Review of The Murder of Mary Johnson

[Nzube Chizoba Okeke]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Murder of Mary Johnson" by EJ Reynolds.]

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3 out of 5 stars

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Mary Johnson was wealthy, privileged, and beautiful. She led a seemingly perfect life with her lovely home, equally rich and beautiful friends, and impeccable appearance. Her family and friends were shocked when they turned on the news to hear that Mary Johnson had been murdered. Who could be behind it? What reason could they possibly have?

As secrets are revealed, loyalties are questioned, and surprises unfold, it's a race against time to discover the killer before he commits another crime — as the media seems to believe he will. However, the killer proves elusive. Will he be discovered before it is too late?

The Murder of Mary Johnson by E.J. Reynolds is quite a suspenseful tale. There is little to guess about because the killer is revealed almost immediately. Still, there were many surprises embedded in this book. When we think we've had a handle on things, a new revelation jumps out at us, and we are left to reevaluate our stand. The suspense is embedded in whether or not the killer will be found, with many secrets being revealed and people with motives for murder.

I liked the author's descriptive ability. Reynolds could create a scene or describe an action in just a few words to tell you exactly what was happening. I never had to wonder or guess what the author was driving at because the descriptions were clear and informative. This was what I liked the most about the book.

The book highlights some issues, especially how some parts of society view women. It sheds light on the misogynistic attitude women face from certain people. The "Incel" (Involuntary Celibate) groups blame women and society for their inability to find dates, so they take out their anger on women. Most of the women in this book were victims of that — in one way or the other. Detective Whitlock, a female detective, and the unnamed female lecturer had unjustified hate directed towards them simply because they were women. The book also sheds light on the dangers of the internet, as young people can easily be influenced or find outlets for some of their less innocent pastimes.

I could connect with most characters, but the character development could have been more in-depth. For instance, I did not find Peter Novak's character believable. The author tried to portray him in a certain way to fit the narrative, and his whole character was built around what his role was supposed to be in the book. It was the same with Mary Johnson's sister, Claire. All she ever managed to be throughout her appearance in this book was Mary's jealous sister. That was all she was there for, yet she was one of the primary characters. It felt like the author tried so hard to make the characters fit into their predetermined roles in the story that they lost that touch of believability.

The first-person point of view had advantages and disadvantages. Because we could only read from one character's POV at a time, it heightened the suspense and intrigue. However, the point of view shifted abruptly so many times that it was disorienting, especially when it happened with no prior introduction to the character. One minute we read from Peter Novak's POV, and the next from Cindy Carter's POV. When Cindy Carter's POV started, I asked, "Who was Cindy Carter, and why were we in her head?" It was much later I figured out who she was. In the same way, I was introduced to Ruth Whitlock's POV with those same moments of confusion before I found out who she was.

The conflict was resolved too quickly. It was built up like it would be a big unsolvable case, one with no leads at all and so many loose ends. Out of the blue, a clue came up, and the whole thing unraveled very quickly. It was quite anticlimactic in the end.

There were a lot of grammar errors in this book. It was very distracting, and the book would benefit from a round of professional editing. Due to the abovementioned issues, I'd rate the book 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it to lovers of crime, thriller, or mystery stories.

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The Murder of Mary Johnson
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[NetMassimo]

This seems like a mystery with good potential that needs some more editing to make the passage from one point of view to another and proper proofreading. Thank you for your honest review!

[Amy Luman]

I was very interested in this book when I began reading your review. Unfortunately, I became les and less interested as I continued reading. By the time I reached the portion about the errors, I was convinced not to waste my time. Thanks!

[luligonnzalez_]

"The Murder of Mary Johnson" is a gripping and suspenseful crime novel that delves into the dark secrets and hidden motives surrounding the mysterious death of Mary Johnson. Set in a small, close-knit community, the story unfolds as Detective Sarah Roberts is assigned to investigate the shocking murder. Mary Johnson, a well-respected and beloved member of the community, is found dead in a mall parking lot under puzzling circumstances. As Detective Whitlock delves deeper into the case, she uncovers a web of deceit, jealousy, and betrayal that shatters the idyllic facade of the town. Suspects emerge, each with their own motives and secrets to protect. Mary's estranged husband, James, becomes a person of interest due to their troubled marriage and financial disputes. Claire, Mary's envious sister, harbors deep-seated resentment and longs for a life she believes should have been hers. Victoria, Mary's charismatic best friend, hides a dark past that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect image. The list of potential culprits grows, and the truth becomes increasingly elusive. As Detective Whitlock unravels the complex relationships and hidden agendas, she faces mounting pressure to solve the case and bring justice to Mary's grieving family. With time running out and the community on edge, she must navigate through a maze of lies and deceit to uncover the shocking truth behind Mary's murder. "The Murder of Mary Johnson" is a compelling and twist-filled tale of betrayal, secrets, and the devastating consequences that arise when dark truths come to light. Will Detective Whitlock uncover the killer's identity before they strike again? And what will the revelations mean for the close-knit community left shattered in the wake of Mary's tragic death? This gripping crime novel will keep readers guessing until the very end.