Joel Dicker has an engaging way of writing, although at times, the story can feel quite drawn out. In this novel, I enjoyed the different view points and the switching between years. The police interview excepts added to the story also. You have to follow the story quite closely as there is lots going on as well as many characters. I did find that once I had gotten further into the story, it became clearer who was who and I was keen to find out the connections between the past and present, as well as what had happened to Alaska. There are lots of twists and turns, especially towards the end of the story, which at times can be difficult to follow; however, it is a very clever tangled web of lies, deception, relationships and occurrences bringing everything together in the end.

The murder of Alaska Sanders seemed to be an open-and-shut case: two suspects, one dead, one guilty. But eleven years later, when another woman is found dead, everything changes. Enter Marcus Goldman, an author turned investigator, who teams up with Sergeant Perry Gahalowood to reopen the case. What unfolds is a complex, slow-burn mystery that uncovers secrets no one could have anticipated.

Joël Dicker’s writing feels cinematic—each chapter pulls you further into the story, with the plot unfolding carefully and deliberately. The way he builds the mystery feels like piecing together a puzzle—clue by clue, twist by twist. You never feel like you’re ahead of the characters, which keeps the suspense alive.

The twist? Commendable (and I’m hard to please when it comes to twists!!). It wasn’t predictable, yet everything made perfect sense by the end. And while this book is over 500 pages, none of it felt excessive; every detail mattered, and I was fully invested the entire time.

I also have to mention the translator! It was one of those rare times I forgot I was reading a translation, it was seamless.

For fans of The Harry Quebert Affair, this sequel is a must and won’t disappoint!

Overall, I 100% recommend investing your time into this one. It’s a masterful murder mystery, and when you finally find out whodunnit, your jaw will hit the floor!

It’s been a very very long time since I read The Truth about the Harry Quebert Affair.

I remember I liked it, and I liked Dicker’s sequel so I thought I’d give this a go, despite not remembering anything at all about the previous books.

This one has me hooked right away. At first the dual timelines were confusing but I settled in, and I liked how it jumped in perspective depending on who it was focusing on.

I feel like Dicker didn’t know how to approach his previous books and the character of Harry Quebert. In some places it felt like it was assumed you knew everything but in other parts it felt like it was retelling the story of that book.

I didn’t love the slightly meta approach to Marcus’ character however, who had written the truth about the Harry Querbert affair in this book.

However like a lot of thrillers, for me this completely fell apart in the last act. Characters I was meant to care about coming out of the woodwork, convoluted alibis and complicated evidence. I really found the end messy and unnecessary and added way too many complicated sub plots I struggled to follow.

But up until the last quarter I really enjoyed this..

4 stars

Joel Dicker puts himself into his stories in a fictional fashion. He did it in his bestseller “The Truth About The Harry Quebert Affair” and he does it again here. In some way this book is the follow up to that one. This book brought his fictional self Marcus Goldman fame and money. He is now a well-known author. Unfortunately, he lost contact to his friend Harry Quebert whom he exposed in his book. But he made a friend in Sergeant Perry Gahalowood who was involved in the murder of Nola Kellergan. Marcus is still struggeling to find is place as a writer. He is still full of self-doubt and the fear of writer’s block. So it comes in handy that Gahalowood gets a tip that something was handled wrong in the ten year old case of Alaska Sanders. The murder was solved and the culprit is behind bars. But did they incarcerate the real killer? Marcus again becomes involved in a case about a murdered young woman which will lead to his new book.

It seems that readers are divided in Joel Dickers case. There are some who find his work pretentious and boring. And there are the others, like me, who enjoy his writing. For me, he has a light-footed style which makes it easy for me to follow him into his story. He tends to repetitions and over-explaining and he loves his flashbacks. Every time something from the past is told, we jump back in time and see the scene in real time. That gets a bit tedious after a while. That also makes the book a bit long and winding, like all his books are.

Dicker makes often references to his Harry Quebert book and another one, “The Baltimore Boys”. It is helpful to know the other ones but it is not necessary.

