Today, I'm tackling The Sequel by Jerry Jamison, an author whose name rings a bell, though it's the first title of his I've picked up. Perhaps his books have crossed my path before, but for whatever reason, this one is my introduction to his work.
I must admit, I have a certain admiration for an author who takes the time to address readers directly, revealing how Stephen King's Misery influenced him, among other inspirations for The Sequel. It’s always intriguing to peek behind the curtain of an author's mind. However, I’m feeling a bit foggy today, and I have a nagging suspicion that my review might be more of a winding road than a straight path. Let’s just hope nobody’s left wondering, “What the hell is Billy rambling about?” So, with that slight trepidation in mind, let’s discuss The Sequel.
The plot unfolds through the eyes of Judd Whitfield, a beleaguered book editor working for a second-rate crime novel publisher. Judd, a writer in his own right, feels his job is beneath his talents—a sentiment that many a creative soul can relate to. Then things take a darker turn when he suspects that his stunning wife is having a dalliance with her boss. As he grapples with jealousy and betrayal, his mental state starts to unravel.
Then fate intervenes with the arrival of a manuscript from a desperate young author, brimming with ambition and a thirst for validation. As Judd reads this gripping tale of the perfect murder, a chilling realization dawns upon him: it might just be the blueprint he needs to rid himself of his unfaithful wife. Enter a new romantic interest within the office, and Judd begins to fantasize about a life of bliss with her. But as he weaves this web of deceit and desire, one very important question looms: has he overlooked a fatal flaw in his grand scheme?
Now, let’s get my nitpicking out of the way: I’m not a fan of shifting perspectives. Sometimes, it’s a clever narrative device, but more often than not, it just irks me—and trust me, the last thing you want is to irritate your readers. Jamison's use of multiple points of view worked to some degree, but honestly, it threw off the pacing and made it challenging for me to stay fully engrossed. That’s a perilous place for a story to wander.
On the visual side, I do like the cover art—but of course, we all know that a beautiful cover doesn’t guarantee a gripping story. I had read a flurry of enthusiastic reviews touting The Sequel as a psychological thriller. I can see where they’re coming from; it certainly fits the bill, but the hype wrapped around it left me feeling somewhat let down. It’s a reminder that I should tread carefully when listening to mainstream reviewers, especially those who intertwine their literary opinions with their political agendas just to chase clicks.
To be candid, I neither loved nor loathed The Sequel. The writing felt mid-level to me—not quite the soaring heights of a Stephen King novel, which, let’s be real, is a tall order for any author. I was craving something more substantial from Jamison, but unfortunately, that didn’t quite materialize.
As for the story itself, the premise—in theory—holds promise. Sure, it may not be groundbreaking, but it plays nicely with the notion of an author pilfering another's work. I just wish the narrative had been more fully fleshed out. But hey, that's just my two cents on an otherwise intriguing story. So, if you’re curious, go ahead and grab a copy. [*] Read it on your own terms. I’m certainly not here to dissuade you. ╌★★½✰✰
〜B.J. Burgess
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“The plot thickens… especially when you comment.” 〜B.J. Burgess