Category: Mystery

Guillaume Musso’s ‘Central Park’: A Rollercoaster of Mystery and Amnesia

Welcome to the Lit Lounge, Where Unforgettable Stories Await! Spoilers Not Included!

August was a truly captivating month of reading for me. Many afternoons I would take my book and sit outside with the dogs on the back deck, hiding from the hot western sun which floods our front deck and yard. I read six very different stories, all had a common thread of grief running through them. By the end of the month, I decided it was time to dive into a good mystery and I have had a number of good ones waiting patiently on my bookshelf.

My approach to selecting books for my ever-growing To Be Read (TBR) list is something I truly cherish, as it adds a touch of excitement and adventure to my reading journey. I usually find compelling content in the Books section, particularly the “Briefly Noted” section of The New Yorker Magazine. It’s one of my go-to spots for discovering new reads, along with Goodreads and social media. However, instead of relying solely on conventional methods of book recommendations, I love to explore beyond my comfort zone. One strategy I employ is scanning the International Best Sellers List. This introduces me to authors from around the globe, each with their own distinct writing style and captivating stories to tell. Additionally, I seek out recommendations from friends living abroad who provide me with a fresh perspective and expose me to hidden treasures that may have eluded me otherwise.

Central Park, New York City bow bridge in Autumn

Sometimes, I take it a step further and switch the country I’m shopping in on Amazon, perusing the Best Sellers Lists of different nations. It’s amazing how this simple switch can lead me to discover incredible authors like Guillaume Musso, a talented French writer who has piqued my interest recently. However, I must admit that the exact origin of some books on my list remains a complete mystery to me.

Allow me to present you with a captivating novel: Central Park. Originally published in March 2014, this gripping book by Guillaume Musso will keep you enthralled from the first page. I recently read the English version released by Back Bay Books in March 2021. Imagine you wake up in Central Park, surrounded by towering trees and lush greenery, only to discover that you are handcuffed to a complete stranger. A truly terrifying scenario, isn’t it? Brace yourself for a thrilling rollercoaster ride that starts right from the beginning!

Before we embark on this literary adventure through Central Park, let’s get to know the genius behind the mystery – Guillaume Musso. Hailing from France, Musso is a literary maestro who has crafted spellbinding stories that have leave you breathless. Works like The Reunion, The Girl on Paper, and Will You Be There? have stolen the hearts of readers worldwide. Now, he returns with Central Park, a tale that will redefine your expectations of thrillers.

Alice, a young Parisian police officer, and Gabriel, a jazz pianist, wake up in Central Park with no memory of how they got there or why they’re handcuffed together. Who doesn’t love a good case of amnesia? In this intriguing scenario, we witness two individuals grappling with their lost memories. With its expertly crafted plot and suspenseful narrative that keeps you guessing, this story will have you eagerly turning the pages to unravel the mystery.

They left the clearing and dove into the jungle of dense thickets and leafy shrubs. Cuffed together, they crossed through rolling undergrowth, followed a climbing path, then walked down the other side of the hill, holding on to the rocks as they went. It took them a good ten minutes of stepping over little streams and striding along several winding trails to find a way out of this wooded labyrinth. Finally, they came out on a narrow asphalt path bordered by trees that created a leafy vault over their heads. The fatrther they walked along this paved track, the closer they drew to the sounds of civilization, the the familiar and ever louder buzz of a city.

Central Park, Guillaume Musso

As we navigate the amnesiac maze with Alice and Gabriel, you’ll soon discover that Musso is a master at dropping breadcrumbs of suspense. Just when you think you’ve cracked the code, he throws another curveball that leaves you gasping for breath. That’s the beauty of this book – it keeps you guessing until the very end.

But it’s not just the thrilling plot that makes this book a must-read. The characters in Central Park come alive through Musso’s masterful storytelling. You’ll find yourself emotionally invested in their vulnerabilities, strengths, and the evolution of their connection. And beneath the amnesia plot lies themes of memory, identity, and redemption that will leave you pondering long after you’ve closed the book.

Prepare yourself for an exhilarating rollercoaster ride! With its clear and engaging writing style, This story will have you flying through the pages, fueled by curiosity and the desire to piece together what happened to Alice and Gabriel. Trust me, you won’t want to put it down.

Central Park is a masterpiece of suspense and intrigue that deserves a top spot on your reading list. If you’re a fan of mysteries that challenge your intellect and keep you guessing until the very end, this book is an absolute gem. So, fellow book enthusiasts, get ready to lose yourself in a world of amnesia, mystery, and unforgettable characters. And don’t forget to check out my 5-star review on Goodreads. Thank you for taking the time to stop by and pick up a book recommendation. I encourage you to share your thoughts and comments below. Until next time, keep turning the pages!

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Murder on the Links: A Challenging Listen with a Polarizing Narrator

Step into the Lit Lounge, fellow mystery enthusiasts, as we embark on an absolutely thrilling and extraordinary journey through none other than Agatha Christie’s dazzling masterpiece – Murder on the Links! Prepare to be captivated as Christie’s brilliant storytelling prowess takes center stage once again. As a seasoned explorer of her renowned works – from the iconic Murder on the Orient Express to the spine-tingling And Then There Were None – I simply couldn’t resist the allure of delving into her entire literary treasure trove, starting from the very beginning. Published in 1923, Murder on the Links is the second installment in Christie’s esteemed Hercule Poirot series, following the grand success of her debut novel, The Mysterious Affair at Styles. No spoilers here to worry about, so let’s dive into the complex world of Murder on the Links!

