Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this book. I grew to not like the main character and felt it was completely unrealistic for him to be so beloved by all, as well as involved in active investigations as a writer. The female characters in this book were one-dimensional.

You could read The Alaska Sanders Affair without reading the first in the series, The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair, because this doesn’t spoil any of the mystery of that novel. But I would recommend that one anyway because it’s excellent. It’s a clever book-within-a-book with a lot going on, and the mystery itself was a good one. I also really enjoyed Dicker’s Enigma of Room 22, another very clever story-within-a-story mystery. So having been so intellectually satisfied with those mysteries, I was eager to pick up this latest.

I was a bit disappointed here, however, because this book had none of the nesting of stories going on as the others. It was much in the same style, though, with an author or “the” author (a form of Joel Dicker, in the case of Enigma) being the narrator and going among current-day first-person, past first-person and past third-person viewpoints. The “extra” of stories within stories wasn’t present here; it rested on the Harry Quebert laurels instead. I really missed that extra, though; I find myself more interested in mystery books that do have something different. (Let’s say a je ne sais quoi, since this is written by a Francophone, or actually, a je sais quoi, because I do know the difference.)

That being said, this is a solid mystery, with excellent investigation throughout and a kind of buddy-cop thing going on. There are a number of times it seems clear who the culprit is: case closed. But then the reader feels it’s not quite right, and then the investigators do as well.

I didn’t guess who the perpetrator was when they were revealed, so that’s always good. And it was satisfying after that revelation to go through the whole story from their point of view about what happened and why.

But I just felt a bit let down at the end because of what I’ve already mentioned. It’s clear because of plot threads left hanging that there are more mysteries to come featuring the author Marcus Goldman and his police investigator friend Sergeant Perry Gahalowood. I won’t jump to read them, though, as I did The Alaska Sanders Affair. But fans of solid police procedurals will definitely want to put them on their to-read lists.

The Alaska Sanders Affair by superior novelist Joel Dicker is just that. This far-flung, twisty, unpredictable, and fascinating novel is outrageously excellent. The writing is superb. The characters are vividly drawn. The procedural aspects are true to life, and the settings abound with cinematic imagery. Joe Dicker is one of my top three novelists. This book is stunning and wonderful, and, most of all, it is a book that begs to be read over an extremely short period. That says a lot because the book is lengthy, but every page is a delight. I recommend that readers finish this outstanding novel and check the writer's backlist. My only concern is that I must wait for Mr Dicker to write another book. This is one of the best mysteries I have read, and I am sure that after you read the Alaska Sanders Affair, you will agree with me wholeheartedly.

Was the wrong person convicted of a young woman’s murder?

Marcus Goldman is a hugely successful writer; his first book was a sensation upon its release and then, after battling a serious case of writer’s block, his second offering cemented his reputation. The latter book was written after Marcus’s former teacher and mentor, Harry Quebert, was accused of murder. Marcus knew Harry could not have been guilty and launched his own investigation into the matter, crisscrossing the state of New Hampshire as he pursued leads. In the end, he was able to clear Harry, but discovered secrets about him which seemingly destroyed their friendship. It’s now been two years and Marcus has neither seen nor heard from Harry since the resolution of the matter, despite his attempts to find him, and which has left him unsettled. He reconnects with a figure from his quest to prove Harry’s innocence, Sgt Perry Gahalowood of the NH State Police crime division. Perry and Marcus got off to a less than fortuitous start in those early days, but ultimately developed a friendship which extended to Perry’s wife Helen and their two daughters. When Helen suddenly dies of a heart attack after a period of disquiet in the marriage, Perry is devastated. He had suspected her of having an affair, but instead there seems to be a link between Helen’s death and a case with which Perry had been involved 11 years earlier when the body of Alaska Sanders was discovered near Grey Beach is the small NH town of Mount Pleasant. That crime was investigated and the perpetrator is serving a prison sentence. But what really happened, both in the time leading up to the killing and the days that followed? Why was a beautiful young woman who wanted to pursue an acting career in NYC instead working at a Mount Pleasant gas station? The fallout of that investigation has long haunted Perry, and reopening the case will cause many people associated with the crime pain and unrest. At what price will justice be served?
This is the third book in the series featuring Marcus Goldman, but one need not have read the earlier two in order to enjoy this entry (I had not, and found that author Joël Dicker skillfully wove in information needed for the reader to understand the relationships and backstories of those characters who featured in the two previous stories). The writing and storytelling is elegant, and the character development is superb. With each chapter the reader has a new layer of different characters peeled back to reveal the truths that hide underneath the facades each presents to the world. This is not the simple telling of a murder investigation that may have gone wrong; it is the telling of many different stories that have taken place over the years which have affected one or more of the characters and in so doing contributed to what happened during the initial investigation of Alaska’s death. It also touches upon the effect investigating violent crimes has upon those charged with doing so, the clash between literary success and the pursuit of the art of writing, and the universal condition of looking back upon the choices one makes during life and what might have happened had a different path been taken. My only two points of criticism in this otherwise splendidly crafted novel are that there are a few places where the story seemed to meander a bit and slow down the overall pace unnecessarily, and that some of the translation into English was off. As someone who has lived in NH for quite some time, there were some phrases used that were not ones readily used here. We don’t generally refer to “murder squads”, for example, nor to “fire brigades”, and while it certainly didn’t prevent me from understanding what entities to which the narrator was referring, I found it slightly jarring. That said, I found the book a very satisfying and engaging read, and suspect that fans of authors like Louise Penny, Chris Whitaker and Donna Leon would find it an attractive addition to their TBR list or pile. Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperVIa for allowing me early access to The Alaska Sanders Affair; I look forward to the next Marcus Goldman investigation!

