Devil’s Plaything: A Mystery for Idle Minds

Matt Richtel
Poisoned Pen Press (2011)
ISBN 9781590588871
Reviewed by Marty Shaw for Reader Views (3/11)


“Devil’s Plaything” weaves a mystery into the aspects of everyday life that makes for a compelling and thought-provoking read. The realism of the characters and the setting draws you into the story in such a way that you might forget that you’re reading a work of fiction, and the suspense and mystery will have you staying up late in an effort to solve the puzzle along with the main character.

The art/hobby/profession of blogging has hit the big time when it becomes the profession of a main character in a book, and Nathaniel (Nat) Idle is the stereotypical professional blogger and journalist. He’s so busy chasing the next big story that he almost misses the action going on in his own life, but his focus is drawn to where it needs to be when a quiet visit with his grandmother in the park turns into a failed assassination attempt. Nat doesn’t know if he or his grandmother was the target but he’s determined to find out. His investigative skills lead him ever closer to a secret so large that anyone who knows about it is considered expendable… and there’s a very good chance his grandmother is one of those loose ends.

Lane Idle is a feisty woman entering her twilight years, but something is happening to her memory. Most medical professionals shrug it off as the beginning signs of Alzheimer’s but Nat, who was on his way to becoming a doctor before getting bitten by the writing bug, doesn’t think things add up. Sure, his grandmother was starting to get a little forgetful but the process has suddenly accelerated to an unbelievable level, as if something or someone was taking her memories. Even with her mental faculties suffering, Lane is a fun character who almost always has words of wisdom to share with her grandson; making both him and the reader laugh with her interesting take on the situations going on around her. A grandmother and a reporter might seem like an odd duo but Richtel makes it work in a delightful way.

Like any good mystery, there’s no shortage of possible bad guys and it’s easy to get sucked into the story as Nat seeks the truth. His almost-girlfriend and employer, Pauline, has been acting a little funny and a new investor interested in purchasing their media outlet has mysteriously surfaced just as Nat starts his investigation. Is either of them keeping information from him? It’s a literary ride filled with plenty of twists and turns and you will find yourself connecting with Nat as if he were a real person as he confronts both the mystery of the puzzle before him and his own demons and doubts as he comes to realize that life continues to happen whether you want to accept it or not.

“Devil’s Plaything” is perfect for anyone who loves realistic adventure and plenty of mystery that will keep you guessing until the final chapters. Richtel also works in some thought-provoking concepts that confront our increasing move towards becoming a society that is always going and always connected. By the end of the book, you might be wondering where the fiction ends and reality begins.

Make comment on weblog

FTC Disclosure