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The Eighth Detective
The Eighth Detective: A Novel | Alex Pavesi
28 posts | 29 read | 16 to read
"Dizzying, dazzling... When did you last read a genuinely original thriller? The wait is over." A.J. Finn, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Woman in the Window A thrilling, wildly inventive nesting doll of a mystery, in which a young editor travels to a remote Mediterranean village in the hopes of convincing a reclusive writer to republish his collection of detective stories, only to realize that there are greater mysteries beyond the pages of books. There are rules for murder mysteries. There must be a victim. A suspect. A detective. Grant McAllister, a professor of mathematics, once sat down and worked all the rules out and wrote seven perfect detective stories to demonstrate. But that was thirty years ago. Now Grant lives in seclusion on a remote Mediterranean island, counting the rest of his days. Until Julia Hart, a sharp, ambitious editor knocks on his door. Julia wishes to republish his book, and together they must revisit those old stories: an author hiding from his past, and an editor, keen to understand it. But there are things in the stories that dont add up. Inconsistencies left by Grant that a sharp-eyed editor begins to suspect are more than mistakes. They may be clues, and Julia finds herself with a mystery of her own to solve. Alex Pavesi's The Eighth Detective is a love letter to classic detective stories with a modern twist, where nothing is as it seems, and proof that the best mysteries break all the rules.
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review
LiteraryinPA
Pickpick

This was so cool! I appreciated the clever twists to the short stories and the overarching story. Nothing was as it seemed at first! I started this a few years ago and bailed within the first chapter, but I‘m so glad I picked it up again and started fresh.

Does anyone have a suggestion of a mystery like this that plays with the conventions a bit? The book within a book format was fun.

LiteraryinPA @Ruthiella Thanks! I read that and remember really liking it! 12mo
45 likes2 comments
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janeycanuck
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Pickpick

Not what I was expecting!! The format of alternating between a short mystery and conversation between author/editor was an interesting one but really took off in the last 1/3 or so.

Book 6 for #14books14weeks2023

ShyBookOwl Sounds different 1y
janeycanuck @ShyBookOwl It really was! 1y
42 likes2 comments
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Sharpeipup
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My kind of monday 😉
#bookncoffee

Emilymdxn What a gorgeous Monday! 3y
Nute A wonderful start to the week!🙂 3y
31 likes1 stack add2 comments
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rosalita
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“To me, the sea is like having a pet dog asleep on the hearth. When I'm near it, even inside my cottage, it's like I can feel it breathing. It's a companion of sorts. It's less lonely to live by the sea.“

(Photo by Adam Thomas on Unsplash)

7 likes1 stack add
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Ruthiella
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Panpan

Not my cup of tea, I‘m afraid. I found the individual mysteries charmless and the over-arching meta aspects of the book uninteresting. Sure, a mystery can be boiled down to a Venn diagram of detective/suspect/victim, but it also needs characters who function believably and a plot that makes sense within the context of the mystery.

This is my 2nd #NutsInMay book. I paused my two library books because they are both too sad for me to face ATM.

Andrew65 Great 👏👏👏 3y
49 likes1 comment
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cajunsyd
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An afternoon of reading with a good book. Perfect!

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BlueMoonJ
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Pickpick

🌟 🌟🌟🔥
I actually really like this one. But this genre is how I learned to love reading and mysteries so it would have been hard to disappoint. I loved the concept of short stories mixed in with overall story and thought it was well done for the most part. Highly suggest reading this if you are a fan of Christie, Highsmith, etc.

#mystery #knittingwhilereading #audiobook #whodunnit

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TheLibrarian
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Panpan

Ugh. I forced myself to finish this book and it was a let down. It was an interesting premise, 7 mystery stories within a ‘present‘ day event, but it wasn‘t well executed. I found myself bored and tired of this book. But go me for finishing it 😂

BlueMoonJ Oh bummer. This is in my tbr list but I have seen several not great reviews 4y
TheLibrarian @BlueMoon Give it a chance! You might end up loving it but if you are still struggling 30% of the way through, ditch it. 4y
61 likes2 comments
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TheLibrarian
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What a gorgeous weekend here in PA! Sitting outside for the 2nd time today while enjoying this book and beer (Fat Heads Bumbleberry).

