Book Review: ‘What a Way to Go’ by Bella Mackie

Book Title: What a Way to Go
Author: Bella Mackie
Publisher: The Borough Press
Number of Pages: 384
ISBN: 978-0008719692
Date Published: Sept. 20, 2024
Price: INR 309

Book Review

“What a Way to Go” by Bella Mackie is a cleverly crafted dark comedy that piques readers’ interest from the first sentence. If you enjoy dry humor, incisive satire, and the odd weird twist, this book will not disappoint. It begins with the death of Anthony Wistern, a wealthy financier, at his opulent 60th birthday celebration. Mackie provides a funny and satirical look into the aftermath of Anthony’s strange death via the views of numerous narrators, including Anthony himself, his wife Olivia, and an obsessed true crime podcaster known as “The Sleuth”. From the exclusive world of the Wistern family to the quirkiness of The Sleuth’s amateur investigation, this tale captivates you with its dark humor and unique storytelling.

Unapologetically flawed, Anthony is a self-made millionaire who, in spite of his wealth, is not much appreciated by his own family. His account of his last hours is both humorous and illuminating, exposing his conceit, adultery, and disdain for people who mattered most to him. But after passing away, Anthony discovers that he is trapped in a waiting area akin to limbo, where he can observe the mayhem he left behind. His wife Olivia and their four kids are a hilarious family dynamic, constantly fighting for dominance and battling their own secrets. Mackie does an amazing job of fusing humor with familial drama, allowing the audience to enjoy exploring the perspectives of each character.

The introduction of “The Sleuth” adds a new, modern perspective to the tale. Obsessed with true crime and armed with a YouTube channel, she becomes convinced Anthony’s death was not an accident and vows to solve the case. Her chapters offer an intriguing take on the growth of armchair investigators and the ethical consequences of online celebrity. As her following develops, so does her fixation, giving an interesting dimension of drama to the plot. Mackie utilizes The Sleuth’s voyage to mock society’s obsession with unsolved crimes and the internet’s ability to support even the most outrageous conspiracy theories.

“What a Way to Go” is especially amusing because of its caustic tone and stinging wit. Despite the fact that the ensemble of characters is mostly self-centered and unlikable, Mackie’s writing keeps readers engaged. The plot is full of twists and turns, and while not every mystery is entirely solved as one might wish, the final chapter delivers a brilliantly ironic conclusion that almost makes up for any unanswered questions. Mackie expertly combines the ridiculousness of the scenario with incisive observations about wealth, power, and human nature.

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In conclusion, “What a Way to Go” is an entertaining, fast-paced story that combines family drama and a murder mystery, all wrapped up in dark humor and eccentric characters. Bella Mackie’s sharp dialogue and distinct writing will appeal to fans of both crime fiction and dark humor. It’s a thrilling read that will keep you smiling, speculating, and finally satisfied—even if certain riddles remain unsolved. Highly recommended for readers searching for something entertaining, snappy, and unexpected!

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