Book Review: The Note

Title: The Note

Author: Alafair Burke

Publisher: Knopf

Publication Date: January 7, 2025

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

As someone who appreciates a well-crafted suspense novel, I found myself initially testing my patience with Burke's latest thriller, "The Note." The story's deliberate pacing in the first quarter of the book nearly had me setting it aside, b
ut I'm grateful I persevered, as what follows is a masterfully woven tale of friendship, secrets, and consequences.

The story centers on May Hanover, a former DA turned law professor, whose reunion with longtime friends Lauren and Kelsey in the Hamptons takes an unexpected dark turn after a seemingly harmless prank. Burke expertly peels back the layers of their shared history, revealing how their childhood bond has weathered various storms of tragedy and scandal. As a delightful aside, I particularly enjoyed the detail of May working on the NY Times Spelling Bee daily with her friends, something I share with my wife – it's these small touches that make the characters feel real.

While the novel's strength lies in its intricate plot twists and gradually revealed secrets, I found myself occasionally frustrated with May's character. Despite her legal background, she often jumps to conclusions without considering alternative possibilities, which seems at odds with her professional training. However, this could be interpreted as a clever illustration of how personal involvement can cloud even the sharpest legal mind.

What starts as a slow burn transforms into an engaging page-turner that keeps readers guessing until the end. Burke demonstrates her mastery of the suspense genre by skillfully doling out revelations about each character's past, ensuring that every disclosure adds another layer to this complex narrative.

A big thank you to Knopf and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.