Jacobowitz deftly captures the cutthroat competition of a prestigious law firm, particularly in Tyler’s rivalry with another associate, the seemingly perfect Cerene, as well as the monotony of billable hours and document reviewing. Jacobowitz is fascinated by the toll such a life exacts on the soul, as Tyler obsesses over career, weight, and wardrobe while trying to numb her empty personal life with more work, drinking too much and watching endless reality TV. The novel charts Tyler’s slow growth, though she’s often pointedly unlikable, to the point that even the killer complains about it, snapping “try to focus on one person other than yourself.”

Tyler’s a reluctant sleuth, one who resists interviewing Kevin’s family, friends, and colleagues, but readers open to prickly leads will enjoy her growth, her wit, and her burgeoning romance with Armstrong, which develops quickly. Armstrong is close-mouthed about his past and distracts her with sex, making his eventual moments of tenderness all the sweeter. Also satisfying: Tyler coming into her own as the case is cracked, still ambitious but warmer and worth toasting.

Takeaway: An ambitious lawyer must put her ego aside while investigating her boss’s murder.

Comparable Titles: Caro Land’s Convictions, Robyn Gigl’s By Way of Sorrow.

Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A-