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!

Fr3NcHtOaSt Looks like a nice time. What‘s the beer taste like? 4y
Crazeedi It was a perfect day in western PA! I did some yard work, got my hands dirty finally!! 4y
TheLibrarian @Fr3NcHtOaSt It‘s blueberry honey! I‘m not really a beer girl person but it‘s pretty good. 4y
See All 11 Comments
Fr3NcHtOaSt @TheLibrarian that sounds amazing 4y
TheLibrarian @Crazeedi I hate yard work and never do it 😂 Instead I opened up the windows and began cleaning/organizing our one guest room. Starting from the top floor with de-cluttering and deep cleaning. 4y
TheLibrarian @Fr3NcHtOaSt It‘s one of my favorites (also good with fresh blueberries in the glass). Highly recommend trying it if you ever come across it! 4y
Fr3NcHtOaSt @TheLibrarian if I ever come across it will try it. Thanks. 4y
Leftcoastzen Yay , Ironman! 4y
Crazeedi @TheLibrarian you did what I really need to do too!! Can you come do my spare room?? 😉 4y
TheLibrarian @Crazeedi Hahaha. I‘m only about a fourth of the way done 😂 Along with the cleaning, I‘m forcing myself to do some home improvements and decorating in that room too. 4y
Crazeedi @TheLibrarian that's terrific, you're very industrious! 4y
81 likes11 comments
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Aims42
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When your new book matches your blanket because it‘s 4 degrees outside 🥶🔥

Crazeedi Perfect photo! 4y
Aims42 @Crazeedi Right??? My husband said, “What are you doing?” And I was said, “It‘s a Litsy thing, don‘t judge me” 🤣🤣🤣 4y
Crazeedi @Aims42 that's too great!! 4y
janeycanuck @Aims42 Wow, those colours are perfect! Mine doesn‘t even ask when he sees a book on the floor or nestled in a blanket anymore 🤪 4y
Aims42 @janeycanuck LOL 🤣 I think that was the last time he‘ll ask 4y
37 likes5 comments
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BookishMarginalia
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Pickpick

I ended up liking this one. It‘s odd, but clever. I‘m not sure how memorable it will remain, but I‘m glad I read it. (And yes, all the different strands come together in the end.)

84 likes1 stack add
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BookishMarginalia
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#CurrentlyListening — I‘m not sure what I think about it yet. The murder mystery stories are interesting but the novel itself is confusing... we shall see.

Mrs_B Yeah, this one is a little odd. Hope you like it though. 4y
LiteraryinPA My #LMPBC mystery group is considering this one. Do you think it would be a good one for that format? 4y
BookishMarginalia @LiteraryinLititz it would be a great pick, because it approaches the genre so unusually. Each of the stories stands on its own, tied together by the frame narrative of the editor and author‘s discussions. 4y
80 likes3 comments
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CourtSmall
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Bailedbailed

1st DNF for 2021
Read four chapters but I am bored, not sure whether it's my frame of mine or the book. May/May not pick it up at a later date.

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kspenmoll
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Pickpick

I enjoyed this puzzle of a mystery. Pieces come in the form of short murder mysteries, each one representing the 7 rules of detective stories that author Grant McAllistair worked out.mathematically. There is a sharp, inquisitive book editor who tracks him down, seeking to republish his book. What transpires over the course of a few days uncovers secrets, revealing unexpected truths.I was totally unprepared for the surprise ending. #audiobook

LiteraryinPA I started this but felt a little confused? But it sounds like I should give it more time to get a feel for what‘s going on. 4y
kspenmoll It can be confusing. But With audio I am slowed down- just listening which helps me. 4y
JazzFeathers Well, this sounds very intriguing. 4y
65 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Bookboss
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Pickpick

This is an interesting twist on the classic murder mystery. A book editor meets with an author to work on the publication of a collection of his short stories. Each story is a self-contained mystery, and each story is a clue to the overarching mystery of the novel. It is great fun for puzzle-lovers, and it was a much welcome distraction this week!

