My thanks to Severn House Publishers and NetGalley for a copy of “ Buried Above Ground” for an honest review.

I was drawn to read this from the intriguing book description, and the fact it wasn’t a conventional storyline.I enjoyed the beginning, also the references to other crime books and writers.Unfortunately as I got further into the book I lost interest
With the storyline and the different characters, and ended up skimming through.
Sadly just not for me .

This is an intriguing crime novel, where for a very long time you’re not even sure what crime – if any – is being investigated. I found it both amusing and absorbing.

Two decades after writer Duncan Torres was last published, there’s a sudden surge in interest in the rights to his books. Multiple people are concerned about this, not least because investigating who holds the rights to his books might also reveal a darker – and deadly – secret.

This is a novel with many a sly wink towards the publishing industry, and although many of the amusing moments can (and will) be appreciated by any reader, those with an interest in writers or the publishing industry will particularly enjoy this aspect. It’s cynical and acerbic, and I rather suspect there’s a fair bit of truth in it.

In fact, the resolution of the crime plot almost took me off guard. I’d become so distracted by the depiction of the publishing industry that I kinda forgot I was reading a crime novel. It’s a great blend.

This is a well written novel with an unusual angle. I found it a lot of fun – not something I usually say about crime novels. It’s a deceptively light read, with some thoughtful underpinnings.

Chapters are narrated by different characters, and Ripley gives us a strong insight into each through their voice. I was impressed by the strong characterisation, given it’s mostly achieved through what the characters tell us themselves – and it’s not always as positive as they think it is.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable novel with a clever plot and an extremely well executed narrative style. Highly recommended to those who like good writing, to crime readers, and to those with an interest in the publishing industry or writers.

The author (Mike Ripley) introduces the book and explains that it's 'not a conventional crime novel, rather a novel about writing crime novels.'

That's the best part - the insights into writing and publishing and the relationships between the people working in those worlds.

There are dozens of references and name checks for famous crime fiction authors, books and tropes. These have been weaved into the story and work best if you get the references. Some of them were obvious, but others went over my head.

But the story itself didn't work for me. It felt like a slow meander down a country lane with the destination right known from the start. I wasn't hooked by the story and didn't care what happened to the characters.

Thanks to Severn House and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions are my own.

Buried Above Ground is smart, nostalgic, and a total treat for mystery lovers. The story unfolds through first-person accounts from editors, publishers, and readers as a long-buried manuscript comes to light and a new mystery surfaces. It’s layered, witty, and full of references to classic whodunits. The format is unusual but works. I loved being in on the clues, though I was never quite sure who knew what. A satisfying, clever read that should spark great book club debates.

Thank you to Netgallery and the publisher for this ARC

I was intrigued by the blurb for this book, I love a good mystery, didn't know what to expect and honestly it was so interesting the multiple narrators all kind of unreliable with ulterior motives for trying to get what they want, it involves the booklist of a deceased crime writer Duncan Torrens who died some 20 odd years ago before ebooks and the like were common place so they are some who would like to tapped this as a viable money stream but some would like to keep in the past. There are two deaths in this book but a Span of time between them. I actually started to get ideas of what up near the end which normally I don't do but was surprised and liked the appendix game us some info to certain quote s and factoids. I'm going to to get this and also maybe the audiobook when it becomes available.

It's been twenty years since Duncan Torrens was last published.

So why is there a sudden intrest in his back catalogue?

Five people - none of whom can be trusted - are involved...

Brilliant

Thank you NetGalley and Seven House for the eARC.
What a terrific book this is, so.unique and great fun as well. I enjoyed it immensely, the Appendix as well. It reminded me of all the lovely books I read over my many years with all those writers ... quite nostalgia inducing.
I was proud of myself guessing the murderer too! Highly recommended, I'd give it 10 stars if I could.

I consider the author to be very underrated - all of his books are an excellent read and he really should be more well-known.
This particular book is very well written and well plotted - the ending fooled me completely. I really had no idea who the murderer was.
This book is well worth reading.

I enjoyed reading this book. It was a refreshing change to other similar genre books. It is spilt into different parts which are written from each character point of view whilst helping the story along. I would say that none of the characters are particularly likeable but that doesn't distract from the book

Instantly engaging.
With a clever turn of phrase Mike Ripley takes us behind the scenes of the literary world to as a long dead mystery unfolds and a one appears.
The format of the book is a bit different. Each section is a first person account from a different point of view. Get into the mind of the editor, the publisher, the reader as the clues piece together. We know what the characters know - or do we?
Thoroughly enjoyed the journey, with lots of references to mysteries from the past that I love and some I need to explore.
Easy reading and clever with relatable characters. This is a mystery readers' mystery. The ending should give book clubs a lot to talk about!