Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early read of this title!

This was an interesting format for a thriller – almost metafiction in a way, as the author Joseph Knox, is a character in the book, corresponding and ultimately finishing the work of the “actual” author of the book, Evelyn Mitchell. The story is told through a series of emails and transcriptions of Evelyn’s interviews with a group of people involved in the disappearance of a young woman named Zoe Nolan. We know from the start that Knox is finishing the book because Evelyn has died.

The story is that Zoe and her twin sister Kimberly arrived at university as freshmen, sharing a flat with several other girls. Almost immediately, strange things start to happen – items missing, strange sounds, a menacing presence. One night after a big end-of-semester party, Zoe goes missing. The story is told via the interviews that Evelyn conducted about seven years after Zoe disappeared. She thinks that the police did not take it very seriously at the time, and she thinks she can figure out what happened to Zoe. As she pieces together the story by talking to Zoe’s parents, her friends, her boyfriend, and others involved in the case, she starts to think that she might be able to figure out what happened to Zoe.

The format is engaging – once you get used to it, the story flows quite naturally through the voices of the various players in Zoe’s life. They all have secrets, which get revealed over time, but figuring out which are the ones that will lead to the answers is the trick. It is also an interesting commentary on the way that the media focuses on the disappearance of beautiful young white women and the public’s fascination with it (think Gabby Petito). If you like true crime stories, this would be a good choice for you!

While I was reading this book, I got hooked right away. I had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook and that did not work for me. Sadly, it actually made me stop reading altogether. I hope to give the book a second chance soon since I even purchased it. The story promises a lot and I do not want to give up on it.

Although this book is structured and reads like true crime, this novel is a blend of mystery and thriller that focuses on the case of a missing teenager, 19-year-old Zoe Noland, who seemingly vanished from the rooftop of her Manchester University residence tower on the night of a student Christmas party.

The narrative includes excerpts of "interviews" conducted by a woman who is intent on publishing a book about Zoe's disappearance. This wanna be author, Evelyn Mitchell, starts corresponding with Joseph Knox (clever little bit of realism inserting himself) in a series of emails asking him to read her manuscript and provide a mentorship of sorts. Since these snippets jump around between all the people who were close to Zoe at the time of the event, the story sometimes seems a bit disjointed. Add in the fact that many of these interviewees are lying, exaggerating, or omitting important details and you have a large volume of information to process. Mix in the twists, the surprising revelations, and the bad behavior of some of the characters and you have a tale that is so bizarre and crazy that it's hard to put down. In all, a very unique way to tell a story though the wild denouement had me shaking my head -- what???

I found it all very entertaining, but a bit frustrating with the lack of linear structure. The main body of characters were quite unlikable and not nice people with redeeming qualities. I was drawn into the case and really wanted to know what happened to Zoe which makes the lack of a definitive answer all the more frustrating after the time invested in reading! Just like real life, sometimes you don't get the resolution you need or want.

Definitely should appeal to anyone who likes amateur sleuths or true crime podcasts/documentaries though the style might be off-putting.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this e-book ARC to read and review.

True Crime Story is a unique and fresh take on the thriller genre. Written in the style of a true crime documentary, I feel like it's one of those books that are best listened to, because the multiple-narrator cast is absolutely phenomenal, but, if you don't have the digital or print versions, you also miss the formatting of the text and the added content, like the suspect pictures. Maybe the best way to experience True Crime Story is like one of those read-along books with the cassettes? Anyone else remember those? However you choose to experience it, make sure to put this one on your TBR!

I was intrigued by the format of this story! Unfortunately, I found the story to be a bit too slow paced for me and I put it down halfway through.. though II loved the concept of the book.

True Crime Story is a mystery wrapped in a podcast format that sucks in both the author and book publisher as characters. It is unusual, delightful, and twisty as can be!

Zoe goes missing three months after beginning her new college life. Seven years later, she has still not been found. A true crime author decides to investigate her disappearance by interviewing her friends and family. But they all see the events surrounding the vanishing through slightly different lenses (a la Rashomon). Is anyone intentionally lying to cover their own guilt?

After reading literally thousands of mysteries, the plots do begin to blur together. I can guarantee I will never forget this book. Brilliantly updating the epistolary format for modern times (no one writes letters anymore, but everyone listens to true crime podcasts), True Crime Story’s format is a showstopper. However, its atmosphere and especially its heart-stopping twists are the best parts of the novel. It’s a true tour-de-force that is a must-read! 5 stars and a favorite.

Thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

This is a good one. I couldn’t put it down.

I recommend to all who likes true crime or mystery/thrillers.

I really struggled with this audiobook. It was very hard keeping the characters straight. The noise in the background, which I assume is there to make it sound like a real interview, really just made it harder to understand what they were saying. I did enjoy the email communication parts of the book between Joseph and Evelyn though. Overall, I am left confused and with questions unanswered. If you’re going to read this one, stick to the physical copy.

