A Book A Week

Before delving into my customary review for this week, I'd like to take a moment to celebrate a significant milestone for A Book A Week. Since 2012, I've maintained consistent blogging, documenting my literary journeys. Every year, I set a target of reading at least one book per week, tallying up to 52 books annually. Over time, my success rate has varied, influenced by life's fluctuations. Occasional interruptions have caused me to fall short of the goal, while recent years have seen me comfortably meet the December 31st deadline. This year, however, has been exceptional. Today, with a good four months remaining on the calendar, I'm thrilled to present my review for the 52nd book, achieving my goal in record time! If I continue at my current pace of reading and posting, which seems likely, this year will stand as my most prolific reading endeavor to date. With titles like the one I'm sharing with you today, it is easy to see why. 

In crime fiction, a unique niche has emerged where authors choose the podcast format to tell their tales. As literary trends surface, authors inevitably contribute their interpretations. The outcome of this foray into podcast-driven mysteries has been a mixed bag, yet talents like Megan Goldin and Holly Jackson have harnessed its potential to great success. In 2020, I was introduced to the debut novel of the writing duo L.R. Dorn. Their work, titled The Anatomy of Desire, unfolded as a series of transcribed podcast episodes while simultaneously taking on the challenge of reimagining the classic novel An American Tragedy. Despite my initial reservations about such an ambitious undertaking, the result was a captivating read that skillfully blended an engrossing mystery with a contemporary twist on a timeless tale. In their latest release, With a Kiss We Die, Dorn once again employs the podcast-style narrative, this time with no overt ties to classic literary works. 

Propelled by the charismatic Ryanna Raines, The Raines Report, a true-crime podcast, has amassed a dedicated following. Recognized for its compelling investigative journalism and Ryanna's fearless determination, the show's popularity continues to surge. Now, armed with a voice recorder and an unyielding quest for justice, Ryanna steps into uncharted territory. She's about to participate in a live criminal investigation that tests her investigative acumen like never before.

A jolting double homicide within a lavish Southern California estate has reverberated through the affluent community. While the initial shock of the crime garnered immediate attention, it's the identities of the prime suspects that are poised to ignite a media frenzy. The couple's twenty-two-year-old son and his college theater student girlfriend are positioned at the heart of the inquiry. The pair teeters on the precipice of impending arrest and legal proceedings. In an attention-grabbing twist, they've exclusively sought Ryanna's engagement, offering interviews with the aim of authentically representing their viewpoint. Through a meticulous series of penetrating interviews, Ryanna navigates diverse vantage points, delving beneath surface contradictions to unveil an eerie and disquieting truth.

With a Kiss We Die showcases L.R. Dorn refining the style introduced in their debut, expertly amplifying the form for a multidimensional book. The story carries shades of a Bonnie & Clyde dynamic as the central couple fights to assert their innocence, yet Dorn skillfully avoids incorporating any direct source material. This allows for a fresh and original narrative. Amidst uncertainty surrounding the accused, Ryanna Raines emerges as the unwavering force committed to unearthing the truth. By anchoring Raines as an unequivocally virtuous character, Dorn provides a stable focal point for readers amidst the enigma of the alleged murderers. Presented in the format of podcast episodes, each chapter adds a layer of realism to the story, immersing readers in its fictional world. As I observed in Dorn's previous work, acclimating to the podcast-style narrative on a written page required an adjustment. I switched between the physical book and the audiobook and found the latter to offer a particularly engaging experience. Regardless of the chosen format, L.R. Dorn undeniably emerges as a distinctive voice within this densely populated genre.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2023, 52)