This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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WHAT'S THE ACCOMPLICE ABOUT?
Luna and Owen meet in a Business Ethics class in college and form an almost immediate bond, becoming the best of friends—you know the kind that 1977's Harry Burns says is impossible, but that 1987's Harry finds himself wanting. Without the romance of 1988/89. They're inseparable, a package deal—not just in college but after that.

Twelve years after their first meeting, Luna finds the murdered body of Owen's wife while out running. Obviously, the police focus on Owen initially, but Luna knows it wasn't him (not because of evidence, but because Owen wouldn't).

Still, it's hard not to think about a sort-of similar thing that happened back in college. And some of the things from Luna's past and...well, now things are a real mess. While worrying about Owen, dealing with some personal turmoil that arises at the same time, and answering questions from the police—Luna starts to re-examine that time in college and asks some questions she maybe should've asked a decade ago.

As the Publisher puts it:

The Accomplice brilliantly examines the bonds of shared history, what it costs to break them, and what happens when you start wondering how well you know the one person who truly knows you.


The novel is told in alternating timelines, an approach that really works in this case. The primary timeline is 2019 with the murder and its investigation and aftermath. The other starts with Luna and Owen's first meeting and then progresses through their college years, tracking the course of their friendship—focusing on that "sort-of similar thing."

OWEN AND LUNA/LUNA AND OWEN
My opinion of the two of them vacillated a lot over the course of the novel—particularly Owen (which had nothing to do with him as a suspect, just him).

But the two of them together? There's something special about their friendship...I can't put it into words, but when they're interacting, it's just a pleasure to read. The same applies to them when they're not interacting, but are looking out for each other. These two are great friends—easily forgiving each other, putting up with shortcomings (but being very aware of them), understanding each other better than their spouses, etc.

When either of them are being questioned by the police, for example, they're much more concerned about explaining the actions and clarifying problems for the other than they are with staying out of trouble with the police themselves. Even if, and this is the part that counts, they aren't feeling particularly fond of the other at the time.

Actual, living, breathing friendship. It's a great thing to see, and it's why I cared at all about this novel—sure, the puzzles were interesting, the dialogue was crisp, and so on. But you get drawn in, and kept in, by their friendship. Would I have read a slice-of-life novel about these two? Yes, and at times the book feels like it. Would I have read about these two taking a joint-family vacation where hilarity ensues instead of this crime? Absolutely. But this is better.

SOME MUTUAL FRIENDS
There's another couple that Owen and Luna knew from college (names withheld because they're not a couple when first mentioned). There is something about them that stood out from the rest of the characters in the book.

He's just a hoot in college—and she's the best friend that Luna has other than Owen (arguably better than Owen, but that's not something Luna would consider).

But their after-college activities are fantastic—it's not in Lutz's wheelhouse to do something like this, but man, I'd love a novel about their life. Their dynamic—as well as their business/products—steals every scene they're in for the 2019 timeline. I want more of them. I know I'm not going to get that, but it's on my wishlist, just a few notches down from flying cars and a way to make this blog my full-time job.

SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT THE ACCOMPLICE?
I keep seeing Lutz's The Passenger referenced in relation to this book—while that's not a bad book to compare this to, I think How to Start a Fire fits better in terms of tone and storytelling. If you go into this expecting something like the former, it's going to take you a minute to re-calibrate expectations.

There are good portions of this book that aren't all about "what's X's secret?", "who's the killer?", "what horrible—or at unscrupulous—activity has Y been up to?", etc. And those are just fun—it's light, clever, winning—you want to get to know these people, be their friends—shake your head at their eccentricities. Then every few pages, you get a reminder that--where's there's light, there's likely a shadow, and it might be best not to look into them.

Bouncing back and forth between the two timelines (and, eventually, a third that proves really illuminating toward both character and plot), Lutz reveals more of the characters, peels back the secrets, and advances the plot so easily, so naturally, that it must have been excruciating work. The easier it is on the reader, the harder it likely was on the author—and hopefully, Lutz took a nice break after finishing this. This is the kind of weaving that Lutz excels at—as seen in The Swallows , How to Start a Fire, and (yes) The Passenger—and she's getting better at it, I tell you, you won't see any of this coming.

It's not too surprising to see me recommending a Lutz novel (the surprise would be me not), but there's something different about this one. Set aside a couple of days and get to know Owen and Luna.