I enjoyed this book. I know about Joel Dickers flaws and I mostly can live with them. There was only one book “The Disappearance of Stephanie Mailer” which I did not like that much for several reasons. It seems he found his way back into solid story telling. His characters are all flawed and he describes himself not too flattering, too, but still with some vanity. I and will wait patiently for his next one.

I found this an enjoyable read but was a bit disappointed by the ending which I felt was stretching things a bit.
A good crime novel where a police sergeant and a novelist seek to solve a crime of murder of a young women where potentially the convicted murder is innocent.
The book flips back to the events of 1999 and then forward to 2010 as the plot weaves between the various suspects and motives. I would have given 4 stars but felt the ending was less believable as the murder suspect is revealed.

Back in 2015, I read Joël Dicker’s book The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair, a story featuring two writers, Harry and his friend and mentee Marcus Goldman, each struggling to write a novel. It also documented Goldman’s attempts to solve a mystery surrounding the murder of a fifteen year old girl, Nola, more than thirty years earlier – a girl Harry had been close to. I found it to be a long, jumpy story full of highs and lows; there were elements I loved (typically the conversations between the two writers) and sections I found tortuously dull and hard to swallow (mainly revelations about the relationship between Harry and Nola). But it’s a book that, despite its flaws, has always stayed with me.

So, my attention was quickly grabbed when I spotted that the author had written what amounts to a follow-up novel. Here, Marcus is shown to have benefitted from his time spent with Harry, in as much as he’d written a very successful book telling the story of the investigation into Nola’s death. The year is now 2010, and two years have passed since the events of that time. But he hasn’t seen his close friend since. However, driving back from a short trip to Canada, Marcus plans a route that will take him through the small New England town where Harry had lived. He’s gone now, and nobody seems to know where he’s now living, but Marcus still has hope that he might just get lucky and spot Harry snooping around his old haunts.

There are a number of carry-over characters from the earlier book, most notably Sargent Perry Gahalowood, who’d befriended Marcus as they’d jointly sought to uncover the mystery of Nola’s death. Perry is to feature large here, as he and Marcus now become drawn into the mystery surrounding another murder: that of an attractive young woman called Alaska Sanders. The murder had occurred back in 1999, and Perry had been part of the investigative team, but current events have started to throw doubt on the reliability of the conclusions reached and, therefore, the resultant actions taken.

Once again, the author provides a whole group of passages I really like (even perhaps love) but also some elements I didn’t. The relationship between Marcus and Perry is brilliantly observed, and their conversations are, for me, the high points of this novel. There are even a few statements - touching on life, marriage, success and how events change you - that I highlighted in order that I might read them again, and probably keep, so poignant did I find them to be. But the re-investigation into the crime is a painfully drawn-out affair. This is a long book, getting on for six hundred pages, and there are many twists and turns – in truth, too many for me. Quite a few sections are finished with a ‘you won’t believe what happened next’ type statement. This highlights that yet another mysterious happening or discovery is about to be added to the pot.

There is something else I found a little off-putting, too, this being that writer Marcus seemed to be allowed almost equal status to policeman Perry in conducting the re-investigation. I’m no expert on American police procedure, but this felt distinctly off to me. So it’s this mix of the good, the bad, and the unlikely that I wrestled with throughout. And yet, as the book came to a close, I knew in my heart that I’d miss it and the characters in it, just as I had with the Harry Quebert book. This seems to be something of a conjuring trick that the author has managed to perfect.

