Charley's Web

by Joy Fielding

[Joni Reads]

I had never even heard of Joy Fielding until I was browsing my local library last week. I saw a whole row of novels by her and picked up one of the books and was immediately intrigued. I had a hard time figuring out which book to borrow but I chose Charley's Web because of the interesting and unique title.
I was quickly absorbed in this novel. I never wanted to put it down. Charley is such a likable character and and the words just flowed right off the page.
As Charley becomes more involved with interviewing Jill Rohmer, the Beastly Babysitter who is sitting on death row for murdering three children, the book started to truly come alive. I could picture the scenes like I was watching a crime drama, Jill on one side of the table and Charley on the other, each one trying to gain the upperhand in the interviews.
It soon becomes obvious that Jill did indeed have an accomplice in the murders of the children. She will only refer to him as "Jack". Jack and Jill. She thinks it's so clever and Charley is trying so hard to get Jill to divulge who her accomplice is. The answer will shock you as will the series of events leading up to Jack's unmasking.
Truthfully, I figured out who Jack was about half way through the book. It was a guess, a "wouldn't it be funny if soandso is the accomplice" and then it turned out I was right. It was not made obvious and I am sure that a ton of other readers of this novel have been thoroughly surprised with who he turns out to be. I just have a way with guessing who the bad guy is, probably because my tv watching is limited to Criminal Minds, Cold Case, Without A Trace, CSI, and Law and Order SVU.
In any case, I loved this book. Once I got to the end I couldn't put it down. I can't wait to read more from this author.