Our destination is the fictional picturesque coastal town of Merlinville-sur-Mer in France, where the story unfolds against the backdrop of an idyllic seaside location where “the golf links are world-famous, and the bathing is excellent.” As it begins, Poirot receives a mysterious plea for help from a wealthy businessman named Paul Renauld. With his ever-loyal companion, Captain Hastings, by his side, Poirot races to Merlinville-sur-Mer, only to be met with a shocking crime scene: the lifeless body of Paul Renauld, brutally murdered on the golf course.

In this second novel which we meet Hercule Poirot, readers learn more about his investigative approach. “My friend, in working upon a case, one does not take into account only the things that are ‘mentioned.’ There is no reason to mention many things which may be important. Equally, there is often an excellent reason for not mentioning them.” We see Poirot’s methodical and astute nature reflected in his words. He looks beyond the surface. He pays attention to both spoken and unspoken details, relying on his “little grey cells” to solve the most perplexing of mysteries.

Poirot’s “little grey cells” are not metaphorical; they refer to the grey matter in his brain. Grey matter is a tissue in the brain responsible for higher-level functions such as thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving. Poirot’s intelligence, honed by years of experience and observation, allows him to see things others cannot. He can connect seemingly unrelated clues and discern motives and reasons behind the crime. Poirot’s “little grey cells” give him a unique advantage as a detective, enabling him to think outside the box and develop creative solutions to problems.

While Poirot’s brilliance and unique approach garner admiration, the character of Captain Hastings divides opinions. As a devoted friend and loyal companion, he provides a sense of normalcy and stability to Poirot’s eccentric world. However, some readers, myself included, find his love-sick portrayal and occasional questionable decisions less appealing. His infatuation with female characters and emotional nature can sometimes be distracting, impacting the focus on the mystery. Nonetheless, his presence adds depth to the story and creates a perfect foil to Poirot’s brilliance.

While the intricacies of a good mystery can be engaging, Murder on the Links sometimes felt too complex, leaving me confused and lost. The abundance of subplots and numerous characters made keeping track of the action difficult, and the story seemed to meander at times, dampening the overall experience. To make matters worse, the narrator, Captain Hastings, proved to be a polarizing figure. His love-sick portrayal and tendency to overexplain trivial details grated on my nerves. At times, I just wanted him to stop talking; but as the story’s narrator, his constant presence was unavoidable, and on more than one occasion, I wished he would let the story unfold without unnecessary commentary.

In the story, Agatha Christie delves into several themes, one of which is the role of women in society. This particular theme caught my attention due to the way it explores the experiences and struggles of female characters, shedding light on the expectations and limitations imposed by society. Through these characters, Christie effectively examines the complex dynamics of gender and the obstacles that women encounter as they navigate their identities and aspirations. It is fascinating to observe how these issues persist even in the present day, illustrating the enduring relevance of Christie’s portrayal of women’s experiences.

In the novel, one of the key themes that really shines through is the importance of family. Christie beautifully portrays the relationships between family members, showing us just how deep and complex those bonds can be. It’s fascinating to see how the actions and decisions of one family member can have a ripple effect, impacting the lives of others. I mean, who can’t relate to that? It’s a powerful reminder of the intricacies of the human experience, making us reflect on our own family dynamics and the ways they shape our lives.

I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Richard Armitage, whose commendable narration skills, particularly his ability to give distinct voices to each character — there were many — enhanced the listening experience, although some subplots and complexities remained challenging to follow. Ultimately, Murder on the Links felt like a chore, and the combination of a complex plot and a bothersome narrator made it a frustrating experience. While I admire Agatha Christie’s talent for crafting compelling mysteries, this installment fell short of my expectations. I could only recommend three stars.

Despite my disappointment, I acknowledge that tastes in literature are subjective, and some readers may find the intricacies and character dynamics more to their liking. If you are a die-hard Agatha Christie fan or enjoy challenging mysteries with a unique narrative style, Murder on the Links is worth a try. The story offers an intriguing premise and showcases Christie’s storytelling prowess; the complexities of the plot and the narrator’s portrayal of Captain Hastings proved significant detractors for me. As I continue my journey through Christie’s library, I eagerly anticipate rediscovering the captivating magic that drew me to her works in the first place. So, let’s raise our magnifying glasses and venture onward in search of the next thrilling mystery in Agatha Christie’s literary treasure trove.

Thank you, for joining me in the Lit Lounge. Your time spent here is truly appreciated as I explore the twists and turns of Agatha Christie’s classic mystery and other novels. I encourage you to share your thoughts on the story in the comments below, as your insights and perspectives are invaluable in fostering a vibrant literary discussion. I would love to hear your favorite Agatha Christie mystery, or perhaps you have a different mystery series you’d like to recommend! Let’s continue to unravel the mysteries, share our love for literature, and embark on more thrilling journeys together. Until our next literary adventure, happy reading!

Check out my Goodreads profile and review of this book and others by clicking on the links.