Disclaimer: I received this eARC from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine via NetGalley in exchange for this post—thanks to both for this.

The Accomplice by Lisa Lutz is a highly recommended novel of suspense swirling around two best friends and two timelines.

Owen and Luna, Luna and Owen - these two very different individuals became fast friends after they first met in 2003 at Markham University. "Owen Mann is charming, privileged, and chronically dissatisfied. Luna Grey is secretive, cautious, and pragmatic." Their platonic friendship continues into adulthood and the two live with their spouses near each other. Their friendship also seems to involve being questioned by the police in homicide investigations. The first unexplained death they are persons of interest in happens when they are in college. The recent murder in 2019 is of Owen's wife, Irene. Luna is jogging in the cemetery and finds Irene's body, making them again persons of interest and putting their friendship into question. Underlying these mysteries is a hidden secret Luna is keeping from her past.

Chapters in the narrative alternate between events in their college days and the current murder investigation in 2019. Both timelines are equally interesting and compelling. As the investigations unfold, we are privy to all manner of information and background concerning Luna and Owen. Neither is a particularly likable person, but they are complicated and interesting characters. They also drink a lot, in college and as adults, so expect that. Their family histories are convoluted.

The plot moves at a steady pace in both timelines, focusing more on the history and interactions of the characters along with the investigations. The alternating timelines worked very well in the exploration of these characters from then and now. We are also introduced to other characters Luna and Owen have known for a long time. There are twists and surprises in store for readers, some unexpected humor, and secrets that are going to be revealed. You won't know quite who to trust in this one as the line is always shifting.

Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Random House/Ballantine Books.
The review will be published on Barnes & Noble, Edelweiss, Google Books, and Amazon.

Owen comes from a rich upbringing and seems to be friends with everyone. Luna doesn't want to be around many people, and has a secret that she desperately tries to keep hidden. When Owen and Luna meet in college, they develope a friendship that spans over 20 years, and that becomes a relationship that most people don't completely understand. They never allow their friendship to fall into anything romantic, and they stay best friends even through a horrible event in college.

Years later, they are each married and live close to each other. Luna goes out jogging and finds Owen's wife murdered. The resulting investigation into her death brings to light other secrets, and brings up past events that were never fully explored.

Lisa Lutz writes amazing fiction, and this last book is no exception. There are no huge twists, but rather a continuing of unraveling secrets and facts that are brought to light in small incremements. Wtih every answer it brings about even more questions.Owen and Luna's friendship is tested as more and more secrets are unearthed. Lisa Lutz has long been a favorite author of mine, and this book is my favorite yet!

Thank you to Random House and Ballantine Books for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

Whoa...that was mind-bending and rather intense. This is a character driven story which centers around the friendship between Luna and Owen. And what a friendship it is. They are the central figures in each others' lives, almost to the detriment of other relationships they have. They are not together in any romantic way, but their bond is strong and deep. Both are extremely flawed people, yet they complement each other perfectly. I found Luna to be fascinating and cryptic. Owen was not the most likeable of people, yet he had endearing qualities that made you like him at times. I'm rambling and don't make sense, even to myself. Suffice it to say, I enjoyed this one very much.

A quickly moving murder mystery with flashbacks! Early in the story we meet Luna, her closest friend Owen. and his wife. Owen's wife is murdered and the novel quickly picks up.
As we move back and forth between 2003 (college ) and October 2019 (current). We learn that Luna is harboring a deep secret that she is afraid to tell others. In 2003, we follow Luna and Owen as they develop a deep friendship and learn of another death of friend close to both of them.

Pros- quick moving and twisty. I did not know who to believe and I did not solve the mystery until the end.

Cons - the disinterested way that Luna is written. She seems to not care much about her own life, much less anyone else's. We were told many times that her and Owen had a tie, but I didn't see any real proof of it, no real "show" just "tell." Owen's brother and Luna's husband almost seems like afterthoughts much of the time. I did not think Luna's "big secret" was big enough.

Still an enjoyable story and recommended to all who like flashbacks, stories built on college years and murder mysteries. #NetGalley and #RandomHouse #Ballantine #TheAccomplice #NetGalley

This is a charming and well-written mystery that centers on a lifelong friendship between Luna and Owen, a boy and a girl who have had a close-knit but (mostly) non-romantic love for each other since college. Told in two alternating timelines, one in college and one in 2019, we learn that the two have been the subjects of not one but two murder investigations. What are the chances — unless at least one of them is a murderer?

