Janice Hallett is a name you may have come across if you enjoy layered mysteries. Her writing is unique, using a modern epistolary style filled with texts, emails, and documents. If you’ve already been absorbed by her earlier works like The Appeal, you might want to explore her latest novel, The Examiner.
It’s set in the world of higher education, focusing on a group of graduate-level art students. Their academic journey turns into a possible murder investigation. Sound intriguing? Here’s what makes it worth your time.
The premise seems simple. Six students enter an MA program tailored to bridge creativity with the commercial art world. Each character brings unique experiences and skills to this supposedly collaborative environment.
But almost immediately, friction develops between them. Instead of harmony, they encounter conflict, deceit, and manipulation, much like the strategies that unfold in many of the murder mystery games enthusiasts often enjoy.
What You Can Expect
This is not your classic mystery novel. Hallett’s style differs from traditional narratives. Her novels rely on collected documents and correspondence to advance the plot. This creates a feeling that you, the reader, are a detective piecing together the story.
- Multiple layers of secrets
- Distinct, quirky character personalities
- Hints of sinister activity scattered throughout
- Unexpected turns in the character dynamics
Each character is written to add complexity. Some hold back secrets, while others openly challenge each other. As they struggle to work together, the tension builds gradually. This keeps you alert to every interaction and hidden motive, in the same way real-world murder mystery parties challenge participants to read between the lines, like in a bake-off themed murder mystery game.
Main Characters
- Jemisha Badhuri: Fresh from her Art degree, eager but young.
- Alyson: A well-established artist with something to prove.
- Ludya: A graphic designer facing personal struggles as a single mother.
- Patrick: A store manager yearning for artistic relevance.
- Jonathan: Connected to the art world through his father’s gallery.
- Cameron: A former corporate player seeking new meaning.
The diversity among the characters adds depth, especially when their personalities begin to clash. What starts as an academic challenge turns into a game of survival. Each student’s past and motives come into play, much like how layered motivations unfold in a themed murder mystery game, where players need to delve deep into roles to uncover the truth.
Hallett’s storytelling excels at character development. Very little is what it seems. The exchanges between the students become key to solving the puzzle. At the heart of it all are the key questions: Who's hiding what? Is someone planning a murder?
The Role of Setting
The setting of Royal Hastings University plays more than just a backdrop. The institution undergoes budget cuts, streamlined arts programs, and pressure to redefine its role in the marketplace.
If you’re interested in arts education or academia, you'll see a compelling reflection of real-world trends. Schools are minimizing arts in favor of more "practical" skills. Hallett brings this debate to the forefront, enhancing the novel with a social commentary on underfunded art programs and their future.
The Mystery Element
The murder mystery aspect seeps in slowly. At first, the conflict appears as ego-driven arguments about art, success, and failure. But then, there's an undercurrent of something much darker:
- Misuse of authority
- Inappropriate relationships
- Mental instability
- Sabotage
The murder isn’t the only goal of the mystery. It’s also about understanding the psychology of the participants. Hallett doesn't give out answers easily. Instead, she keeps you engaged by asking smaller, unsettling questions: What would cause someone to lash out? How easily can secrets be buried?
For many, this slow build can be a frustration. The plot layers come gradually, and payoffs take time. But if you enjoy sifting through clues and playing detective alongside the author, this will align with your preferences.
How It Compares
Hallett’s earlier works, like The Appeal, have been praised for their humor and intricate plots. The Examiner is a darker affair. It’s not as immediate or comedic. Instead, it’s more about psychology and the breakdown of relationships. If you like to be challenged by longer character studies before the crime unfolds, this will offer something new for you.
Is This For You?
If you're the kind of reader who enjoys unraveling complex human behavior, this could be a good fit. But it requires patience. The payoff doesn’t come quickly.
To truly enjoy this, you'll need to appreciate how personal dynamics and academic settings fuel a growing tension. The interpersonal drama is intense, but never overstated. Everything feels grounded in reality until the surprising turns make you rethink everything.
Looking for characters you can love or hate, more than a simple 'whodunnit' puzzle? Hallett provides that here.
Consider an Alternative
If slow-building mysteries appeal to you, consider trying a murder mystery game to experience this challenge in a different format. Our cold case file games let you sift through evidence and correspondences too. It's a hands-on way to enjoy the same layered intrigue you’ll find in Hallett's book.
Instead of passively reading the clues, in a game, you directly decide where the investigation goes. It’s a way to explore your detective skills in real-time while diving into the kind of mysteries Hallett writes. Want to test your ability to solve crimes like the characters in The Examiner? This might be for you.
