>The mystery isn’t really the central story, but the stage.
>There was a spooky weird atmosphere, I kept waiting for some paranormal aspect to pop out. But no, it’s selective & fanciful story-telling of an everyday murder whodunit amidst a literary middle-age crisis book.
>Lots of characters to track in the beginning, but they spread out & distinguish themselves.
>Fatphobic
>Most characters are transphobic, but there are a few good ones.
>One of the main MCs is a trans woman, pre and post transition. Love her, her voice & perspective.
>Interesting broach of the old stealth guard & the new transition kids dynamic
>Plot hinges on two of the friends group being homophobic
>No Killing of The Gays!
>One MC teaches piano to special needs children, and is not a good sister/care taker of her autistic brother.
>Said autistic brother’s role ultimately is pretty cool, & with a better outcome.
Agree with the Publishers Weekly Starred review:
“Boylan’s bluff, witty prose (“my actual innocence got on his nerves”) charms away any impatience with more far-fetched aspects of her loopy plot. And embedded in the whodunit is a heartwarming midlife love story, in which hard-won candor, tenacity, and a generous sense of humor are the most saving of graces.”
And Kirkus Review:
Still, it’s hard to stop reading as these well-crafted characters confront middle age while confronting the defining event of their youth.
Interesting article on Long Black Veil song. for the youngins and general clueless re: the title (like me).
Even being offkilter and fatphobic, the writing, the ownvoices transness and general engagement makes up for it to earn 4 stars.