Being a single mother is tough, but I’d do anything for my little girl Scarlet. I’d given up on my career as a voice actor when the call came, but suddenly I was the new narrator for a secret book from bestselling author Philippa Roberts, who has been missing for eight months. It was a lifeline for me and my daughter.
I hated that it meant leaving Scarlet with my ex in his perfect new home with his perfect new girlfriend. But I knew it was the right thing to do.
But as I start reading Philippa’s new novel, I start to wonder if it’s no coincidence that I’ve been chosen to narrate it. There’s something hidden in the pages of this book, I’m sure of it. Some clue to Philippa’s disappearance. And I don’t feel safe. I think I’m being watched. My room has been searched.
And then my ex’s girlfriend calls in tears and everything starts to click together. If I don’t find answers fast, I’ll lose more than my second chance. I’ll lose my daughter.
Review
I’ve been reading a lot of books lately that are centred around the book world themselves. It’s a big draw for a book worm like me! This usually isn’t the main premise of the book but it’s enough to draw me in. If that’s not your thing, don’t worry. The Narrator has many more strings to it than the publishing world where, to be honest, it doesn’t go into much detail.
As with other books from K.L. Slater, The Narrator is a smooth, easy read. It doesn’t take long to get to know the characters and get caught up in the plot line. However, I have to admit that I would have liked a bit more complexity to. While the plot was comprised of many different elements all coming together to produce a good ending, some of these elements weren’t very deep. I felt I was lacking information as to why a certain character did something. This was most obvious in the ending, which I felt was rather rushed. I enjoyed how the author concluded the story, but I would have needed a bit more to truly say I loved it.
I did quite like Eve. As the main narrator, we are with her most. Besides enjoying her amateur sleuthing, I found her to be a good reflection on some societal thoughts. For instance, when her ex-husband shames her for wanting a career rather than staying at home with their child full-time. To be honest, it was also refreshing to have a single mother lead who didn’t become embroiled in some sort of love story. This book sticks right with the action and I appreciate it for that. The rest of the characters in this book are also rather interesting, although more of Chad, a Phillipa Roberts super fan, would have been great.
Although I was looking for something a bit more work The Narrator, it certainly kept my attention. I flew through it and it was the perfect read when you want a bit of action but also something generally easy on the brain. You can pick up a copy of the book here.
Joyful Antidotes 