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The Contest
The Contest | Jeff Macfee
1 post | 1 read
In this light noir crime novel, a previous puzzle prodigy returns to the competing world. A thoughtful mystery with deeply personal stakes, perfect for fans of The Queen's Gambit. Once a child prodigy of puzzles and logic games, Gillian (…more)
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review
OutsmartYourShelf
The Contest | Jeff Macfee
post image
Mehso-so

When Gillian Charles lost 'The Contest' as a child for doing the right thing, she decided to reject her love of puzzles & logic games. Now she finds herself back at Miscellany a theme park set around puzzles where she swore she'd never go. When Gillian arrives, she realises that the other 3 former contestants all work there in some capacity or other & then one of them disappears.....

OutsmartYourShelf This started off really strongly with the original Contest - personally I love logic puzzles so the beginning really grabbed my attention. After that though, the pace slowed a little & the storyline got a little bogged down with interpersonal relationships & past friendships rather than concentrating on the puzzles & the mystery. Gillian was also forever second-guessing herself but apart from that she was quite a sympathetic main character. 2mo
OutsmartYourShelf I wasn't a fan of the ending though - unless there is going to be a sequel it was rather unsatisfying. 3.25⭐- it was enjoyable but I think it could have been outstanding with a little more work.

My thanks to #NetGalley & publishers, Datura Books, for the opportunity to read an ARC.

Full Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6883765904
Read 9th-11th Feb 2025

#ReadAway2025 @Andrew65 @DieAReader @GHABI4ROSES
2mo
DieAReader 🥳🥳🥳 2mo
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