Book Review Wednesday: The Main Character by Jaclyn Goldis

Jaclyn Goldis's debut novel "The Chateau" was one of my favorite books of 2023 so when I saw that she was coming out with a new novel this year, I was ecstatic. The Chateau was a very traditional mystery thriller that I enjoyed every second of; it was straightforward with the classic twists so I figured "The Main Character" would be similar.

I was extremely wrong... The Main Character was unlike any other story I've ever read. It was a very different main plot that I don't think any other book has ever had. It was incredibly mysterious, untraditional and unexpected. I loved every second of it.

Publisher's Summary

Reclusive author Ginevra Ex is famous for her unusual approach to crafting her bestselling thrillers: she hires real people and conducts intensive interviews, then fictionalizes them. Her latest main character, Rory, is thrilled when Ginevra presents her with an extravagant bonus—a lavish trip along Italy’s Mediterranean coast on the famed, newly renovated Orient Express. But when Rory boards the train, she’s stunned to discover that her brother, her best friend, and even her ex-fiancé are passengers, as well. All invited by Ginevra, all hiding secrets.

With each stop, from Cinque Terre to Rome to Positano, it becomes increasingly clear that Ginevra has masterminded the ultimate real life twisty plot with Rory as her main character. And as Ginevra’s deceptions mount, and the lies and machinations of Rory’s travel companions pile up, Rory begins to fear that her trip will culminate like one of Ginevra’s books: with a murder or two. In the opulent compartments of the iconic train, Rory must untangle the shocking reasons why Ginevra wanted them all aboard—and to what deadly end.

My Thoughts

Let's start off with the obvious...an author who hires actual people to be the main characters in her novels? Genius! It was so interesting, so different and kind of genius. I wasn't sure where it was going to go; what were the secrets Rory and the others were keeping? What was the catalyst for Ginevra bringing Rory's brother, ex fiancee and best friend onto the train to surprise her? 

The story is a lot of nothing at first; not a ton happens as the stage is being set. You're aware that something bad happened between Rory and her ex; you know that something is going on with her brother and maybe her best friend but nothing is set in stone. As the story unfolds, more and more is exposed but Goldis still holds the meat of the story close to the chest.

It was a slow burn, with a lot of winding roads to the truth; the red herrings were all over the place and once you think you knew what was going to happen the rug is pulled out from underneath you. 

Once all is revealed, no one is who you thought they were and the secrets are so much bigger than you could've imagined. The ending was quick, jaw dropping and shocking. It was also incredibly satisfying and kismet. 

I would say while the first half of the book was super slow and a little boring, you wanted to keep reading because you knew it was going to pay off. Goldis is an incredible writer that has a way of revealing secrets line by line, instead of one word vomiting monologue. 

The Main Character is such a unique novel, with so much story it's hard to explain how everything becomes intertwined. If you love mysteries and want a dramatic Italian vacation, you will love this book. 

xoxo
B