appreciate the final look at her and I could connect that part with Elspeth. The ending just kind of ended. There was not really a climax. Although I doubted the sincerity of each guest, once the details of the murder were clearer, I didn’t feel much tension about who committed the crime. There also seemed to be some observations that were never fully vetted. Did Richard plan for this night to be his last? What would he gain from that?
One of the underlying themes was that the persona we portray is seldom our true selves. We hide the parts we don’t want anyone to see and hold on to the parts we are proud of. Once several characters were able to reveal their hidden secrets regarding Richard, it felt a little too late. But maybe it was to show that the characters were able to move on after this tragedy and leave a better legacy for their next generation. Overall a good read, but not my favorite type of thriller. I thought the character development of Richard and Elspeth was good, but I wanted more for the guests.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Ballentine for the ARC to read and review.
June 13, 2020
Pretty interesting but not a on-the-edge-of-your-seat thriller. I found it generally engaging and I think it would be a fun book to read on the beach or by the pool, a lighter summertime read. I loved that there was an octopus in the story which, honestly, was the first thing that caught my eye: that fun octopus on the cover. Reading about Persephone makes me want to watch a documentary on octopuses so that is a fun tie-in. I appreciated that the resolution was one I did not guess! I liked that it was not obvious, at least to me, but I'm not sure how I actually feel about it. It seemed a bit far-fetched.
One of the issues I had with the story was the jumping from 3 different time frames, all within 10 years of each other so not easily distinguished when the time frame shifted. As I read a galley, I'm hoping that the released book will have some definition to those time frames unless it was intentionally used by the author, which I've also considered happened. The characters also felt a bit flat and unlikeable. I definitely don't mind unlikeable characters in a story but I prefer them a bit more fleshed out, a bit more of a reason to not like them.
Overall, if you are looking for a quick, lighter mystery with an ending you might not guess, I say give this a try.
Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an advanced ebook in exchange for a fair and honest review.
One of the issues I had with the story was the jumping from 3 different time frames, all within 10 years of each other so not easily distinguished when the time frame shifted. As I read a galley, I'm hoping that the released book will have some definition to those time frames unless it was intentionally used by the author, which I've also considered happened. The characters also felt a bit flat and unlikeable. I definitely don't mind unlikeable characters in a story but I prefer them a bit more fleshed out, a bit more of a reason to not like them.
Overall, if you are looking for a quick, lighter mystery with an ending you might not guess, I say give this a try.
Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an advanced ebook in exchange for a fair and honest review.
September 8, 2021
Such a fun revisit to the classic whodunit genre, and with an awesome cover! Lots of great characters, plotting, and dialogue - would highly recommend to A. Christie fans!
November 10, 2021
Richard Bryant is hosting his 50th birthday party. It's a small group ... his ex-wife, producer, an actress, an actor, his new life partner, his manager, cinematographer. His daughter was also invited, but she never showed.
it was a bizarre kind of evening and all his ex-wife, Elspeth, wants to do is have a drink and leave. However, that didn't happen. Too many drinks, stuffed with good food, maybe a few pills passed around, everyone finally fell asleep during the early morning hours.
When awakened, they find the host is dead. First thought when they called the police ... maybe an overdose. But that is soon proven wrong. Richard was murdered ,,, and the only people suspected are the 7 guests.
It's a locked door mystery, suspenseful, unpredictable as Elspeth wonders who killed Richard ... and why did Richard choose these particular guests. There are the suspects, who are seem to maybe have a motive to kill. I loved Persephone, Richard's pet octopus who seemed to be a witness, silent but disturbing.
Many thanks to the author / Random House - Ballantine / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
October 11, 2021
If you enjoy murder mysteries in the Agatha Christie style, or if you like stories of Hollywood, then you may enjoy this book. 9 elite people, all connected to a famous Hollywood movie producer come together one night for a dinner party. Only 8 leave alive the next morning.
There is one other player in the book that I actually found the most interesting; Persephone the octopus.
I have read the occasional murder mystery but it’s not my typical genre of choice. This one did keep me entertained throughout, mostly due to the Hollywood secrets and/or Persephone.
Every so often, I wasn’t quite sure what the timeline was as the book jumped back and forth between the past and present. That could have been due to the fact that I was reading a galley, so maybe my copy didn’t have headers or proper breaks. That being said, it wasn’t too distracting.
The story did end up being much darker than I expected. I really hated the victim the more we find out about him.
*Thanks to Ballantine Books/Random House and NetGalley for the advance copy.*
There is one other player in the book that I actually found the most interesting; Persephone the octopus.
I have read the occasional murder mystery but it’s not my typical genre of choice. This one did keep me entertained throughout, mostly due to the Hollywood secrets and/or Persephone.
Every so often, I wasn’t quite sure what the timeline was as the book jumped back and forth between the past and present. That could have been due to the fact that I was reading a galley, so maybe my copy didn’t have headers or proper breaks. That being said, it wasn’t too distracting.
The story did end up being much darker than I expected. I really hated the victim the more we find out about him.
*Thanks to Ballantine Books/Random House and NetGalley for the advance copy.*
September 30, 2021
This book is a re-issued copy of "The Octopus," which was published in 2020.
If overly complicated literature is your forte, then you may love this book. However, I found it to be a tedious read and nearly gave up at the 50% mark. The characters, well, I just don't know what to say about them. The leading male voice, Richard, seems to be evil personified. The female protagonist, Elspeth, is a weak-willed, spineless twit. The rest of the people at this birthday party seem to be nearly redundant until you get near the end of the book.
The timeline shifts from the party to the past and back to the present but in totally different scenarios. I found this makes for a difficult read until I got used to figuring out which scenario they were in. I hated wasting my reading time like that!
