What is Favorite Crime About?
Favorite Crime is a psychological thriller novel written by Linwood Barclay, published in 2011. The book has been widely praised for its complex characters, intricate plot, and suspenseful storytelling. But what is Favorite Crime about, and what makes it so compelling?
The Story
The novel follows the story of Max Matheson, a private investigator who is struggling to come to terms with a traumatic event from his past. Max’s life takes a dramatic turn when he receives a mysterious package containing a photograph of a woman who looks identical to his dead wife. The woman is none other than Rachel Stockton, a woman Max had a brief affair with years ago.
As Max delves deeper into Rachel’s life, he becomes embroiled in a complex web of secrets and lies. He discovers that Rachel is being blackmailed by a group of people who are threatening to reveal her darkest secrets to the world. Max teams up with Rachel to uncover the truth behind the blackmail and to clear her name.
The Themes
Favorite Crime explores several themes that are common in the thriller genre, including betrayal, deception, and the destructive power of secrets. However, the novel also delves into more complex themes such as grief, guilt, and redemption.
Through the characters of Max and Rachel, Barclay explores the consequences of trauma and the importance of seeking justice and redemption. The novel also highlights the dangers of keeping secrets and the devastating consequences that can result from doing so.
The Characters
The characters in Favorite Crime are complex and multi-dimensional, with each one having their own motivations and backstories. Max is a tough and rugged private investigator who is haunted by his past. Rachel is a sophisticated and alluring woman who is desperate to clear her name and uncover the truth.
The supporting characters in the novel are equally well-developed, including the enigmatic and menacing individuals who are blackmailing Rachel. The characters are believable and relatable, making it easy for readers to become invested in their stories and motivations.
The Plot
The plot of Favorite Crime is intricate and suspenseful, with a number of twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The novel is divided into four parts, each of which explores a different aspect of the story.
The first part of the novel introduces the main characters and sets the stage for the story. The second part explores the mystery of Rachel’s past and the secrets she is hiding. The third part delves into the blackmail and the motivations behind it, while the final part brings the story to a thrilling conclusion.
The Writing Style
Barclay’s writing style is engaging and descriptive, with a focus on character development and plotting. He has a talent for creating tense and suspenseful scenes that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Throughout the novel, Barclay uses a range of narrative techniques to build tension and suspense. He employs flashbacks and flashforwards to reveal important information, and he uses multiple plot threads to keep readers guessing.
The Verdict
Favorite Crime is a gripping and suspenseful novel that is sure to appeal to fans of the thriller genre. The complex characters, intricate plot, and suspenseful storytelling make it a compelling read that is hard to put down.
Key Takeaways:
- Favorite Crime is a psychological thriller novel by Linwood Barclay, published in 2011.
- The novel follows the story of Max Matheson, a private investigator who is struggling to come to terms with a traumatic event from his past.
- The story explores complex themes such as betrayal, deception, and the destructive power of secrets.
- The characters in the novel are complex and multi-dimensional, with each one having their own motivations and backstories.
- The plot is intricate and suspenseful, with a number of twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
- Barclay’s writing style is engaging and descriptive, with a focus on character development and plotting.
Table of Contents:
- Part 1: Introduction
- Part 2: The Mystery of Rachel’s Past
- Part 3: The Blackmail
- Part 4: The Conclusion
Bullets List:
- Complex characters with rich backstories
- Intricate plot with multiple plot threads
- Suspenseful storytelling with twists and turns
- Exploration of complex themes such as betrayal and deception
- Haunting and suspenseful scenes that keep readers on the edge of their seats
- Engaging and descriptive writing style
