Book Review: Wanting Daisy Dead by Amanda James
There’s something irresistibly captivating about a mystery that invites us not just to solve a whodunnit, but to relive the tensions, secrets, and friendships that linger in the shadows. Amanda James’ Wanting Daisy Dead caught my attention with its intriguing premise—a dash of classic mystery layered over modern storytelling through a podcast and reality show. As someone who revels in the nuances of character-driven suspense, I was drawn in by the promise of secrets and motives, reminiscent of a blend between Murder on the Orient Express and the gripping true-crime narratives we often binge on today.
Set two decades after the tragic murder of university student Daisy, the narrative brings back her five former housemates—Georgie, Dan, Maddie, Lauren, and Alex—to confront the ghosts of their past and each other. With Professor David Montgomery, Daisy’s ex, having just died by suicide in prison after being convicted of her murder, the podcast The Killer Question is eager to dig deeper, to potentially exonerate him—or reveal even darker truths.
The alternating first-person perspectives create a rich tapestry of conflicting emotions and secrets, which kept me engaged, despite a few initial stumbles in clarity. Each character presents their own narrative, weaving a complex web of relationships that complicate our understanding of who they were, both as students and the adults they’ve become. James crafts each voice distinctly, allowing us to experience their fears, regrets, and ultimately their motivations.
What truly resonated with me was the exploration of morality and guilt intertwined with the modern implications of social media scrutiny. The podcast format cleverly pulls the reader into a contemporary investigation, while successfully diversifying the “everyone has a motive” trope that keeps us guessing. Are they merely haunted by their past, or is there something darker lurking beneath their camaraderie?
I appreciated the vivid portrayal of the characters, even if they aren’t entirely likable. Their flaws make them real, allowing for a space where the reader can grapple with their motivations without having to fully embrace them. The suspense is palpable—James has an uncanny ability to drop hints and misleads that left me pondering the characters’ true natures and the mysteries surrounding Daisy’s death.
One quote that stuck with me was a stark reminder of the weight we carry from our youth: “We are shaped by our choices, but haunted by those we didn’t make.” It encapsulates the essence of regret and curiosity that runs through the novel, resonating deeply with my own experiences.
Wanting Daisy Dead is a delightful puzzle for anyone who appreciates a good mystery. While the characters might not be the most endearing, the narrative’s depth and well-crafted suspense will keep readers turning the pages late into the night. I would recommend this book to fans of true crime, those who enjoy character-driven stories, and anyone who loves untangling a web of lies whilst basking in the nostalgia of university days gone by.
For me, it was a reminder of how intertwined our pasts can be with our present, and how essential it is to confront our truths, no matter how painful. I found myself reflecting not just on Daisy’s fate, but on the inevitable impact of our choices, making this a reading experience that’s as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.
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