Alaska Sanders, 21, was voted Miss New England in September 1998. Her ambition to become an actress, a film star, an ambition she had had since childhood, was assured. Then she abruptly gave up her life in Salem, Massachusetts, moved to a small town in New Hampshire with her unambitious, mummy’s boy, boyfriend, Walter, and got a job in a small gas station. And in April 1999 someone murdered her on a beach not far from town. The police quickly identified Walter as the prime suspect and his friend, Eric, as a possible accomplice, Walter killed himself and Eric was imprisoned for life. In 2010, Detective Sergeant Perry Gahalowood of the NH State Police receives evidence that forces him to reopen the case, covertly, at the order of his boss. Perry had previously worked with writer Marcus Goodman on a case which became Marcus’s second million selling book “The Truth About the Harry Quebert” Affair. The two set out to review the evidence, which opens up a whole shelf full of cans of worms.
This book follows on from the previous one, which has no direct impact here except for diverting Marcus from time to time. So this works as a standalone, although the Harry Quebert stuff is a bit of a distraction for the reader. The book leaps back and forward between 1998 and 2010 and is structured rather like a TV show, a character in 2010 starts talking about an earlier event and the scene then shifts to the enactment of the event, running in real time, then shifts back to 2010. I found this quite a neat trick but readers who don’t like flashbacks might not. The plot is very convoluted, as evidence throws suspicion on one character, then on different one, then exonerates someone, then turns out not to. Readers who like trying to solve the mystery (as I do) will find this a pleasant challenge. I confess I did not identify the killer until forced to reevaluate my suspicions, so at the same time as Marcus and just behind Perry. The story was originally published in French but the translation is excellent. It is around 560 pages and quite repetitive in places.

Advance Copy Review

I'm a huge fan of Joel Dicker's The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair so was incredibly excited to see this latest offering which features the same protaganist. That said I did go in with a little trepidation as I didn't want to be disappointed! I needn't have worried.

The keep-you-guessing-til-the-end plot, peppered with many twists along the way, kept me hooked throughout and it was a thrill that some recurring characters made an appearance (no spoilers here). A knowledge of previous works featuring Marcus Goldman are helpful, ultimately this book works without that context and stands alone as just a brilliant mystery and one I can happily recommend!

This gripping book is like an onion, more layers just keep appearing! It refers back to the author’s previous book, The Harry Quebert Affair, and although I have read it I couldn’t remember much about it so it’s not essential to read the books in order. The book perfectly encapsulates small town life in America, and switching between the 2 time lines is straightforward to follow. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish and definitely recommend it.

Joel Dicker’s The Alaska Sanders Affair is an intricate mystery that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Dicker weaves together multiple timelines and narrative voices, while this approach may initially seem daunting, it quickly becomes clear. As the reader delves deeper into the mystery, the puzzle pieces begin to fall into place, revealing a web of interconnected events and hidden truths.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its ability to keep the reader guessing. Dicker skillfully employs misdirection and red herrings, leading the audience down unexpected paths and constantly questioning their assumptions.

The novel features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique perspectives and motivations. From the enigmatic Alaska Sanders to the determined author and detective investigating her disappearance, the characters bring depth and complexity to the story.

I had read that Joel Dicker's "The Truth About The Harry Quebert Affair" was a huge sensation in America, but never got around to reading it. That hole in my reading lead to some serious confusion as "The Alaska Sanders Affair" begins in an autobiographical fashion by the fictional writer of TTATHQA. Once I had worked out that Marcus Goldman was the fictional writer created by Joel Dicker to act as autobiographical chronicler I was off and running.
The style brilliantly draws you into the narrative, the biographical details of the author and his friends interspersed with what is presented as a real investigation, gives his characters real depth. The murder of the beautiful, and much loved Alaska Sanders is reinvestigated 11 years after her supposed murderer was imprisoned. There is a disquieting ebb and flow of information divulged, and until the final pages there is still enough lingering doubt as to who the real murderer was.
A comprehensive realisation of small town life, where superficially everything is perfect, yet hidden below the surface guilty secrets lie.
If I have one criticism it would be that there were probably too many layers as the onion was unpealed. Probably, a couple of blind alleys fewer would not have detracted from the big reveal. The slowly building tension began to seep out a little too early.
However, this is a minor criticism. Overall a hugely satisfying read.

