West Heart Kill - by Dann McDorman (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

SHORTLISTED FOR THE CWA NEW BLOOD DAGGER AWARD - A remote lodge. A stormy night. A shot in the dark. You may think you've read this story before. Think again. - Fans of The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle and Magpie Murders, look no further.

"Potent. . . . McDorman's knowledge is abundant, as is his cleverness."--Sarah Weinman, The New York Times Book Review

When private detective Adam McAnnis joins an old college friend for the Bicentennial weekend at the exclusive West Heart club in upstate New York, he finds himself among a set of not-entirely-friendly strangers. Then the body of one of the members is found at the lake's edge; hours later, a major storm hits. By the time power is restored on Sunday, two more people will be dead . . .

Review Quotes

"Potent. . . . McDorman's knowledge is abundant, as is his cleverness."
--Sarah Weinman, The New York Times Book Review

"Fun, clever, and innovative. A remarkable novel by a major talent, who has created a crime novel that feels entirely unique."
--Stuart Turton, international best-selling author of The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle

"West Heart Kill is a true unicorn: a thoroughly original suspense novel that hops across elements of the genre--spot-on historical fiction and a diabolical locked-room mystery interspersed with a fascinating primer on the history of the form--while always being tremendous fun to read."
--Chris Pavone, New York Times best-selling author of Two Nights in Lisbon

"A crime novel that unpicks traditional storytelling... engrossing, surprising, clever, genre-bending."
--New York Times best-selling author Val McDermid

"A brain-teaser and a crowd-pleaser. I loved it."
--Benjamin Stevenson, author of Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone

"Phenomenal...totally unique . . . a treat for every murder mystery fan."
--Janice Hallett, author of The Appeal

"McDorman simultaneously revels in and comments on the multi-faceted plot as the narrator directly addresses the reader with the assumption that she is equally knowledgeable and ardent about mysteries, decanting intriguing insights into the genre and its luminaries . . . McDorman is funny, canny, and nimble in this clever, unusual, and enormously entertaining mix of criticism and suspense, this mystery propelled by witty banter, hidden trauma, messy affairs, and vicious schemes."
--Donna Seaman, Booklist

"Entertaining."
--Kirkus Reviews

"West Heart Kill is definitely ambitious and absolutely entertaining.... McDorman does an excellent job of peeling the onion-like layers of his detective tale, carefully doling out surprises as the pages turn.... Sure to spawn exceptionally lively book club debates."
--BookPage

"A delightful spin on the form."
--CrimeReads

"Irresistible..... West Heart Kill is about both the rules and the breaking of the rules, the conventions of the murder mystery and their subversion.... A complete original - and a total delight."
--BookTrib

"This is no run of the mill whodunnit -- the writing swiftly causes readers to sit up and take notice, and pay attention.... Both honoring the classic crime genre and turning it on its head, this is a talented unique read."
--Belfast Telegraph

About the Author

DANN McDORMAN is an Emmy-nominated TV news producer, who has also worked as a newspaper reporter, book reviewer, and cabinet maker. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife and two children.