The Night Shift | Book Review

Y2K. Rings a bell? I am sure, the 90s kids would have a lot to say about it. How the world seemed to be perplexed by this monstrous computer bug that threatened to bring planes crashing down and the world to a screeching halt.

Mention of this in the book’s excerpt and it’s setting in the 90s era made me have a peep into it. I had actually been reading samples of a few fresh releases, trying to pick my next read. And with The Night Shift, in no time I whizzed through it’s sample and made a quick purchase to continue with this page turner.

Set in a video parlor with customers borrowing & returning video tapes ushers in that 90s nostalgia that we so fondly reminisce. But, that’s where it ends. For thereon, Alex Finlay’s book swiftly assumes an out-and-out thriller appeal. A hard core crime & mystery novel.

The story centers around a mass killing on the New Year’s Eve of 1999 at the Blockbuster Video parlor. Three teenaged girls and the store manager are brutally murdered, leaving behind a lone survivor Ella. Fast forward 15 years, a chillingly similar killing at an ice cream parlor, again at a night shift and, yet again one lone survivor. The investigators cannot but notice the similarities in the two episodes, and set out to find the missing link – if at all they are linked.

The Characters

The Night Shift is a plot driven book. Nevertheless, all of it’s central characters are wonderfully etched. The star of the book is the heavily pregnant, badass FBI agent Sarah Keller. Keller is outstanding in her fearless, authoritative demeanor. Yet, she exudes a protective, soft side to her. The Indian-American detective Atticus Singh charms you with his enthusiasm and youthfulness. The ‘too smart for her age’ Jesse and each of the other characters contribute towards adding value to the book, making it an extremely enjoyable read.

A Unique And Original Narrative

A unique thing about The Night Shift is it’s very original way of story telling. With the crime at the center, the book has different sets of people doing their own bit of investigation. And, with the progression of the story, each of these keep uncovering small little clues and secrets which all converge in the end to the common conclusion & solve the mystery! We have chief detective Arpeggio and his team, we have Keller & Atticus as another team – often interfering with Arpeggio, then Ella as a counsellor to Jesse and lastly the public defender Henry with Julia & Chris forming another team. It makes for a thoroughly enjoyable read.

Secrets And Mysteries

Throughout the length of The Night Shift, we have various small secrets or surprises that keep popping up. I won’t name them here as it would devoid the book of it’s sting. Maybe not even secrets, but things you wouldn’t have expected – which surprise you as wow moments!

Let me mention here the faceless, anonymous vlogger. Yes, a vlogger who never reveals his identity who keeps appearing at different times. It adds to that mystique feel about the book with your mind working full gear, second guessing possibilities around him.

What’s It With Indian Names?

More recently, there’s been a surge in the use of Indian names or words. Probably 80% of books I have read this year have some thing or the other finding links to India. Which obviously makes my heart swell with joy!

Alex Finlay has here the charming Atticus Singh with roots to India. But what really had me in splits was Nirvana! Hahah! Your alleged perpetrator has this catchphrase he uses repeatedly. It sounds like a typical 90s Bollywood flick where the villains used to have cheesy catchphrases like this. While Nirvana literally means salvation, there is one particular scene where he kisses the girl, inhales deeply and says Nirvana! I am sure our Indian friends would understand how damn funny this sounds! It was supposed to be an emotional recourse. But it has come out as unintentionally funny! Super hilarious actually.

Conclusion:

There is something very likable about The Night Shift. No, it’s not just the suspense. Had that been so, every suspense thriller would make for a splendid read. Probably it is the characters. Probably the setting. Or maybe just the writing which works for it. Not to forget, we are talking of some heinous crimes here. But despite, this book makes for a nice and fast paced read. This is a book that is very easy to recommend! Get your copy here.

Looking for more suspense thrillers? Check these out: The Maidens (Alex Michaelides) | Book Review, Camino Winds (John Grisham) | Book Review