Claire Willett

This was excellent. As a debut novel one simply could not expect better, I suspect Ms. Willett will be astonishing us with more in the years to come. I certainly plan to enjoy whatever she pens! I have given it my "best of" designation for this year. I do hope it has won a Goodreads Award - it deserves it!

This is a mystery, within a mystery, wrapped in a time travel story. Without giving anything away I will say that I had worked out who Saturn was before the reveal, but Mars blew me away. I did NOT see that coming - or whom! Very well done!!!! (It is the exceptionally rare novel that I do not figure out the plot or protagonists before the reveal)

If you are wondering if this is worth picking up.. it is. Put the kettle on on for your beverage of choice, set out the snacks and settle in. You'll not want to put this down until you're done.

Why are you still here looking at my review? Get reading!… (mer)

The first thing that struck me about Rewind Files was the 'voice' of the lead character, Reggie. It's hilarious without trying for laughs and sharp without being mean. Those are difficult needles to thread and the mastery with which Ms. Willett did so made every page compelling, even when world-building info was being shared or when the action slowed. The comedy-friendly voice coupled with a deft hand for intricate, borderline-absurdest plotting make this book one that would sit comfortably between Jasper Fforde and Connie Willis on any shelf.

The second thing I enjoyed about this book is that it isn't all about Watergate. Watergate plays a significant role in the genesis of the characters' problems, but doesn't account for too much of the story, except in consequence. As someone who never found the 70s and its attendant scandals interesting, I was worried the book would drag for me over those parts. Nope. It's a key point in a gigantic problem with 140 years of ramifications to worry about - including the Sharpeville Massacre. Yay, events not happening in America being treated as significant!

The only downside I could find with the book was that there was a bit in the middle that felt a bit like feelings hour. The characters involved had some serious talks about their feelings. These scenes take place when characters are laying low in a safe house, however, so the most dramatic thing they can do other than plot their revolution (which they also do) is talk about where they are in their lives. The pace needed a reset and it makes sense in context, but after a rest in the pacing was achieved, I found myself wishing we could quickly move on to the more action-y parts. I certainly wouldn't describe the book as 'feelings hour,' just one or two chapters.

Overall: If someone enjoyed "To Say Nothing of the Dog" or the Thursday Next series, the humor and intricate plotting make this a solid recommendation for them.… (mer)