Having sold a lot of copies of The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair in my time, I was curious to read Joel Dicker's work. This is a sequel to Harry Quebert, but you don't have to have read it to make sense of this book. The writer, Marcus Goldman returns to the small town where he helped solve his previous cold case, to be presented with another. Eleven years previously, a young woman called Alaska Sanders was murdered. The case was solved within two days, only now, new evidence has come to light which means that the case must be re-investigated. This is a fairly traditional whodunit with a number of twists and turns and more than a few red herrings. A fairly entertaining read but one in which you, as the reader are required to suspend a fair amount of disbelief for everything to work out in the end.

A decade ago, Alaska Sanders was found brutally murdered on the shore of a lake near the small town where she lived with her boyfriend. Two men were arrested, one died in custody and the other pleaded guilty, A new killing seems to reference the case.. Marcus Goldman, celebrity author of the Truth about the Harry Quebert affair teams up with his friend Sergeant Gahalowood and starts to tease out the threads. Its a clever and complex plot with plenty of red-herrings and dead -ends - a more than competent police procedural.. the frequent referencing of the previous book and the extent of Goldman's talent and fame do make you wonder if Joel Dicker has a somewhat inflated self-image.

I really enjoyed this book! I look forward to reading other books by this author. There were so many twists in this book I didn’t see coming. But then again I rarely can figure books out. I would definitely recommend this book

Having loved the Harry Quebert Affair I was reluctant to read further into the series in case I was disappointed but I needn't have worried, I absolutely loved The Alaska Sanders Affair. The plot and characters all combined to once again feel like I read the book in no time at all and I loved it; 5 stars.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review

***SPOILERS***
When I got this book, I didn't realise that it was the 3rd book in the series. So in a quick succession I read all three.
I find that Joel's stories are a lot like jigsaw puzzles. You start with all these random bits and pieces of storylines and characters and only once the final piece is in, you can see the big picture.
These are the perfect holiday reads, they keep you interested, but easy enough to follow. And even when I don't like some particular character or story line, I still can't put it down as I need to know how it all untangles in the end.
However, I felt a bit underwhelmed when I finished reading this novel.. Why the actual murderer's DNA wasn't picked up at any point? How did they know that confession was coerced, considering they were never present in the interrogation room and only one person knew about it? There were some little parts of the story they didn't seem to fit quite right. It is still a good read in my opinion, but could be better.

How do I start...at the beginning I guess, which for me was reading the prequel 'The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair' a couple of weeks ago. Loved that book and read it as I'd read that this book relied heavily for its storyline on the predecessor.

First things first: It does, however you could read this book as a stand alone but there would be parts that wouldn't make much sense. They're not really important parts, just contextual.

OK the book...another masterfully written book from one of the masters of the story twist! Seriously they are littered everywhere. What I love about this author is that it requires little, if any, effort to read and get caught up in the stories he unwinds...everything flows logically!

Downsides, very few in truth....maybe the first book impressed me more but that could just be my reaction to being immersed in his prose for the first time. A couple of loose ends in terms of character relationships but nothing major...and they could be left loose deliberately as another tale was strongly hinted at.

Joel Dicker is an excellent storyteller and I reckon anyone reading this would enjoy....another long read but again, not overly so....it doesn't feel like there are wasted space anywhere.

Give him a try, that would be my recommend. Many thanks to NetGallet, the Publisher...and of course Joel for an excellent read!

Advanced Review Copy - Net Galley

I've found a new "must read" author ... Joël Dicker has a refreshingly curious style of telling a story. This is the third outing for his creation, the investigative author Marcus Goldman, and I am going to buy and devour the earlier entries in the series before the summer is out. (The first, "The Truth About The Harry Quebert Affair" was turned into a well received ten part Netflix series...I'll put that onto the back burner for the dark winter nights so as not to spoil the enjoyment of reading the original - though thanks to this book I know some of the main outcomes, not necessarily why they continue to resonate with the characters we meet along the way.)

Both books are commented upon, even championed, in the narrative of this latest release, but not in an annoying manner...you get enough of a feel for what went before to whet your appetite but not block the story telling.

