Book Review: END OF STORY by A. J. Finn

END OF STORY by A. J. Finn

When reclusive mystery novelist, Sebastian Trapp, invites his longtime correspondent Nicky Hunter to his mansion in San Franscisco to help draft his life story, she is elated by the prospect of meeting her literary hero. Trapp, with only three months left to live, wants to set the story straight about the disappearance of his first wife and son in 1999. Nicky obsesses over discovering the truth as she weaves together the threads of Sebastian's life. But when a corpse appears in the family's koi pond, Nicky finds that the twenty year mystery goes deeper than anyone realized.

END OF STORY offers readers intrigue and mystery with plenty of family drama and dark secrets. The characters are come alive on the page with unique voices and backstories that add to the overall story. The writing is eloquent and the twists are masterful and electrifying.

Speaking of twists, the final twist of this book is one that even the most astute mystery reader might not see coming. Hardcore mystery fans will particularly enjoy the banter between Nicky and Sebastian with their frequent quotes from classic mysteries from Agatha Christie, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and others.

The suspense in Finn's book is a slow build that starts as smoldering ambers and erupts into an inferno by the climax. END OF STORY is a gripping and complex story that is enthralling and thrilling. Well worth the read.