"The Alaska Sanders Affair" by Joël Dicker

 

Joël Dicker is one of my favorite authors. I've read all his published books, including the Marcus Goldman series, and loved them. "The Alaska Sanders Affair" by Joël Dicker is the third installment in the Marcus Goldman series, and it not only meets but surpasses the bar set by the previous books.

The novel follows Marcus Goldman, a celebrity author who is restless after the meteoric success of his two books. We got to know him in "The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair" and "The Baltimore Boys". Now, he’s back with another thrilling case, as sharp as ever, and taking stock of his life.

Eleven years ago, the body of a young woman was found on the shore of a lake near the quiet town of Mount Pleasant, New Hampshire. The murderer(s) were caught at the time - or so the police believed. Now, as new facts come to light, questions arise. Marcus and his friend, Sergeant Perry Gahalwood, begin digging to uncover the truth.

With new leads and red herrings aplenty to mislead them, the investigation proceeds heel by toe. Amidst past remembrances and regrets, Marcus reflects on his life’s choices and his future. Was The Road Not Taken the better choice? And with mysterious souvenirs from Harry, Marcus' mentor who disappeared after the conclusion of his case, Marcus' plate is full.

I loved returning to Marcus's world. Any new book in this series feels like reconnecting with an old friend. The book is full of twists, time jumps back and forth - a bit too many past remembrances - and reflections on the meaning of success and its fallout, simpler (and possibly happier) times, and finding happiness. As a side note, I had no problem following the time jumps and keeping up with the events.

While the book stands on its own, there are some characters and events mentioned from previous books, though without spoilers. You don’t have to read the previous books to understand what’s going on, but it is preferable as they are good, and you might miss the fine nuances.

This is not a purely detective novel, and the murder isn’t the main focus. The book is a winning combination of prose and psychological tension, seasoned with humor and insights. Although the book isn’t without clichés - Marcus’s mother always urges him to find a girlfriend, and his publisher talks only about money and windows of opportunity - this does not detract from its value.

The uniqueness of the book lies in the combination of the murder mystery and the vivid description of Marcus Goldman's world. The story is full of interesting observations, some cynical and critical, about the world of literature, success, and the fear of failure. The book starts slow, but the pace picks up around the middle.

The plot could have benefited from some tightening up - fewer memories and more focus on the inquiry - but this is just a minor gripe. Overall, I enjoyed the book immensely and highly recommend it. Don’t be alarmed by the book's length or its slow pace at times. It’s a quick read with a satisfying conclusion, and the writing flows naturally. The book ends with a hint at another installment, and I’m already looking forward to it.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own. 

* For more info about the book: "The Alaska Sanders Affair" by Joël Dicker