Just Play Along by Megan DaymondMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Pretty cheesy and ridiculous, but I made it to the end so that's gotta count for something!!
I quite enjoyed the way this one started - with the showdown between the hero and the bad guys. It was a unique way to hook the reader in, and such a great way to start the story.
Unfortunately what follows is some pretty average writing telling a story with an extreme lack of credibility. My first issue was with the immediate romance between Andy and detective Dan, considering the abuse she's only just been subjected to. Zero trauma for this girl, and that was my first objection. She's just been through this massive, traumatic experience but, oh my, doesn't the detective have pretty eyes??
Then we follow as the cops attempt to determine who's behind the 'snuff films/pornography' ring, and while Andy attempts to come to terms with everything with the help of a few pills. Another unique aspect poorly explored: (view spoiler) Addiction is a complex monster and here it's just not given the credit. Instead, Andy says cliche things (view spoiler) but there's no proper exploration of the grip the drugs have, so Andy just comes across as whiny, naive and idiotic.
RJ is a bizarre character, and I think we're supposed to like him? But his first encounter he (view spoiler) so I labelled him as a proper psycho then and there. But Andy starts to think he's okay? I mean, this girl is not in her right mind. She makes incredibly stupid judgement calls. Honestly, I don't get the attraction at all. And, oh, there is plenty of attraction, because naturally every single male character that encounters her wants to jump her bones.
I found it strange that Mel didn't get much of the spotlight, considering she experienced the drama with Andy. There were so many relationship dynamics that were combed over in favour of typical shallow romance and bizarre encounters with the 'bad guys'. I liked Morgan, the female detective, but she was about the only character that didn't get on my nerves. Everyone else was ridiculous and written poorly with exaggeration.
The actual crime plot was a bit hard to follow, and not particularly thrilling. The novel just spends too much time focusing Andy and her personal dramas and it all ends up a bit tepid. It was an okay read, but there was just nothing particularly deep considering how dark it went with the subject matter.
Not so bad as a debut, but definitely needs a lot of refinement. Still, an interesting read for crime-lovers, and I'll be interested to read new work from this author as her style evolves.
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