Wit's End

by Karen Joy Fowler

With her father's recent death, Rima has lost all of the family members close to her: father, mother, and beloved brother, Oliver. While she mourns, she is invited to visit her godmother in Santa Cruz, noted mystery writer A. B. (Addison) Early. This is where our story begins. . .

Things are strange at Addison's home, including the name of the property, Wit's End. While Addison did not name the property, she has managed to furnish it in a most unique way. Scattered about the house are dollhouses. But not just any dollhouses. Each of these miniature homes contains a replica of a murder scene from one of Addison's novels. Intriguing, yes?

Anyway, Rima has a mystery of her own to solve: who is Addison, and what sort of relationship did she have with Rima's father? After all, one of Addison's recurring characters is named after Rima's father, Bim. As she tries to get to know Addison and learn the truth of her relationship with Bim, Rima encounters all sorts of oddities, including a stalker of Addison's, as well as many odd fans, online and in person.

This is a mystery without a dead body. It is a fast and interesting read, though the ending is just an ending, with no great secrets revealed.

5/22/08