Ask for Andrea

by Noelle W Ihli

[Raven]

Gut impulse rating: 5 stars
CAWPILE rating: 4 stars

This book was so good! I read the summary and immediately dropped the other three I was struggling to choose between reading next and dove into it. I love soft thrillers, they are like playing a game of Clue. I don't like anything too high intensity or gore, and this perfectly fit my tastes.

The story follows three women, who were all murdered by the same man: Brecia, who was murdered two years ago, Meghan, who was murdered one year ago, and Skye, who was murdered a few months ago from the present time. The story flips between the POV of each woman between chapters and begins from their murders until it reaches the present day. At first, I was worried that I wouldn't be able to get into it. The writing is slow and solemn, feeling very much like the numbness you would feel attending a funeral, or even being dead. I was worried it would drag on, but instead, I got hooked without even noticing. I was half way through the book before I even noticed I had made it that far because it hooked me so completely. It wasn't desperate and firm like a lot of books are. It was soft and subtle, so much that it happened without warning.

As the story creeps closer to the present day, the writing changed, so subtly that you didn't even catch it. It's like zoning out while playing a video game and then you suddenly you stop and listen to the background music and suddenly realize there is a boss battle in the next room or around the corner. Even as it hit the climax, it was muted. All the intensity without any of the anxiety. More mystery, less thriller, but all enjoyment.

The story is simple and straightforward, easy to follow and not particularly innovative, but enjoyable nonetheless. Following the ghosts in their haunting was ingenious and what really set this book apart. I loved the author's take on the afterlife, it was beautiful and inspiring.

The ending is gentle and satisfying. This is a great read, especially if you want something interesting without being too heavy. I will definitely look into more by this author, because this was such a great read.