In conclusion . . . .

In conclusion, I recommend this book. Wait. “In conclusion?” That’s not how a review should start, is it? Generally speaking,no. But when a book starts with Chapter 36 and ends with Chapter 1, it kinda sorta makes sense.

Starting at the end with Chapter 36, I thought, “I don’t know if I can read this. It’s too weird.” Continuing from the end to the beginning, around Chapter 32, I decided I was getting it and to stick with it. 

“You’ve always liked this author, so just keep going,” I said to myself. Chapter 20 – “I can’t stand this anymore! I am so confused. Maybe I should just go the end and start with Chapter 1 and read backwards. Or is that forward?” Chapter 15 or so – “No, he’s doing this for a reason. It’s starting to make sense. Stick with it.” Chapter 12 – “This is not making any sense at all!” 

And then came the beginning, at the end of the book – Chapters 5, 4, 3, 2 and finally 1. “OMG!” “Is this for real?” “Are you kidding me?” “I can’t believe it.” “That is so bizarre!” So after finishing the beginning, no, wait, the ending, oh, heck, Chapter 1 at the end, I read the dedication, forward and acknowledgements that followed Chapter 1 at the end and then had to go read the end at the beginning of the book again – good old Chapter 36.

So, in conclusion (see, I got back to the end again), if you like intriguing books that are mysteries, this is a good one. Or if you like mysteries that are intriguing, this works for that, too. And now that I am at the end of this review, I give you what would normally be the beginning, the title and author: The October List by Jeffrey Deaver.

Reviewed by Bea Webber Haskins

(MYSTERY)

Also available on Kindle and Nook, and as an audiobook

Jeffrey Deaver, The October List (Grand Central Publishing, 2013).