From the day I picked up The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair I was hooked on anyting written by Joel Dicker. He writes fast paced smart thrillers that alwsy keep you turning the pages. I liked the follows up to it The Baltimore. Then he wrote books in between that and this new book that weren't entirely satisfying. It can happen with authors. Their first book is just sucha a knockout that anything else pales by comparison. No need to worry anymore because Joel Dicker is back in top form with The Alaska Sanders Affair. It's an absolute be careeful when you pick this book up because you'll be reading late into the night. It starts off with a murder and the characters from the The Harry Quebert Affair com back into the story trying to figure out this new murder in a small town. The style is a back and forth in time so it builds and builds into a satisfying conclusion. I would recommend that you read the first two books first but you still could read as a stand alone because the author fills in the details you need to through backstory. I really hope this books finds a wide audience because he's such a great writer. Thank you to Harper Via and Netgalley for the read!! LOVED IT!!!!

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Joël Dicker’s The Alaska Sanders Affair is a masterclass in slow-burn police procedurals, seamlessly blending intricate plotting with deep character exploration. This sequel to the acclaimed The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair once again features the tenacious author and amateur sleuth, Marcus Goldman, in a gripping tale of justice and redemption.

Set in the quiet town of Mount Pleasant, New Hampshire, the novel begins with the discovery of Alaska Sanders’ body on the shore of a lake in April 19991. The case seems straightforward, with two suspects quickly identified—one dead and the other pleading guilty.

Dicker excels in creating multi-dimensional characters. Marcus Goldman is a compelling protagonist, driven by a relentless pursuit of truth and a deep sense of loyalty to his friends. Sergeant Perry Gahalowood, haunted by his past mistakes, adds a layer of emotional complexity to the narrative. The supporting cast, including the enigmatic Alaska Sanders, is equally well-developed, each character contributing to the unfolding mystery.

The Alaska Sanders Affair delves into themes of truth, justice, and the enduring impact of the past on the present. Dicker’s exploration of these themes is thought-provoking and emotionally resonant, making the novel more than just a simple whodunit. The story also touches on the idea of redemption, as characters seek to right the wrongs of the past and find closure.

Dicker’s writing is elegant and engaging, with a meticulous attention to detail that brings the story to life. His ability to weave complex narratives and maintain suspense throughout the novel is impressive. The pacing is deliberate, allowing readers to savor each clue and revelation as the mystery unfolds.

The Alaska Sanders Affair is a standout in the crime thriller genre, offering a perfect blend of suspense, character development, and thematic depth. Joël Dicker has once again proven his mastery in crafting a compelling narrative that will keep readers hooked from beginning to end. Highly recommended for fans of intricate mysteries and character-driven stories.

Joel Dicker has written another page turner ,his writing brings the story the characters to life.This is a mystery a woman’s dead body found partially eaten by a bear and the story the thriller begins.#netgalley #harpervia

Joël Dicker is one of my favorite authors. I've read all his published books, including the Marcus Goldman series, and loved them. "The Alaska Sanders Affair" by Joël Dicker is the third installment in the Marcus Goldman series, and it not only meets but surpasses the bar set by the previous books.

