The Appeal: The smash-hit bestseller

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It is good to pay close attention in this one although after a while the characters do come together, and the plot becomes easier to follow. It was interesting to read something in a different format, although I think it did get a bit long.

The format was unique and well-composed. I felt like I was getting a secret peek into these people's lives that I shouldn't have been having. It felt a bit illicit. Overall, I think it is a good book that a lot of readers will like reading due to its unique premise and a solid storyline. This mystery is a superb top drawer attention holder as good as the best of Agatha Christie; but that wasn't enough for Janice Hallett, Janice takes a long dark look at close-knit hierarchal communities, local fundraising, digital communications and joy-beyond-joy the creation, management and possible repercussions of digitally-based conspiracy. It could also be argued that it's a much needed tale on the plight and strength of whistleblowers! Confused. Just read the book already! A book that will leave its mark on both mystery and epistolary novel writing as in a single book, in her first published work aged 50+, Janice provides a about-to-be-much-copied way of setting these out for 21st century audiences. In the mystery, not only am I the reader studying all the available communications the same time as the law students; I as a reader, am also investigating the students and the trial lawyer's aims. Last shout-out to the Isobel character, what an exceptional, spot on, and heart breaking character... if this is ever adapted, this is a dream role, from a dream book. All the hearts, all the stars, a Five Star, 10 out of 12. (I was going to give this a Four Star 9.5 out of 12, but as I began writing this review, I realised how wrong that would be!)

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Suspicions mount, accusations are made and the tension leads to a DEAD body, and an ARREST on the night of the play’s dress rehearsal . Yes, there is more drama off the stage than on it!, Someone has already been convicted of this brutal murder and is currently in prison, but we suspect they are innocent. What's more, we believe far darker secrets have yet to be revealed.

Too many characters, random introduction of characters, a thread involving time spent in Africa that was entirely too vague and was never fully explained- though one does get the gist of it- mostly- it was just too disjointed, too busy, and not at all suspenseful, in my opinion. While everyone participates in this fundraiser, the theatre company begins rehearsals for its next play. As the play nears, tensions rise, lies unravel, and someone winds up dead.You must have felt like a detective yourself when planning the plot – your book is so meticulously detailed… The overall premise is that two young lawyers are tasked with sifting through these piles of communication. Someone has been murdered and the powers that be need to be certain that the one who is in jail is the person who should be there.

The Fairway Players, a local theatre group, is in the midst of rehearsals when tragedy strikes the family of director Martin Hayward and his wife Helen, the play’s star. Their young granddaughter has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, and with an experimental treatment costing a tremendous sum, their castmates rally to raise the money to give her a chance at survival. Atria Books and Janice Hallett provided a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for January 25, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. I was very satisfied with the ending and felt like everything was explained. It just took a little too long to get there. Still, if you are looking for a uniquely presented mystery, then this one should have strong appeal. A local theatre group, The Fairway Players, are getting ready for Arthur Miller’s play, All My Sons, when tragedy strikes the family of Martin Hayward, the director, and his wife, Helen, the play’s star. Their granddaughter has been diagnosed with a form of cancer. An experimental treatment costing a large amount of money may be the only thing to save her life. Their friends and colleagues support them by babysitting, dog-sitting, and fundraising. However, accusations, fights, and a dead body bring a mystery to life.Giving every character an arc is the most important thing – especially when writing a story with multiple characters. A group of caregivers and Thespians rally around a young child diagnosed with cancer by raising money for treatment that is costly and currently unavailable, except in America. Janice Hallett's The Appeal is definitely a fun change of pace in the standard Murder Mystery genre. Thomas Hardy, especially Far from the Madding Crowd. It’s so rural – like going on holiday to the West Country. Overall, this is a very clever, immersive and gripping Crime mystery. It’s well written, I like the touches of humour, the astute observations on a community and the intriguing way the cast of characters reveal themselves. It’s been so refreshing to read something presented in a different format to the norm. Highly recommended.