I so very much enjoyed this book. It has me hooked from start to end. I was so invested I read it in just a day and a half.
This book follows two sets of twins, one set being the famous sophomore sisters from the 40s and their mysterious disappearance and the other set of twins being two twin sisters from 2023 that rent the house that the sophomores owned.
This books layout was so interesting, it switches the POVs with such ease and clarity. It's always obvious who's perspective you're seeing and what time you're in. The story was compelling, easy and interesting to follow and filled with twists and turns.
I read an arc and so there were a few grammar mistakes in it but it wasn't to the point of not knowing what it was meant to say. On page 140-141 there was a paragraph that was written out twice in a row but it was easy to skip the repeat paragraph and continue the story. The author kept repeating the fact that they were twins over and over again to the point I wondered why it kept being repeated, after a while it was almost annoying how many times I was reminded of the fact that they were twins but I got over it.
Overall, I absolutely loved this book and would 1000% recommend it to others. I'm excited for when it comes out so I can read a fully finished and fully polished version of it.

I thoroughly enjoyed the reading experience and mystery this book had to offer! The interactive element was something I have not read before, at least not in this format, and it was executed very well. Only loses 1.5 stars as there was one particular twist that I worked out, and I felt that the format (whilst innovative) slowed the pacing down for me a little. But all in all, a very solid, unusual mystery that fans of the genre are sure to love.

3.5/5

What a fun mystery! Written with you as the detective given files to review, the story jumps between March 2023 and the 1960's. You've Been Summoned follows the mystery of Jane's missing sister, Sillian following a drunken party held at an historic mansion, that has an unsolved mystery of its own!

I thought the files were interesting to read and it was very clear which time period you were reading information about. My only critique would be the 'tips' at the end of each section. They caused me to second guess myself rather than help me in discovering the suspect. There was also a few too many characters and I felt like some of the 'important' information was not achievable in uncovering until the very end.

Overall, a great read for anyone who loves a mystery and wants to see if they can solve the mystery! Good Luck!




SPOILERS-




The clues for solving both mysteries are inherently false and purposely hard to use. Identical twins have identical DNA so Masie and Mary would be indistinguishable from each other through a simple DNA test. Also, where did they get DNA to match? Thier story occurs during the beginning of DNA testing so it seems unusual they would have been able to identify the deserved sister. The other issue I have is with the Victims Report. Unless I was to do a Google search on each color code given, how was I supposed to figure out the yellow coat was a lie? The report should have read the color, shade code####### etc. That was a very impossibly hidden clue. Other than that, the story flows okay!

This was written like an interactive mystery, but it wasn't truly interactive reading. Even so, it was a very novel way of telling a story, complete with newspaper articles, written notes, police reports and the like. The dual mysteries of missing sisters in the past and current times made the story a lot like a dinner theater mystery set alongside a current crime. If that makes sense. You are trying to solve a mystery set before you (the past) when a crime occurs in real time. I loved all of the clues, and the intricacies of the Manor were wonderful, like a cupboard with surprises in every drawer! The stage truly was set where you didn't know who could be trusted. I must say that I sure did guess wrong. At the end, though, I clearly saw all of the little breadcrumbs that led you to the killer. But I didn't see any of that at the time. And I sure didn't guess the mystery of the Sophomore sisters either - I was so easily led astray! This was a wonderful adventure that showed me how poor a sleuth I actually am! I loved the mysteries and the style! So fun!

Thank you, NetGalley, for a free e-galley of "You've Been Summoned: An Interactive Mystery" by Lindsey Lamar in exchange for an honest review.

Lindsey Lamar's "You've Been Summoned" is a riveting foray into the genre of interactive fiction, blending historical intrigue with a contemporary whodunit. Set against the fascinating backdrop of Sophomore Manor, a location steeped in the glamour and mystery of the 1940s and ‘50s, the novel invites readers to step into the shoes of a detective tasked with unraveling a perplexing murder during a costume party.

The premise of the novel is immediately captivating. A group of Virginia twentysomethings gathers at the historical Sophomore Manor for what promises to be a weekend of revelry. Yet, the festive atmosphere turns sinister with the disappearance and subsequent discovery of Jane Parks' twin sister's body. Lamar excels in crafting a narrative that is both a homage to the classic murder mystery and a fresh, innovative take on the genre. The setting, rich in historical allure, adds layers of complexity and intrigue, weaving the manor's enigmatic past with the present-day murder.

