Had to make 1/1/24 a Two-fer! I knew as soon as I picked this up tonight I would be finishing it tonight. Picked this one up while roaming B&N for books for OTHER people. Took me 45 minutes to stop getting distracted by books for myself, actually choose books for others, and wrestle with myself into only getting 2 for me.

I am so glad I chose this one! I must have been living under a rock because book 4 came out in 2022?? Where have I been, I only just read book 3 in 2023 lmao. But book 5 is coming out in 2024 and thank GOD! I am starting to feel frustrated at the shroud of mystery that surrounds Hawthorne. WHO IS THIS GUY????? TELL ME NOW!!! Unfortunately after finishing this one, I’ve discover that Anthony plans for at least 12 Tony & Hawthorne books. TWELVE, BRO? This is shaping up to be the second or third longest series I’ve ever read (A Series of Unfortunate Events and Clique being the longest) I do not know how I will have the patience to keep getting CRUMBS about Hawthorne for 8 more books. I care more about his mystery than the actual murder mysteries!!

All that to say, I loved this one! They just keep getting better with the series and the meta-ness of Anthony writing about himself continues to be so fun. I really liked the characters in the plot in this one and always appreciate how Anthony’s love of literature influences his stories. Like the first 3, I had no idea who the murderer was but I enjoyed the ride very much. Reading mystery is so special. I’m reading mysteries extra fast to get to the reveal and in doing so I’m speeding past half of the clues! But I love Hawthorne’s grand reveals so I don’t mind being clueless up until the very end. As stressful as 8 more books sound, I’m along for the ride - 5