Book Review: The Escape Game by Marissa Meyer and Tamara Moss

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The Escape Game  by Marissa Meyer and Tamara Moss  opens on the set of a reality television show called "The Escape Room" where one of the season four contestants, Alicia Angelos, is found in a coffin on set ... dead. Fast forward to season five where Sierra Angelos, the murder victim's younger sister and suspected killer, has been brought back to the show and paired up with Beck, Adi, and Carter. Sierra wants to find justice for her sister, but when Sierra and her teammates start uncovering clues about the true killer, they must figure out how to survive the game. A huge thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for approving my request and providing me with a digital copy of The Escape Game  for free in exchange for my honest review. I was immediately drawn to the title and cover of the young adult novel. Throw in the plot being about an escape room, and I was completely sold on the story before even reading it. The story is told from the perspective of fou...
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Book Review: The Exhibitionist by Charlotte Mendelson

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NetGalley ARC Book Review of The Exhibitionist by Charlotte Mendelson
The Exhibitionist by Charlotte Mendelson is a general fiction book about a marriage of two artists, Lucia and Ray Hanrahan, and their family gathering for Ray's newest exhibition of art, the first in years.  The family does their part in supporting him, but will it be a success?

A huge thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the Advanced Readers Copy of The Exhibitionist by Charlotte Mendelson.  When I read the synopsis of the latest novel by Mendelson, I was intrigued as it sounded absolutely fantastic.  I was thrilled to be approved to read her story.

Unfortunately, The Exhibitionist didn’t quite resonate with me. The pacing felt slow from the start, and I found myself hoping the narrative would gain momentum. While the writing itself is polished and Mendelson captures the subtleties of relationships with authenticity, the story continued at a measured, almost plodding pace throughout the novel. The abrupt ending left me wishing for a more developed resolution. I truly wanted to love this book, and writing a less-than-positive review is always difficult.

Despite my personal experience, The Exhibitionist does have many strengths. The characters are believable, and the portrayal of family dynamics, artistic ambition, and marital tension is thoughtfully executed. Those who appreciate character-driven fiction, detailed emotional landscapes, and the quieter rhythms of literary storytelling may find it highly engaging.

Two out of five stars is what I rated The Exhibitionist by Charlotte Mendelson. However, I encourage readers to explore the book themselves to form their own opinion. Happy Reading! 

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