3. The Truants by Kate Weinberg
I need to preface this review by saying that this book is so precisely in my wheelhouse it is uncanny. Secret History comparisons on the cover? Tick. Campus novel? Tick? Tightly knit group of friends with a charismatic authority figure who's a bit Brodie-esque? Tick. And on top of all that - a fictional academic course based on the merits and complexities of Agatha Christie? SO MANY TICKS.
Normally this leads to dashed expectations and disappointment. Not this time, readers! I started reading this yesterday and stayed up until 1 to finish it. I spent part of this morning re-reading sections. I absolutely loved it.
I can't relate too much of the plot because of spoilers, but "ordinary" Jess arrives at the UEA wanting to be taught by the charismatic Dr Lorna Clay (the Christie aficionado). She soon falls in with an exciting group of friends - sexy Georgie, mysterious Alec (a South African journalist whose reasons for being at UEA are not clear) and kind, steady Nick. Complicated, messy relationships develop. After that, layer upon layer of plot and deceit reveals itself. No-one is reliable, nothing is what it seems. I thought the characterisation of Lorna in particular was fascinating, but there are many great characters in the book. Lorna's long-suffering partner, and his struggle to cope with the fact that everyone wants a piece of her, are particularly well portrayed.
I liked Weinberg's style, which was engaging and clear, never getting in the way of the plot, but also with a great sense of location. UEA and later a remote Italian island are beautifully described and mirror what is happening in the plot. Although the writing is less lush, the general approach reminded me of Tana French, whose books I also love.
This wasn't absolutely perfect - there were times when Jess's internal monologue ran on a bit, but unusually for a "mystery" book I really didn't want it to end. I could have lived with these characters for a lot longer.