The interactive element of the novel is its most distinctive feature. Lamar skillfully incorporates clues and interviews within the narrative, allowing readers to engage directly with the mystery. This approach not only deepens the reader's involvement in the story but also adds a dynamic layer of participation that is both challenging and rewarding. The structure of the book encourages critical thinking and deduction, inviting readers to piece together the puzzle alongside the protagonist.

However, the interactive format may occasionally overshadow character development and narrative depth. While the novel's focus on reader participation is innovative, it runs the risk of reducing characters to mere vehicles for puzzle-solving rather than fully fleshed-out individuals. Additionally, the balance between providing sufficient clues and maintaining suspense is delicate; at times, the narrative could benefit from a more nuanced distribution of hints to avoid predictability or excessive complexity.

In conclusion, "You've Been Summoned" is a commendable addition to the interactive mystery genre. Lindsey Lamar offers a novel that is both a stimulating mental exercise and an engaging narrative experience. It is well-suited for readers who relish the thrill of solving a mystery firsthand and those interested in a novel that transcends traditional storytelling boundaries. Lamar’s work promises to be a delight for fans of historical settings and interactive fiction alike.

READ THIS BOOK
Oh my gosh, it is so sharp, interesting and delightful.

A big costume party, a gothic mansion, a group of 20 something friends with few worries and lots of money, what could go wrong?

Quite a bit, actually. Welcome to the historical Sophomore Manor where you will have a front row seat to the party. Remember the old "choose your own adventure" style novels? This sort of reminds me of the same. Lindsey Lamar has created a book that invites you to solve the case. Each chapter is filled with police files, interviews and documents that depict the events that transpired. Best yet, there is a series of historical files that depict a long ago mystery/tragedy that seem to feature in the current mystery.

If you ever fancied yourself a detective, now is your chance!
Pick up this novel to support an Indy author, and a publishing experiment, you won't be sorry!
Ready for the next one Lindsey, I am a huge fan!
#Youvebeensummoned #lindseylamar #Experiment42 #IndependentBookPublishersAssociation #IBPA

I wasn't a fan of this book. I tried so hard to get into it, but this was a do not finish for me. I liked the idea of an interactive story, but this book wasn't what I thought it would be. From what I read, I was confused at times, and there were moments where I wanted to stop reading before I stopped reading(I made it like thirty or forty pages before I skipped to the end to see what happened and who did it). I think the format just wasn't it for me. I wanted to love it, but, sadly, I didn't.

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The really enjoyed the format of this book and it felt different to other mystery books for this reason. I really enjoyed it overall.

I received an ebook ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a cleverly executed mystery! The format was unlike any other book which I have previously read, and I would certainly read another in this vein. Since this work is an experimental concept - a full-length interactive detective drama - I was unsure how successful it would be. I am pleased to share that I was pleasantly surprised! I also ended up enjoying the dual timeline mysteries, which are typically hit or miss.

While there are a few editing mistakes and a couple of points that were a bit confusing, I think that these minor flaws will be fixed during the final editing process.

I am rating this title a 3/5 instead of a 4/5 because of vulgar language, which I always thinks detracts from writing, but that is merely my opinion. However, don't forget that on Goodreads, 3 stars means that "I liked it," so this is not a bad rating!

'You've Been Summoned' is one that I will be recommending to my fellow mystery enthusiasts!

I found the premise of this book very intriguing, the multimodal elements and the interactive nature of the narrative called to me. As a teacher of many reluctant readers, I felt this could be the answer to their engagement issues. Many of my students would find this narrative structure entertaining and I will recommend it to them in the future. However, I found the perspective shifts from 2nd to 1st person confusing in some parts and it took away from my enjoyment.

I normally don't read books in this genre, but the cover caught my eye. I really enjoyed it! I thought the prose was good and the pace was perfect. Thank you for the read! I would recommend.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 (rounded to 5)

"You've Been Summoned" is a literary gem that effortlessly earns its high rating. From start to finish, this novel captivates readers with its unique concept, compelling characters, and skillful storytelling. I usually keep my expectations fairly high for mystery books, and this one surpassed all of them.