This is a cozier mystery than I usually read, but I was captivated by the unique and funny friendship between Luna and Owen. I was extremely impressed with Lisa Lutz’s writing style and skill. The witty banter between Luna and Owen is what made this story for me. A quirky pair with an even quirkier friendship who you will want to root for, even as your suspicions shift from one to the other for both the recent and the older murder. The plot is equally well-written with a satisfying amount of twists and interesting links between the present and the past.

A unique and satisfying read from a talented writer — this book definitely makes me want to read more of Lisa Lutz’s thrillers. 4 solid stars! Thanks to Random House, NetGalley and the author for the fun foray into the quirky world of this duo’s friendship.

✨ The Title/Cover Draw:
I had previously read The Swallows by this author and really enjoyed the journey of the mystery. Thank you to @netgalley and Ballantine Books for allowing me to read this ahead of publication.

💜 What I liked:
This is a slow burn mystery told jumping around between different timelines. One of the characters is painted slightly unreliable in her memory due to seizures and trauma, so it’s hard to know if what she is going through is the truth. The author does a good job of never letting you think too much about the clues and suspects, moving to new things rather quickly, which makes it such an enjoyable reading experience.

😱 What I didn’t like:
While the twists and ending made total sense, for some reason there was something that rang incohesive about it all. I felt slightly apathetic at the reveals, but surprised nonetheless.

🚦 My face at the end: 😬

💭 4 Reasons to Read:
1. Multiple timelines
2. Unsolved murders
3. College friends
4. So many secrets



🕧 Mini-Summary:
Owen and Luna have been friends forever, but the people closest to Owen tend to die. Luna also has a secret that may topple everything.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Received from Netgalley.

💯 For more details on the books we read, be sure to follow me on TikTok (@zaineylaney) or check out our Podcast - Elated Geek!

I struggled to finish this. I am not a fan of dual timelines especially when one of the timelines is from a YA/college time.

This is a case of personal preference.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book but it simply isn’t for me. Therefore, I won’t leave a review on social media.

I don't know how to classify this one but it's a gripping read. The characters are complex and interesting. There' are a couple of mysteries that are full of tension and twists. Luna and Owen and their friendship is intriguing. Griff was one of my favorite characters. I was really surprised with the big reveals. I was reading as fast as I could because I was completely sucked into the drama. Another must read by this author.

Wow this book is a fantastic read!
Owen and Luna are two very different people that meet in college but become life long friends.
The story is told from two different time periods now, 2019 where a murder has taken place Owen's wife Irene and 2003 through 2005 where another murder occurs of a young girls named Scarlet has died as well who happened to date Owen.
Was Owen responsible or someone else? This writer keeps you completely in the dark till the very end.
I just started reading books by Lisa Lutz and found I enjoyed them so much . I always find myself hooked from the start. The character development is so good ...each character I liked so much I didn't want anyone to be found guilty.
Thanks to Random House Publishing and Ballantine Books for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

The Accomplice was a masterfully told story. At one time or another, I suspected every main character of murder (except the police detectives). At the same time, I really liked these characters and did not want it to be them. Luna and Owen were both flawed humans who were lucky to have found each other. They were closer to each other than many spouses. Unfortunately people kept showing up dead around them. Kudos to Lisa Lutz for keeping me guessing right up to the last page.

Owen and Luna, the main characters in this novel, met in college. Completely different - Owen from a privileged background, confident and friendly, and Luna quiet and reserved - they become unlikely close friends. Never romantically involved, they are always together.

The novel is told as multiple timelines, as we switch from current times (2019) back and forth to 2003, 2004 and 2005. As we go, secrets are revealed. A mysterious death of a college friend cast suspicion on Owen, but Luna remained as his confidante. In the present day, Luna has become good friends with Owen's wife, and it is Luna who finds her brutally murdered as she heads out for a run.

As the investigation into the murder continues, old secrets surface. Is Owen's connection to two murders just a coincidence? What about Luna's past - is there a connection there?