True Crime Story by Joseph Knox is a unique take on a mystery/thriller. Evelyn Mitchell is a writer who is trying to solve the disappearance of Zoe Nolan. During her investigation, Evelyn starts to be stalked, and so she turns to crime writer Joseph Knox to help her solve the case. I found this book to be fascinating because the author involved himself in the actual story, and that intrigued me. The actual mystery was pretty good too. Thanks to NetGalley for the free digital review copy. All opinions are my own.

This book was really unique and original, it’s a fictional true crime story told through exhaustive interviews and emails between the collaborating authors, one of which is Joseph Knox himself. The writing is solid, the characters developed, my only real criticism is that it was a little long, especially reading it in this format. I did enjoy the suspense and the quirky characters and the humor amidst the tragic details.

Thank you Netgalley, Sourcebooks Landmark, and Joseph Knox fir this eARC in e change for my honest review.

I had not read the first version of this book when it was released, but I was keen to try this one.

I tried to get through it, but I gave up after four chapters. There were several reasons why I couldn't continue reading. The first is that, frankly, it felt to me like the author stole this book, and I couldn’t tell if it was from a real person or a fictional person .He talks at great length about how the idea, a huge amount of research and a partial first draft all belonged to his friend who is dead and doesn't have her name on the book. That does not endear me to the author at all.

Secondly, I don't like his 'voice' in the book. He comes across as arrogant and condescending.

Lastly, the interview format throughout the book, which is supposed to be direct quotes from numerous people involved with the case is irritating and lazy. Either write a book or don't, but don't expect your readers to do all the work by slogging through hundreds of pages of characters snarking at each other or going off on tangents.

In sum, I am really disappointed in this book, and I do not recommend it at all.

True Crime Story is told solely through interview transcripts, newspaper articles and emails between authors Evelyn Mitchell and Joseph Knox.

True Crime Story was a slower start for me as I tried to pick up on the variations in each individual’s version of events. There are a lot of characters and moving parts to keep up with. BUT…Once I had a feel for the characters the book became so realistic I had to keep reminding myself that although the book is written in a true crime format, it is a FICTIONAL case. In many ways the book reminded me of Chasing the Boogeyman. In both books the authors are characters themselves and I really enjoy that!

The case covered is the disappearance of Zoe Nolan. She was last scene at a party where she discovered a sex tape of her and her boyfriend Andrew was leaked. Zoe and Andrew publicly argued and witnesses saw Zoe hit and scratch Andrew’s face before running off. The events occurred at Manchester University in 2011, when Zoe was only a freshman.

Knox told Zoe’s story by making it all about the victim rather than glorifying her attacker and I loved it!

Initially, Evelyn’s emails are all interviews and conversations about the witnesses/victim. Later her emails take on a sinister tone as she mentions getting hang up calls and feeling as if someone is watching/stalking her. Her trauma seemed to worsen the closer she got to solving the case.

Go into this book knowing that you will HATE most if not all of the characters. They came across as liars, braggarts, fake, attention seekers, and just utterly awful people. It is hard to love a book with characters like that but I did. The unique story telling style intrigued me and despite not liking anyone, I needed to know what happened and why. It was an added bonus that I did not figure out the culprit until right as it was revealed.

Fans of true crime podcasts, documentaries, and books will enjoy True Crime Story, unlikeable characters and all!

Thank you @netgalley, @sourcebookslandmark for my digital copy of the book to review.

Edited: At first I really thought this was a blend of truth and fiction. The fact that this is completely fiction blows my mind.

It is a story of Zoe, who disappears one night from college. The whole book is in a format of an interview. Her closest friends, schoolmates, family and those that were involved in the investigation tell their story years after it happened. The person who is doing the interviews, is Evelyn who was the original author for the book. She put together all the little snippets from the interviews to build a better picture of Zoe, her life, and the time before she disappeared as well as after.

It was quite interesting how each person was almost bated to answer questions or comment on what someone else said. It really was a story of he said/she said. Each character was very distinct and had their own voice. They were personable, though at times not likeable. They were very very human with their feelings towards the situation and other people involved, as well as their growth through the years. The end, blew my mind. Definitely not something I saw coming.

It was slow going at times, and felt a bit repetitive and too much of people complaining about their relationships and accusations from other people. It still build a pretty good story, with a very open ending. It is still making my head reel. The fact that the author inserted himself in the story, makes it such a unique way to tell it. It doesn't feel fake, it feels real, and gripping.

Thank you to the publisher for my review copy.

True Crime Story by Joseph Knox is an epic thriller everyone will want to put on their must read list!

College student Zoe Nolan disappeared from her dorm building in Manchester, England in 2011 and has never been seen since. What began as a missing person investigation, erupted into a full-scale is she dead mystery, with suspects including her twin sister Kim as well as her boyfriend, father and even friends.

When writer Evelyn Mitchell decides to write a book about the case and asks her friend, fellow best-selling author Joseph Knox to give her some guidance, never did they see the horrible, shocking outcome to the mystery.

