The Elephant in the Ivy is a fun and engaging novel that mixes campus life, mystery, and humor. It follows Alison, a college student turned spy, as she navigates secrets, ambition, and friendship. Perfect for those who enjoy a quick and easy read with relatable characters and surprising twists.

Ocean 11, meets a student society of James Bond spy craft, and University student stresses mixed together. Starts well, and as needed in this sort of genre a great reveal at the end. Set in Ivy League Brown, but accessible for all. (Which in part is the authors intent.) There’s lots of humour, and inventiveness as the student ‘Spy club’ factions fight it out to be the cream of the crop. Deceit is the name of the game, as is handing in assignments on time, and maybe the whole performance would have Shakespeare turning in his grave. But then again my fair companions, he’s not adverse to comedy. Thank you to Pima Open Digital Press and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

I’m glad I had the chance to read The Elephant in the Ivy. The writing is thoughtful and has that quiet, moody tone that fits the story so well. It’s not a fast-paced book, but it’s the kind that makes you think about how people carry guilt, ambition, and the need to belong.
Alison was such an interesting main character flawed but real. I liked how her insecurities and choices felt messy in a very human way. Some of the other characters, like her friends and classmates, had this distant, almost mysterious energy that added to the story. At times I wished I connected with them more, but maybe that distance was part of what the author wanted to show.
It wasn’t fully my kind of read, but I still appreciated the themes and how well it captured that feeling of being lost in your own world. It’s subtle, emotional, and lingers quietly after you finish.

This book surprised me in the best way. I went in not knowing what to expect, and ended up completely wrapped up in the quiet mystery and the emotional layers woven into the story. I kept wanting to read “one more chapter” because the unraveling of the story is so soft, slow, and elegant. It’s the kind of book that feels like a secret you’re being trusted with. And by the end? I was honestly sitting there like… okay, that was really good.