What truly sets this book apart is the thrilling concept of allowing readers to piece together the mystery on their own. While these books have existed for a long time, I'd never read one myself - and as a fan of a good challenge, I was immediately drawn in, and Lamar delivered beyond my expectations. Despite correctly guessing the killer halfway through, the suspense and unexpected twists kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end.

My favorite thing about this book, however, would have to be the added element of the dual timelines. Flicking back to the past to explore the lives of Mary, Macie, and the Sophomore brothers was a highlight for me. These characters became my favorites, adding depth and richness to the overall story. I have to admit, I'd often find myself flicking through the present chapters just to return to them and to their past - I had to find out what happened to them. How their story ended. Despite myself, I adored all four of them (not, might I say, as people). Josh, James, Mary and Macie are characters that I know will stay with me; a story as haunting as theirs is bound to.

Speaking of haunting, that final twist at the end left me utterly astonished. I would never have anticipated that. Reflecting back, however, it all made sense. The author's ability to build suspense throughout the book, coupled with morally flawed characters, created a narrative that was both engaging and thought-provoking.

The narration, concise and to the point, allowed the story to unfold seamlessly. While Jane, the narrator, may not be wholly remarkable and exuded a palpable insecurity, her authenticity made her relatable and added to the story's overall charm. Her relationship with Dakota, who is not particularly interesting in his own right, was another highlight for me - the dynamic was quite interesting to observe.

In conclusion, "You've Been Summoned" is a masterfully crafted novel that seamlessly weaves together mystery, suspense, and flawed characters. For those in search of a quick and enthralling read, look no further.

This promised to be an "interactive" mystery, which I found to be interesting. At some point, though, the format took away from the actual mystery. I think in locked room mysteries you can't have too many suspects, and this one obviously couldn't have all 30 guests be suspects, but for a large party for a weekend at a fancy old manor, this often felt like there were just 5 people kicking around the place. And if it's 50 miles from anywhere, why did no one have food at the house? Also, I didn't mind the historical mystery but at some point Mary's journal got boring and I couldn't quite understand why she and her twin had pulled this weird publicity stunt. I thought the names were silly - especially SIllian's and Dakota's - but they all were alliterative, which was weird and felt too cutesy. Also how does Sillian get the money to hold these wild weekend-long parties? And I'm not sure why it was Halloween themed. I do appreciate an old house with secrets, though. The ending was clever but I think the plot structure and needing to have it feel like you were yourself a detective investigating got a bit in the way of the story itself. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review!

I have admittedly read a lot of books in the mystery and thriller genre. However, when Lindsey Lamar pitched her book as an "interactive mystery" novel, I was intrigued and immediately grabbed this book and didn't stop reading until I was at the last page. The format of "You've Been Summoned" is unique in that the reader is taking on the persona of a junior PI and reading case files to solve two different cases: one from the 1940s and another in the present day.

Both cases revolve around a pair of twin sisters, and the files contain red herrings, delicious lies, notable suspects, and puzzles galore. When transported to the 1940s, the reader is able to get an inside look into the limitations that women faced in this decade and how this led to cunning decisions and, ultimately, manipulation at the hands of devious men. Step inside the gothic atmosphere of Sophmore Manor and see if you can solve one (or both!) of the mysteries within the mansion's walls.

This novel is perfect if you are a fan of:
-Locked room mysteries
-Being an armchair detective
-Historical fiction mixed in with murder, deceit, and tons of twists

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Experiment 42 for this ARC. Overall, I enjoyed the story of this book. I really enjoyed the mix media delivery and how fast paced it was. I finished it within a few hours of starting it because it was that easy to read. The character development was well done.
I will say that I didn’t enjoy the ‘interactive’ nature. I didn’t really know what to expect by that, but I found the end of each file comments from the PI frustrating and out of place. I honestly ended up just skipping them.
It was very much a standard who done it, which I personally enjoy, but the interactive nature wasn’t needed in my opinion.

Otherwise, a good book and a solid 3.5 stars.

When I was a child I loved interactive books. As an adult, I’ve learned I still love them after reading, “You’ve Been Summoned.” Not only is this a great mystery, but it’s FUN! I loved looking deeper into the characters and examining evidence. I was thinking about the book even when I had to put the book down. The author has created something special and I cannot wait to recommend this on publication day! Thank you for the opportunity to read in advance!