Through a series of riveting transcribed interviews Evelyn does with Zoe’s family, friends and the police, before, during and after her disappearance, Evelyn and Joseph begin to learn many alarming pieces of information about Zoe, as well as about her twin sister Kim, who always felt as if she could and would never live up to her sister’s talent. Zoe’s boyfriend is even suspected as more is learned about the days and hours leading up to her vanishing. Even Zoe and Kim’s father is suspected as he has no alibi for the time his daughter went missing. More importantly, it seems everyone involves is hiding information.

As days turn into weeks and then years there is no word or sign of Zoe. Everyone has tried to move on, most not being able to let go of the trauma they had endured. Then suddenly, out of the blue, close to the anniversary of the disappearance, they are all jolted by information none of them had ever known. Why now?

Will Zoe ever be found? What happened to her? Is she alive? If not, who killed her? And why?

This story is so unique, eerie, captivating and gripping with astounding twists and turns and an incredible jaw-dropping ending which was staggering!

Thank you #NetGalley #SourcebooksLandmark #JosephKnox #TrueCrimeStory for the advanced copy.

True crime lovers, we have found our newest book to obsess over! I loved this book so much. The interview style was done so well- adding a level of authenticity and layers of mystery to the story that I just loved. There were a couple times that I had to remind myself that this wasn’t a real missing person case! I also loved that Joseph Knox added himself as a character into the story as well- that was something I had never seen in a book before and I really enjoyed it! I had so many theories throughout the book and in the end when it all came together my jaw hit the floor with that twist! If you’re looking for a genuinely creepy story with unlikeable characters that just make you question everything, go and pick this one up, you won’t be disappointed!

Joseph Knox has written another fantastic thriller.This book uses transcripts to tell the story of this crime.The story seems so real it’ was hard not to believe it was a true story.Achilling page turner ,highly recommend book and author.#netgalley #randomhouse

In 2011, Zoe Nolan disappeared from her dormitory in Manchester. The case went cold, and now years later author Evelyn Mitchell has decided to pick up the story, trying to shed some new light on Zoe by interviewing friends, family, police. After hitting a seemingly dead end, Evelyn decides to send her progress to fellow author Joseph Knox in hopes that he'll be able to give some good angles on where she can go next with the story.

But as Joseph immerses himself within Zoe's story, the lines between fact and fiction begin to blur.

I really enjoyed the idea of breaking the fourth wall so to speak. Joseph Knox blurs the lines between truth and fiction and brings the reader along for the ride. It's really clever and drives the story forward. I think it's a perfect commentary on our near-obsession with true crime with the number of docuseries and podcasts around, almost anyone can reach the status of armchair detective. Joseph Knox plays upon this excellently.

I really like the oral history format of the story. It really enhances the idea of the supposed reality of the story. I've read other books that have utilized this technique and it's one that makes me want to listen to the audiobook as I feel like that's the closest way to really convey the idea of someone being interviewed.

The story itself unfolds at a languid pace. I liked how with all the different characters putting in their own version of events you don't know what, or who, to trust. Everyone has secrets and reasons for keeping or telling those secrets. It's just interesting to see the narrative changes as the various twists and turns are revealed. I think my only complaint is, at a certain point, I did feel like there were certain points where I felt like the information was being recycled over and over again without any forward momentum, but once we'd hit on a piece of information it would almost be like looking at the story again with a fresh set of eyes.

Without giving anything away, I also feel like Joseph Knox gives a satisfying ending. He clearly knows in True Crime Stories of any kind it's the resolution that people want to see, the answers. I don't think this one disappoints.

I am not really sure why, but the presentation style in this book did not work for me. I think perhaps it was because interview snippets interspersed occasionally with emails between the two authors was the format for the entire book. It got grating. I was also turned off by the unlikability of the characters and how they continued to go after each other. It was unrelenting. For most of the book I felt the story didn't move and the narration didn't give clues as to who the killer was. Then, the resolution came rather quickly and felt downplayed. After all those pages, I felt like the reader was due for a huge reveal! I am disappointed because the story itself was a good one. It just got lost in how it was told.

This book was amazing and everything of the sort. I will definitely be reading more from this author.

THIS BOOK IS FICTION..

I wish I could explain how many times I actually had to stop and tell myself that this book was fiction. If you're looking for a unique read, that will make you question every single thing you read then I HIGHLY recommend True Crime Story! This story is told mostly through interviews, with a dash of emails, and newspaper clippings. Like, seriously doesn't that sound amazing ?! I love when books are told in different styles. It just makes for such a unique read and they're usually the ones that become my top reads of the year.

THIS BOOK IS FICTION..

I really don't want to say too much about this book because I think going into it blind is best. What I will say though is; I've read 126 books this year and True Crime Story is officially my favorite read of 2021. I wish I could express better with how much I loved this book but my brain just isn't working this morning. BUT I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT