Finally. Finally, someone who understands that not every story needs to be a two thousand words, grade A doorstopper. Someone who gets that sometimes (often, often, but I’m digressing) less is more and there’s no need to start from Adam and Eve to tell something that happened yesterday.
I get chatty, mind. I’m a super chatty person myself, as my partner can testify XD the urge to tell can be so strong, I know, but! It’s not always appropriate. Writing-related free tip: ask yourself if what you’re typing is relevant to the story at hand; not about how you picture a scene in your head, but about the story itself. Is it? Cool. If not, drop it and don’t look back.
This is something McInroy knows well. Everything in The Detective and the Fool is relevant to the story, which makes for an excellent pacing. Forget filler chapters, because nothing drags here—thank you.
Elise is a good main character. Her inner voice is lovely and the way the author handles a first person pov is skillful enough not to attract too much attention to it. I always say it takes someone with an exceptional grasp on narrative techniques to pull off a convincing first, and McInroy is that someone. Well done.
The cast of characters is small, too (thank you again!) and while I appreciate Ezekiel’s personality, I’ve been far more intrigued by Doreen. The reasons behind it are spoilery, so I’m not going to add anything else about her, sorry XD
The only thing I am hesitant about is the note/switch on Chapter 8. I mean, I get it. Point of view switching is one of those teeth-gritting trends I seldom like, per se, and with it introduced halfway through, there’s a real risk of confusing the reader. However, I still have to wonder about placements and narrative choices. The beaten path—the assassin is revealed around the end—can be a little boring, sure. Experiments can and should spice up a story. It’s just that dropping the assassin’s name midway is a risky move, is all.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ on Goodreads
Tissie Lilaclicorice
Bookshelves and Teacups on Reedsy.com
Reviews
The standout character for me, in The Detective and the Fool by James Mc Inroy, is Ezekiel Knox, the titular detective. While Knox seems to be the epitome of noir: serious, compelling, and intriguingly enigmatic; his presence, in contrast, isn't large or demanding. But with his sarcasm and intellect, Knox anchors the narrative with a magnetic intensity.
Mc Inroy’s storytelling delivers a novel that’s fresh, thrilling, and undeniably memorable. A must-read for mystery enthusiasts. Five stars
"My name is Elise Sarte, and my friend Doreen has murdered her partner." With this electrifying opening line, James Mc Inroy launches his official debut into the detective genre with The Detective and the Fool. This reverse mystery novel flips the traditional whodunit format on its head. From the outset, we know the killer, but Mc Inroy keeps readers hooked with a flood of unanswered questions and a brilliantly unfolding narrative. Mc Inroy’s storytelling is as sharp as his characters! Wow!
Finally, someone who understands that not every story needs to be a two thousand words. Everything in "The Detective and the Fool" is relevant to the story, which makes for an excellent pacing.
Elise is a good main character. Her inner voice is lovely and the way the author handles a first person pov is skillful enough not to attract too much attention to it. It takes someone with an exceptional grasp on narrative techniques to pull off a convincing first, and McInroy is that someone.