The novel follows Marcus Goldman, a celebrity author who is restless after the meteoric success of his two books. We got to know him in "The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair" and "The Baltimore Boys". Now, he’s back with another thrilling case, as sharp as ever, and taking stock of his life.

Eleven years ago, the body of a young woman was found on the shore of a lake near the quiet town of Mount Pleasant, New Hampshire. The murderer(s) were caught at the time - or so the police believed. Now, as new facts come to light, questions arise. Marcus and his friend, Sergeant Perry Gahalwood, begin digging to uncover the truth.

With new leads and red herrings aplenty to mislead them, the investigation proceeds heel by toe. Amidst past remembrances and regrets, Marcus reflects on his life’s choices and his future. Was The Road Not Taken the better choice? And with mysterious souvenirs from Harry, Marcus' mentor who disappeared after the conclusion of his case, Marcus' plate is full.

I loved returning to Marcus's world. Any new book in this series feels like reconnecting with an old friend. The book is full of twists, time jumps back and forth - a bit too many past remembrances - and reflections on the meaning of success and its fallout, simpler (and possibly happier) times, and finding happiness. As a side note, I had no problem following the time jumps and keeping up with the events.

While the book stands on its own, there are some characters and events mentioned from previous books, though without spoilers. You don’t have to read the previous books to understand what’s going on, but it is preferable as they are good, and you might miss the fine nuances.

This is not a purely detective novel, and the murder isn’t the main focus. The book is a winning combination of prose and psychological tension, seasoned with humor and insights. Although the book isn’t without clichés - Marcus’s mother always urges him to find a girlfriend, and his publisher talks only about money and windows of opportunity - this does not detract from its value.

The uniqueness of the book lies in the combination of the murder mystery and the vivid description of Marcus Goldman's world. The story is full of interesting observations, some cynical and critical, about the world of literature, success, and the fear of failure. The book starts slow, but the pace picks up around the middle.

The plot could have benefited from some tightening up - fewer memories and more focus on the inquiry - but this is just a minor gripe. Overall, I enjoyed the book immensely and highly recommend it. Don’t be alarmed by the book's length or its slow pace at times. It’s a quick read with a satisfying conclusion, and the writing flows naturally. The book ends with a hint at another installment, and I’m already looking forward to it.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.

I received an ARC of this murder mystery through NetGalley.

I thoroughly enjoy this author's writing style. It's conversational, as if the protagonist is telling a story to the reader.

The protagonist in this novel is Marcus Goldman, a novelist himself. Alaska Sanders is a beautiful young woman who was killed near a lake late one night. Marcus gets involved with the criminal investigation, which is rapidly concluded. Except Marcus senses that the conclusion was incorrect.

The plot in this novel is quite complicated and twisty. Every time the reader thinks the mystery is solved, another twist surfaces.
The writing is great but the book stretches out a little too much. There is some amount of repetition also. But I highly recommend this book, though it does not quite match the excellence of my favorite book by this author, The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair.

I read The Harry Quebert Affair several years ago, and enjoyed it immensely. Unfortunately, I didn’t remember enough of the details to appreciate this book. I’m going to go back and reread it, then come back to this one. I’m sure this is a great book if you remember the specifics of its predecessor!

In the third installment of the series, the author demonstrates a remarkable narrative finesse that elevates the storytelling experience. The choice of a first-person perspective serves as a literary tool, allowing readers to intimately connect with the characters. This narrative technique provides a unique window into the minds of the protagonists, fostering a deeper emotional engagement.

The utilization of intricate timelines is a standout feature, skillfully weaving a tapestry of interconnected events. The temporal intricacies contribute to the narrative's suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they navigate through the unfolding mysteries. This structural choice not only adds complexity but also enhances the overall sense of discovery.

One of the strengths of the book lies in its well-developed characters. Each individual is imbued with a distinct purpose, contributing to the richness of the narrative. The depth of character exploration allows readers to form genuine connections, making the twists and turns in the plot all the more impactful.

The author's ability to maintain a delicate balance between revealing crucial clues and introducing new complexities is particularly noteworthy. This dynamic keeps the storyline engaging, offering a constant interplay between resolution and intrigue. As readers think they have unraveled one aspect of the mystery, the narrative skillfully introduces new layers, ensuring a thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating journey.

Ultimately, this third installment not only sustains the quality established by its predecessors but surpasses expectations, showcasing the author's adeptness at crafting a compelling, emotionally resonant, and intellectually satisfying narrative. It stands as a testament to the author's mastery in the art of storytelling.