Inherit the Dead by Twenty Different Mystery Authors
Review by Lauren
Source: copy from library; all opinions are my own
Official Summary: Pericles “Perry” Christo is a PI with a past—a former cop who lost his
badge and his family when a corruption scandal left him broke and
disgraced. So when wealthy Upper East Side matron Julia Drusilla summons
him one cold February night, he grabs what seems to be a
straightforward (and lucrative) case.
The socialite is looking
for her beautiful, aimless daughter, Angelina, who is about to become a
very wealthy young woman. But as Christo digs deeper, he discovers
there’s much more to the lovely “Angel” than meets the eye. This classic
noir tale twists and turns down New York’s mean streets and along
Hamptons’ beaches and back roads during a bitterly cold and gray winter
where nothing is as it seems and everyone has something to hide.
Review: February wasn’t the best for the book club, as many people couldn’t make the meetings and I was the only one who actually finished the book. Therefore, I don’t really have much to add from the other members about what they thought. The one girl who was reading the book thought it was okay but it wasn’t something that really held her interest. As for me, I think Inherit the Dead was a fairly quick read, and I did love the premise, but it wasn’t the best story.
Inherit the Dead was like an old noir film, so that aspect will be hit or miss for some people. The story line can seem a bit over the top and you always have to have a sexual woman. In this case, that would be Angel, who is missing at first and who definitely has her fair share of secrets that need to be found out.
I thought the case was interesting overall and I was definitely curious to see where things would lead. Each chapter, instead of having a title, is designated by an author name. That means that the following chapter is written by that particular author. You get people like C.J. Box, Charlaine Harris, and more. These are all names I know but I had never read any individual books by them. I think certain authors were better than others. There were times where the writing style differed too much between each chapter, which was a bit jarring at times. I think it worked for the most part though.
In the end, Inherit the Dead was a unique book and I’m happy to have read it. I’d suggest getting it from the library first though if you’re curious!
Interesting comparison to noir, that's kind of what the synopsis reminded me of, too. Glad you liked it overall!
Oh I do like the concept of this book, it is different to a lot of the books I've seen out there, but I can see why it would be a difficult read to get into, especially with the change in perspective of chapters. But thank you for the honest review, I hope your next book club read works out for you more!
I didn't know about this one but it sounds well done! I always love a book like that from time to time.
Although I read mainly YA and MG, this looks interesting. I enjoy noir films and books.
It can be hard when not everyone has finished and when the book just didn't hold everyone's attention.
Hopefully next months book will be better.
Reminds me a little of the game I'd play as a child, you write a bit of the story, fold the paper over and the next person continue on. I can't recall any other book with authors sharing the storyline, especially not with 20 different authors. I don't know if that would work with me, completely agree, it sounds jarring and I'm not sure each author could continue that connection with the characters. It's interesting though and curious enough to grab a copy. Wonderful review Lauren, and hopefully your book club is much more lively next month <3
The unique premise and execution sounds great
Sounds like a fast read and I enjoyed reading your review! Thanks for sharing it with us. Hope more people are able to read the book for the next book club meeting. 🙂
~Jess
This sounds like a great concept for a mystery book but maybe it didn't quite reach it's potential… great review better luck next time with the book club!
Definitely one I would love to check out sometime soon – it sounds awesome!
xx
I haven't watched an noir film, so I don't know how that aspect would work for me but sure would be interesting to read, at least. 🙂
Alas I'm afraid that nothing about this book (bar you mentioning its uniqueness) speaks to me.
This doesn't sound like something I would enjoy but at least you thought it was a book worth reading despite the flaws.
Karen @For What It's Worth
Oh mystery! I just happen to have recently discovered how wonderful this genre can be on audio (I spent most of my past years buried in romance).
I'll keep this one in my mind, I get a feeling this could be a great listen.
Thank you 🙂
I think you've hit on the issue of collections. The writing can vary so greatly as to take you out of the mood for reading. I do love this idea, however, so I'd be inclined to check it out of the library.
I don;t know if I have ever read a noir…. It sounds interesting Too bad everyone else flaked on your book club. Hopefully this month will be better.
I LOVE Film Noir type books and movies. This sounds like one I would really enjoy!
Oooh this sounds very good!
You should give yourself a pat on the back for not only making all of the meeting, but also being the sole book club member who actually completed the assigned reading. *high five* I'll take your advice about checking my library first though. Thanks!
Sounds quite interesting but it has 20 authors! It had to of been quite chaotic to balance the story between everyone.
Im guessing it didn't always mesh well from chapter to chapter. I read a similar story but it was only 2 authors from chapter to chapter.
I am picturing those old B&W mystery films where the Private EYE is always wearing a trench & smoking a cigarette. The hot girl is a sultry manipulative blond.
As interesting as it sounds I would probably not be the biggest fan of this story.
I am sorry this wasn't a complete win, I like the noir vibe.
Good to read your thoughts on this book, Lauren. There is something charming about mysteries, and recently I've developed an interest in reading short stories.
What a shame this book didn't life up to the premise. I hope you next read is a better one.