Hide & Seek - Thomas Kaplan-Maxfield

Title: Hide & Seek
Author: Thomas Kaplan-Maxfield
Genre: Crime & Mystery
Published: 2011
Formats: Paperback/Ebook

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"Hide & Seek" by Thomas Kaplan-Maxfield is an enjoyable and unique mystery novel that runs differently to how a traditional murder mystery would normally be set up. The difference is that the reader finds out early on who the murder actually is and the mystery revolves around the identity of the person who is seemingly trying to catch the murderer.

The story is set in Boston with most of the characters being from the high society of the city. The killer, David Draper is a poet who has been discounted by the police as a suspect and he therefore seems free to live with just his own guilt and remorse over what he has done. However, when his sister invites him to a murder mystery weekend on a tiny island off Cape Cod he becomes convinced that one of the other guests is aware of his secret and is using the murder mystery to uncover him.

I must admit that I only read mystery novels ever so often but this book definitely ignited a desire to read more of them as I thoroughly enjoyed it. The mystery itself is wonderfully complex with jealousy, greed and hatred all mixed up to create a superb story full of suspense and intrigue. In addition, the book is nicely written and the author has filled the plot with enough twists and red herrings to keep most readers guessing right until the ending.

I found all the characters to be brilliantly written with each of them having their own link to the murder victim. I enjoyed reading about all of them as they all had their own quirks, weaknesses and secrets that came out as the story progressed. In regards to David himself, it is actually difficult to dislike even with his memory of the murder at the fore front as he has been crafted into a multi-faceted person superbly by Kaplan-Maxfield.

Overall, this was a fun and enjoyable murder mystery novel with a unique twist that really kept my attention throughout. The setting in the old hotel actually made the story feel a little bit like the game Cluedo (aka Clue in the USA) except you know who the murder is. I think anyone who enjoys mystery novels would love to read this book so go pick it up but make sure you don't cheat and read the ending as Kaplan-Maxfield finishes the novel with a brilliant curve ball.

Challenges Book Counts Towards:
Ebook Reading Challenge (The Eclectic Bookshelf)
Ebook Reading Challenge (Workaday Reads)
Free Reads Challenge