Janice Hallett appears to have cornered the market when it comes to epistolary thrillers, with the narratives solely powered by emails, texts, WhatsApp messages etc. Her latest begins with emails sent by Dominic Eastwood to TV production companies, specifically those that have a track record in making true crime documentaries. He reckons that his aunt and uncle – Sue and Mal Eastwood – were involved in a case so bizarre that viewers would lap it up. One company shows an interest and so Dominic begins drip-feeding them his cache of emails, texts and other transcripts that detail the affair. We learn that Sue and Mal ran a rather sleepy village pub and tried to liven up their quietest day by holding a quiz night. The quiz attracts five teams each week with the regulars doing their upmost in trying to best each other. But when a mysterious new team arrives one week – and duly gets every question correct – noses are put out of joint. Tension is further ramped up one day when a body is fished out of a nearby river. It’s a decent enough set-up, although, because of the format, readers will have to suspend their disbelief somewhat, particularly when text messages are exchanged by people who are literally sitting in the same room as each other. The narrative also sags in the middle – the weekly quiz sessions seem to go on forever – although things ramp up significantly when the extended denouncement shifts through the gears. Hallett really cuts loose here with twists that are utterly implausible but also enormous fun. RM

Published by Viper