Member Review

The author doesn’t shy away from the gritty, graphic details of violence and criminality in The Meaning of the Murder. Readers should be beware of potentially triggering content. Additionally, Eliana’s tunnel vision into finding out the truth leads her down a dark path. She takes justice into her own hands and erodes her integrity as a person and law enforcement officer. The story also involves commentary on government corruption, racism, capitalist greed, imbalance of power in America, and the flawed justice system. However, these musings are delivered by Eliana’s mentally unstable and substance abuser younger sister Charlotte. In my opinion, this could cheapen the message – why would anyone take the thoughts of a drug-addled psych patient seriously?

In any case, the author paces the story well, offering a multilayered and engaging narrative. Though, the book does contain some filler that could have been cut out, and moments dragged on at points. Even so, I needed to know what happened and how it would all play out. I’m adding this to the top of my thriller/suspense recommendations.