It's the curious nature of the story telling that's got me hooked...most "whodunnits" and murder mysteries contain clues and red herrings...Joél Dicker complements these with bombshell hints as to what's to come...and as you can probably guess I loved it...the telling hops from the "now" to incidents in the past, opens them up and closes them again without revealing everything, encouraging you to read on until the event is rediscovered and elaborated on, sometimes from a different perspective, sometimes filling in the gaps, often leaving you aching for the reveal.

The "whodunnit" aspect continues right to the penultimate chapter, in the course of the read I laid the blame at two or three doors and didn't get it right - excellent story telling and an unreserved 5 out of 5 star rating for my favourite read of Summer 2024.

Merci Monsieur Dicker.

I had read and enjoyed The Truth about Harry Qubert affair and requested this one on NetGalley

Like the previous book, the story is told from the point of view a writer who is writing a book about the process of solving a mystery. Harry Qubert of the previous novel makes several cameo appearances in this novel has do some of the Police people .
The author uses this fictitious novel to tell us some of the story which is told in flashbacks from the other characters in the story . it’s quite a clever writing technique although I did find personally I became rather irritated with it towards the end
I found that I got rather confused in this book it was jumping about too much and I lost the story on several occasions
There’s a clever twist in the end, which I had actually predicted.

I am not generally a big fan of mystery or crime novels and ultimately this book was really not for me. I suspect if you are a crime novel fan this would be a interesting take on the genre.

I read an early copy of the novel on NetGalley UK. The book is published in the UK on the 12th of September 2024 Quercus books, MacLehose press
This review will appear on Goodreads, NetGalley UK, and my book blog bionicSarahsbooks.wordpress.com. After publication it will also appear on Amazon UK.

Restless and haunted by the ghosts of his past, bestselling Author Marcus Goldman reconnects with his old detective friend Perry Gahalowood and the two start to investigate the case of Alaska Sanders, a girl who was murdered over a decade ago in the nearby town of Mount Pleasant. Beautiful, smart and with an acting career just starting to take off, Alaska Sanders leaves her job at the local gas station but never comes home. Her body is discovered the next day in the woods nearby. Her boyfriend Walter is initially accused of the crime, but when he implicates his best friend Eric and then tragically dies, Eric faces life behind bars. Case closed. However, when new information comes to light which seems to suggest Walter framed Eric for the murder, Marcus and Perry set out to unravel the many secrets the town holds and discover what really happened to Alaska Saunders.

This is a small-town American murder mystery at its finest. Everyone has an agenda, and everyone has secrets they want to keep quiet. Dicker unravels the case, clue by clue at a pace that may infuriate some readers, but I found truly gripping. Every avenue is explored, and you really sit with the main characters for every twist and turn.

The book is incredibly readable, very well plotted and I found it hard to put it down. Dicker really masterfully handles a lot of characters and really builds up the sense of small-town community life in Mount Pleasant. I initially found the jumps between timelines and points of view quite jarring. They are not subtle. One character will start telling something in the present and it will jump to that thing happening in the past, but once I got used to the style of the writing and the jumping back and forth, I really enjoyed the wild ride of the mystery.

This is the first book I’ve read by Joël Dicker. I was aware of his smash-hit bestseller The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair and have watched the drama based on the book, but haven’t read it. I would say it’s essential to have read Dicker’s previous books as this novel works perfectly well as a standalone mystery, but there are a lot of references regarding events from both Baltimore Boys and the Harry Quebert Affair woven throughout so I suspect readers that have read those books will have a slightly richer reading experience.

Overall, this is exactly what I want from crime fiction. Enjoyable characters, lots of plot, twists and turns (some guessable some not), it’s not the most elevated writing style, but the author knows how to spin a great yarn and keep the reader engaged right up to the last page. A great holiday read, and I will definitely be looking up the author’s previous books and looking forward to the next installment in the Marcus Goldman series!