« New prize for Scottish fiction | Main | BEST OF 2007 AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Laura Ruby »

January 23, 2008 10:42 AM

BOOK REVIEW: This Is How It Happened by Jo Barrett

Sarah wrote about Jo Barrett's second novel, This Is How It Happened, earlier this month and featured the UK cover, but I read the US edition and I much prefer the US cover, so that's the one I've used here.

This enormously entertaining book begins with Madeline Piatro baking poisoned brownies, which she plans to give (anonymously) to her ex-fiancee, Carlton. Unfortunately, Maddy can't resist trying the brownies herself (well, who could?) and, rather than delivering them to the intended recipient, spends the rest of the day throwing up.

So why does Maddy want Carlton dead?

For many, many reasons which Barrett releases gradually throughout the book and, believe me, by halfway through you'll want to kill him too.

In fact, that was the only reason this book gets a 4 rather than a 5. Carlton was so awful, that I really felt Maddy - intelligent, independent, confident - should have worked out what an utter sleaze he was much, much sooner than she did. Having said that, his sleaziness is entertaining and frequently made me want to reach into the book and throttle him (and give Maddy a "wake up to yourself!" slap too!).

I haven't yet read Jo Barrett's debut, The Men's Guide to the Women's Bathroom, but I'll be rushing to read it now. (The movie rights to that book have been bought by Hugh Jackman and I can totally see this book as a film too. Definitely Matthew McConaughey for Carlton and, despite the fact that Maddy's Italian, I think it could be a good one for a repairing with Kate Hudson.)

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz

Came straight to this page? Visit www.trashionista.com for more female fiction news, reviews and interviews.

Posted by Keris on January 23, 2008 in American Authors, New Releases, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink

Comments