Told in email messages, texts, and essays, this innovative page-turner follows a group of students in an art master’s program that goes dangerously awry.
Gela Nathaniel, head of Royal Hastings University’s new Multimedia Art course, must find six students from all walks of life across the United Kingdom for her new master’s program before the university cuts her funding. The students are nothing but trouble from day one. There’s Jem, a talented sculptor recently graduated from her university program and eager to make her mark as an artist at any cost. Jonathan, who has little experience in art practice aside from running his family’s gallery. Patrick, who runs an art supply store but can barely operate his phone, much less design software. Ludya, a single mother and graphic designer more interested in a paycheck than homework. Cameron, a marketing executive in search of a hobby or a career change. And Alyson, who’s already a successful artist and seems overqualified. Finally there is the examiner, the man hired to grade students’ final works, who, in sifting through final essays, texts, and message boards, warns that someone is in danger—or already dead.
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Hi and welcome to my review of The Examiner!
A new Janice Hallett novel is always something to look forward to. As much as I love more traditional thrillers and mysteries, it’s always oodles of fun to shake things up with this author’s unique style and format. I’ve been a fan since day one and I can’t see that changing any time soon, even if I did find this one a little less snappy than the previous ones.
As always, it’s best to go in blind, so I will keep this short and sweet. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the format (no offence but who even are you?!): like this author’s former books, The Examiner is told by means of all sorts of emails, texts and essays through which the reader gets to know the characters and the group dynamics, as well as the actual plot.
Even though I had to suspend disbelief here and there, I still had a good time with The Examiner. It is a bit slower paced, or maybe I was, because everything could be a clue and I didn’t want to miss anything, and the whole bloody time, my inner Miss Marple just. Would. Not. Shut. Up. Anyway, maybe it did make my head hurt a little, but in a good way!
The Examiner is an addictive and suspenseful thriller / mystery that kept me guessing and always eager for more.
Massive thanks to Viper and NetGalley for the DRC. All opinions are my own.
I’m glad you enjoyed it as I’m really looking forward to this one!
Hope you enjoy, Nicki!
Fab review! I really have to find time to try one of her books soon… Probably Alperton Angels first, but you’ve definitely made me curious about this one as well. xx
The Appeal is still my favourite one, I think because it’s the one that took me by surprise the most since everything about it was so fresh and new.
I think I’d like this one more than The Alperton Angels. The story and setting was a little too much out there for me and I hope this one’s more normal. Great review Kelly, I love the not knowing who and searching for clues!
Thanks Inge 💜