The Lost Night by Andrea Bartz

DNF @ p.72

A lot of people were comparing THE LOST NIGHT to a Lifetime movie, but for me, I was reminded of Douglas Coupland. With THE LOST NIGHT, Andrea Bartz tries to tell the tale of a generation, with a murder mystery thrown in for funsies, but both the portrayal of Millennial/early 2000s culture and the murder mystery element really fell short for me.

I really hate putting down books without finishing them, but I didn't like how forced the "edginess" felt, or how unlikable all the characters were. Unlikability can be a plus in fiction, but not when they lack solid characterization or motivation. Even if you don't like a character, it's still important that you relate to them or find them interesting in some way; a way I did not feel, here.

Part of my disappointment was a fundamental misunderstanding of the story, as well. I hoped that more of the story would be told from the perspective of the 20-year-olds during the 2000s: a murder mystery coasting on waves of nostalgia. Instead it seems to be mostly told from the perspective of the jaded thirty-year-olds waxing poetic on how they wish they were twenty instead.

No, thanks.

Thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review!   

1 out of 5 stars