The ending, well, you could almost see it coming since a big deal has been made of this book being like an Agatha Christie novel. (I won't spoil this read for you by telling you which book this paralleled.)
This book would have been a thoroughly satisfying read for me if the author hadn't tried so hard but was just slightly off the mark.
*ARC supplied by The author, the publisher, and NetGalley.
#NetGalley #BallentineBooks #TessLittle #AgthaChristie #lockeddoormurder
If overly complicated literature is your forte, then you may love this book. However, I found it to be a tedious read and nearly gave up at the 50% mark. The characters, well, I just don't know what to say about them. The leading male voice, Richard, seems to be evil personified. The female protagonist, Elspeth, is a weak-willed, spineless twit. The rest of the people at this birthday party seem to be nearly redundant until you get near the end of the book.
The timeline shifts from the party to the past and back to the present but in totally different scenarios. I found this makes for a difficult read until I got used to figuring out which scenario they were in. I hated wasting my reading time like that!
The ending, well, you could almost see it coming since a big deal has been made of this book being like an Agatha Christie novel. (I won't spoil this read for you by telling you which book this paralleled.)
This book would have been a thoroughly satisfying read for me if the author hadn't tried so hard but was just slightly off the mark.
*ARC supplied by The author, the publisher, and NetGalley.
#NetGalley #BallentineBooks #TessLittle #AgthaChristie #lockeddoormurder
October 7, 2021
An excellent modern day locked-room mystery. I don't even want to say too much about it, just because it seems like part of the fun is letting the story work itself out. But I will say this... the author addresses the theory early on, and I just want to set everyone's mind at ease: the octopus *did not* do the murder. ;)
August 27, 2020
A glitzy mansion in Los Angeles is the place for the 50th birthday party of film director, Richard. Richard’s ex-wife Elspeth is our protagonist. She hasn’t seen her ex-husband since their divorce ten years ago and can’t quite figure out why she’s been invited. But Elspeth is here for her daughter. If she thought she could have one drink and then sneak away, she’s quickly proven wrong because oddly enough, there only seem to be eight guests. The party gets somewhat out of hand. By the next morning, Richard is dead.
No, this isn’t your typical locked room murder mystery à la Agatha Christie. The Octopus delves far deeper than that and heads more into the literary fiction genre. Richard isn’t liked. In fact, he’s a total bastard. There is no other way to describe him. Apart from his daughter, there doesn’t seem to be anyone who’s actually mourning his death. Least of all, me. But who would want him dead? Why were these eight people invited? Why did they even bother to attend the party of someone they apparently don’t seem to like very much in the first place? And what’s with the octopus in the tank in the living room? Could they be a suspect?
The Octopus is incredibly apt for this day and age. Richard is a master manipulator, massively controlling and a bully. Elspeth has many stories she could tell about her marriage to him but has opted not to. The same goes for the people who have worked with him. Why do they put up with being treated like dirt? In the weeks that follow, each of the guests comes under suspicion. Including Elspeth herself. It is through her that we learn more about Richard and the kind of man he was. And as Elspeth looks back on that fateful night, so does the reader. But how reliable are Elspeth’s memories and perceptions?
An unusual mystery, for sure. I found it quite slow, but as I said, it leans more towards the literary fiction genre than I was expecting and I don’t often do well with that. It wasn’t entirely easy going for me. There are no chapters, for instance. There is no heading or anything to tell you if what is taking place is in the past or the present. The characters are extremely unlikeable and even Elspeth, who I felt was someone I should have been rooting for, didn’t really get me onside. Nevertheless, this is a thought-provoking, powerful, intelligent, well-plotted story and a unique and refreshing variation on the classic locked room murder mystery. I’m definitely pleased I got the opportunity to read it and I have no doubt The Octopus will appeal to many readers, especially those who are more familiar with the literary fiction genre than I am. A remarkable debut by Tess Little, for sure.
No, this isn’t your typical locked room murder mystery à la Agatha Christie. The Octopus delves far deeper than that and heads more into the literary fiction genre. Richard isn’t liked. In fact, he’s a total bastard. There is no other way to describe him. Apart from his daughter, there doesn’t seem to be anyone who’s actually mourning his death. Least of all, me. But who would want him dead? Why were these eight people invited? Why did they even bother to attend the party of someone they apparently don’t seem to like very much in the first place? And what’s with the octopus in the tank in the living room? Could they be a suspect?
The Octopus is incredibly apt for this day and age. Richard is a master manipulator, massively controlling and a bully. Elspeth has many stories she could tell about her marriage to him but has opted not to. The same goes for the people who have worked with him. Why do they put up with being treated like dirt? In the weeks that follow, each of the guests comes under suspicion. Including Elspeth herself. It is through her that we learn more about Richard and the kind of man he was. And as Elspeth looks back on that fateful night, so does the reader. But how reliable are Elspeth’s memories and perceptions?
An unusual mystery, for sure. I found it quite slow, but as I said, it leans more towards the literary fiction genre than I was expecting and I don’t often do well with that. It wasn’t entirely easy going for me. There are no chapters, for instance. There is no heading or anything to tell you if what is taking place is in the past or the present. The characters are extremely unlikeable and even Elspeth, who I felt was someone I should have been rooting for, didn’t really get me onside. Nevertheless, this is a thought-provoking, powerful, intelligent, well-plotted story and a unique and refreshing variation on the classic locked room murder mystery. I’m definitely pleased I got the opportunity to read it and I have no doubt The Octopus will appeal to many readers, especially those who are more familiar with the literary fiction genre than I am. A remarkable debut by Tess Little, for sure.
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