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A review by mackenzierm
The Paris Affair by Pip Drysdale
medium-paced
4.0
Harper is an expert at talking her way out of trouble, breaking out of car trunks, and picking locks. She could run a masterclass on escaping relationships and she's addicted to true crime podcasts which has led her to become the genius behind a micro-column: "how to not get murdered". Harper has moved to Paris to follow her dreams and has talked her way into an arts journalist job as a stepping stone to her ultimate goal of investigative journalist. When one night she meets Noah X, an artist, her whole world is turned upside down, leaving Harper entangled in a web of lies as she vies for the scoop of a lifetime.
THE PARIS AFFAIR is told in Harper's POV. I enjoyed reading through her outlook on her current experiences, the social commentaries she provided, and her inquisitive mind. She's had a rough break-up and since has become more of a cynic about love, which I also think is related to her mother's love experiences to a certain extent as well. I liked that Harper has some self-realization after her breakup that motivates or inspires her to work on herself and do things for herself rather than for others. Sometimes we need to be a bit selfish and I really think this was a big step for her. Harper also discusses how "people aren't brave enough to admit they might have darkness" and I thought this was an interesting statement in the context and explanations that she provided.
I loved the Paris setting which was well described and elaborated upon. The plot of this psychological thriller is twisty and intriguing but doesn't really feel like other novels in its genre. There was a lack of the usual build-up in tension as the story escalates, making it feel less 'thrilling' shall we say. Regardless, I was kept guessing until the end, not fully sure how everything fit together until the big reveal. I was satisfied with the overall plot and how the story came to end.
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher, Simon & Schuster Canada, of this advanced digital copy for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review! Many thanks to the publisher for a paperback ARC as well! All opinions shared are my own.
THE PARIS AFFAIR is told in Harper's POV. I enjoyed reading through her outlook on her current experiences, the social commentaries she provided, and her inquisitive mind. She's had a rough break-up and since has become more of a cynic about love, which I also think is related to her mother's love experiences to a certain extent as well. I liked that Harper has some self-realization after her breakup that motivates or inspires her to work on herself and do things for herself rather than for others. Sometimes we need to be a bit selfish and I really think this was a big step for her. Harper also discusses how "people aren't brave enough to admit they might have darkness" and I thought this was an interesting statement in the context and explanations that she provided.
I loved the Paris setting which was well described and elaborated upon. The plot of this psychological thriller is twisty and intriguing but doesn't really feel like other novels in its genre. There was a lack of the usual build-up in tension as the story escalates, making it feel less 'thrilling' shall we say. Regardless, I was kept guessing until the end, not fully sure how everything fit together until the big reveal. I was satisfied with the overall plot and how the story came to end.
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher, Simon & Schuster Canada, of this advanced digital copy for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review! Many thanks to the publisher for a paperback ARC as well! All opinions shared are my own.