Actors penning novels to expand their brand is nothing new. In the past month or so alone we’ve seen books released by Tom Hanks, Cara Delevingne, Wesley Snipes, Chris Colfer, and now, Krysten Ritter. Having read all of the fruits of their labour, I can say honestly that they’re written to varying degrees of quality. I found Ritter’s mystery novel to be the most well constructed, well rounded narratively and tightly woven book of the bunch. If you didn’t know who wrote the book, you’d assume that you’d just come across one of the best debut authors of this year (which I’ll proclaim her to be, regardless of her day job).
The thriller is told from Abby Williams’ perspective, a twenty-eight year old Chicago-based environmental lawyer who returns begrudgingly to her hometown of Barrens, Indiana to investigate Optimal Plastics, a high-profile company with mysterious ties to the small town’s high school. What begins as an Erin Brockovitch-like tale quickly evolves into can’t-put-it-down thriller reminiscent of Ruth Ware’s The Lying Game, except with far more compelling and authentic characters.
Trust this b—-, run out and buy a copy of Krysten Ritter’s Bonfire today!
Bonfire was provided by Penguin Random House Canada in exchange for an honest review. It may be purchased from your friendly independent bookseller or other fine bookstores.