AmyG This has gotten mixed reviews but I really enjoyed this, too. 4y
kspenmoll Perfect review. I am listening to this now- really enjoying it! 4y
63 likes3 stack adds2 comments
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kspenmoll
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#bookreport #Jan9

Finished:
Bkshop - #booked2021 #winter #setinAustralia
House of S: #literarycrew #buddyread
Nothing V- #mystery

In process: Obama, ch5, #memoir #nonfiction2021 #somethingbyapersonofcolor
8th Detective: #mystery#audiobook #Libby
Inquiry: sec 2read #sundaybuddyread
Mapmaker: ch7 #overbookedclub
Fallout: ch1 #nonfiction2021 #somethingabouthistory
#litsyAtoZ 3 books

Cinfhen Wonderful 💕💕💕 4y
Librarybelle Awesome! 4y
60 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Skeeterisme
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Bailedbailed

Wasn‘t holding my attention. Let me know if I should try again.

kyraleseberg I managed to finish it and remember very little of it after only a couple months so... Not a memorable read. 4y
Skeeterisme @kyraleseberg thanks! That‘s helpful 4y
44 likes2 comments
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Bookwormjillk
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Thanks @AmyG ! It‘s been a looonnnnngggg day at work, and it really cheered me up to get this treat in the mail! #LitsyLove

AmyG I hope you enjoy it. I was happy to pass it on to you! 😘 4y
43 likes1 comment
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rsteve388
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Pickpick

What an interesting and twisted mystery or shall.i say series of mysteries. The author really plays on the readers trust in this books and towards the end starts to unravel that trust to showcase something even more sinister. Ending the story with the truth.

The story really comes together at the end as all the pieces fall.together like a puzzle. Really well done. Well done Audiobook

charl08 I love this cover! 4y
28 likes1 comment
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rsteve388
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Happy Fall Everyone!

This year's #ScareAThon is going to be fun! If you live horror or monsters or anything scary then this is one of the many Litsy Events for you!

For the sign up link head over to @Clwojick or @StayCurious pages to sign up!

StayCurious Thanks so much for sharing! 4y
28 likes1 comment
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rsteve388
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Well this sounds fun, I've started one book and hope to complete three books total.

@Andrew65

Andrew65 Great 👏👏👏 (edited) 4y
20 likes1 comment
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rsteve388
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I know I am late on this but #ThankYou #LitsyLove For all the birthday wishes. I appreciate all the cards and book marks and in some cases cold brew coffee
.. @NeedsMoreBooks thanks everyone.

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TorieStorieS
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Panpan

Well, I really had high hopes for this one- expecting a sort of Agatha Christie-esque reading experience! Unfortunately, this book of seven short stories framed around conversations between an editor & the author, fell rather flat for me. The frame isn‘t strong enough to support the unwieldy & downright frustrating ending. The characters are all shallowly developed & even the short stories lose their fun in the end. Not at all what I hoped for!

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Beautiful photo 🌹 4y
TorieStorieS @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Thank you!! I had food poisoning and my husband brought me 3 dozen roses as a pleasant get well surprise!! 🥰 4y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Awww I hope that you are feeling better!! ❤️ 4y
TorieStorieS @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Thanks- I am finally feeling more like myself- it‘s been a rough ten days though!! 4y
47 likes1 stack add5 comments
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Preciouz29
Pickpick

I wasn‘t sure how I would feel about this book, but the premise was intriguing enough that I decided to give it a try. And I couldn‘t be happier that I did! Very Agatha Christie with 7 shorts nestled into one larger mystery that then had a mystery! I also enjoyed the mathematical portions of the story; I may be terrible with sums, but it made this a bit of a Christie meets Eco/Neville for me.

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Penny_LiteraryHoarders
Mehso-so

Great premise - mysteries nested in another story, nested in another story. But there were 7 of those mysteries nested and those just became too tedious to maintain my interest. Not bad, but not that great for me either.

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Penny_LiteraryHoarders
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Getting fatigued by the drawn out and repeated story within a story. On the 4th or 5th mystery within the mystery and kind of want it to get to the point / the end. 😏

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Penny_LiteraryHoarders
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Writing is a little clunkier and filled with cheap clichéd sentences so far - but will give it time, knowing I just finished an exquisitely written novel.

Bette I just saw a good review some place so I'll be curious what you finally think. 4y
Penny_LiteraryHoarders @Bette I'm settling into it! We'll see how it goes! 4y
25 likes2 comments