Diving into "West Heart Kill" was like embarking on an unpredictable rollercoaster of creativity and experimentation. Initially, I couldn't help but applaud author Dann McDorman's daring approach to storytelling. The narrative seemed poised to blend the intrigue of classic mysteries. It had me genuinely excited, at least until the final stretch.

The book has its moments—there are pockets of profound reflection that are both beautiful and insightful. At one point, everything seemed to click into place, promising a harmonious convergence of genres and tones. Yet, just when I thought I was in for a satisfying finale, the story took a turn, introducing a twist that felt questionable but salvageable. However, it wasn't the only plot twist thrown our way; the genre and tonal switch that followed, while potentially intriguing, left me bewildered.

The final chapters were a letdown. Instead of a fulfilling conclusion, it felt like the author was patting himself on the back, reveling in a sense of self-congratulation and pretentiousness. It was as if the primary goal was to showcase the author's literary gymnastics rather than craft a genuinely compelling narrative. The ending, particularly, left a bitter taste. After investing hours of my life, I was met with a conclusion that seemed more interested in making me feel foolish than providing a satisfying resolution. It wasn't earned, and the abrupt shift in tone felt more like a cheap shot than a clever twist.

I would like to express my gratitude to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor and NetGalley for allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for my honest review.