The Cracked Mirror

In this uniquely imaginative novel, we are first immersed in two alternating mysteries. The first involves a Miss Marple-style cozy mystery with Penny Coyne, an elderly woman who has solved many murders in her tiny, perfect Scottish village. She is a librarian who has recently been suffering from memory lapses and fears she may soon have to move to a nursing home.

In the second mystery, Jonny Hawke, a maverick, hardboiled LAPD officer, not too unlike Harry Bosch, is investigating the apparent suicide of a Hollywood scriptwriter, who he believes was actually murdered. Jonny has a history of getting his partners killed and is suspended when his latest partner dies a horrible death within twenty-four hours.

Somehow, these two narratives merge when Penny Coyne’s and Jonny Hawke’s worlds collide at a wedding at an upmarket hotel in Scotland. A more unlikely pairing would be hard to imagine, but somehow it works, despite them being polar opposites in personality, style, and regard for the rules. Eventually, these well-crafted characters get to know and respect each other very well through their similarly sharp minds, ability to think outside the box, and make swift deductions. The dialogue between them is also razor-sharp and often witty.

The plot is complex and multilayered, involving multiple ‘suicides’ over twenty years. Just when you think you’ve reached the core, Brookmyre throws in a huge twist that is guaranteed to make your mind reel. It was almost too much for my little brain to grasp, but if you feel the same, do hang in there as it’s worth it, especially the ending, which is so heart-rending it will take your breath away.

Mashing together multiple genres, this inventive mystery is not only smart but often humorous and hugely entertaining. There is never a dull moment in the fast-paced plot, to the point where sometimes your head will spin. It’s a book that requires a good degree of concentration, with a large cast of secondary characters, sometimes making it difficult to remember who they all are. But don’t waste too much time worrying about it; just go with the flow and trust Penny and Jonny to carry the show. They know what they’re doing, and all will become clear in time. Recommended for all fans of crime novels, especially those looking for something a little different and a whole lot of fun.

With thanks to Little, Brown Book Group for a copy to read.