I found this novel a little slow going initially, and it took me a while to get used to the constant swapping of timelines. Once I started keeping the story straight, I was very intrigued, and I enjoyed the way the rest of the story played out. There were several surprises along the way. All in all this was an enjoyable novel, and I plan to read more by this author.

Lisa Lutz is one of those authors I will read ASAP and I am overjoyed when she has a new one. While I haven’t loved any of her novels as much as the Spellman series (oh how I miss those characters), I haves enjoyed all her books immensely. So I was ever so happy and grateful to receive the advance copy of her newest. This one is really fun and I was surprised by the twists. I would highly recommend!

Holy cannoli, was this book good! Owen and Luna - two completely different personalities - meet in college and become best friends. No one is sure why they never become a couple - even though they're so different, it's obvious they care deeply for each other. Years later, both married to other people, they're still best friends, and one morning Luna finds Owen's wife murdered in a local cemetery. Both Luna and Owen have secrets - Luna's explains why she's so stand-offish and prickly, and Owen's shows he's not the perfect friend and husband many believe he is. The story is told from two different time periods, and little by little, the events get closer and closer, until we get to the conclusion where everything is explained - and there's so much more to the story than it originally appears. Thank-you to NetGalley, Ballantine Books, and Ms. Lutz for the ARC of this title.

Sorry to say this book was just not for this reader. I found it to be filled with too many unlikable characters, and a story that at times that made no sense. The jumping between time periods was jarring and there were instances that I did not know what time I was in.

I also could not understand the relationship between the two main characters. I did get that the author tried to show that no matter how close you are to another, you never really know them fully,

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review for an honest review.

This is the first Lisa Lutz book that I've read. At times I found the story to be repetitive and predictable. When the two mysteries were finally revealed, I was underwhelmed.. Just an OK read ( IMO).
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the digital arc.

I’ve been thinking about this one a lot since I finished it. While I think ultimately Owen and Luna are deeply unhealthy it was an interesting examination of unconventional friendship. The thriller parts were slightly predictable but overall an entertaining read.

I am a big fan of Lisa Lutz, and I feel like she doesn't always get the recognition she deserves for her innovative and fun writing.

In The Accomplice, Lutz uses the relationship between two friends, Owen and Luna, to create a riveting read about the bonds people share and the things that bind them together. Owen and Luna keep finding themselves wrapped up in murder investigations. People around them seem to die in suspicious ways, and the only people they can depend on are each other.

But is it possible that one of them is in fact a killer?

A fast-paced mystery read that doesn't get too dark or gritty and has some good development and thought-provoking questions about how relationships are formed and what keeps people together despite bad circumstances.

"Everyone has the same questions about best friends Owen and Luna: What binds them together so tightly? Why weren’t they ever a couple? And why do people around them keep turning up dead? In this riveting novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Passenger, every answer raises a new, more chilling question.

Owen Mann is charming, privileged, and chronically dissatisfied. Luna Grey is secretive, cautious, and pragmatic. Despite their differences, they form a bond the moment they meet in college. Their names soon become indivisible - Owen and Luna, Luna and Owen - and stay that way even after an unexplained death rocks their social circle.

They’re still best friends years later, when Luna finds Owen’s wife brutally murdered. The police investigation sheds light on some long-hidden secrets, but it can’t penetrate the wall of mystery that surrounds Owen. To get to the heart of what happened and why, Luna has to dig up the one secret she’s spent her whole life burying.

The Accomplice brilliantly examines the bonds of shared history, what it costs to break them, and what happens when you start wondering how well you know the one person who truly knows you."

There are only a handful of must buy authors for me. Lisa Lutz is high on that list!

Owen and Luna have been best friends since college, their friendship weathering many secrets and tragedies and betrayals -- and suspicion, as the pair are touched by murder more often than can just be coincidence. Or can it? Lisa Lutz's newest thriller will have you shifting allegiances and doubting your gut instincts as you follow two murder investigations happening nearly twenty years apart. The twisty reveal at the end feels warranted (and not as outlandish as in many other recent thrillers), and the characters are compelling: they feel real and flawed and complicated, which doesn't necessarily mean likable (but that's sometimes helpful in this genre!). I prefer a more limited perspective for thriller narration, but Lutz uses omniscience to her advantage. Overall, this is a quick, exciting read that will satisfy anyone looking for a juicy mystery.