Truth is deadlier than fiction in this тАЬsleek, sophisticated, over-the-top story thatтАЩs filled with red herrings, laugh-aloud humor, and plenty of suspenseтАЭ (Booklist).
┬аThe author calls himself the Answer Man. He introduces himself to Stewart HoagтАФonetime literary darling of the New York sceneтАФwith a letter begging for help with his first novel. Hoagy usually ignores such requests, but the Answer ManтАЩs sample chapter grabs his attention. It is a chilling, first-person story about a man who picks up a girl in a pet shop, takes her home, and savagely murders her. The imagery is clear, the prose strong, and the storytelling as truthful as though the author had actually lived it. When he opens the next morningтАЩs paper, Hoagy realizes he was reading nonfiction.┬аA young pet shop employee has been bludgeoned to death, and the crimeтАЩs details match those in the manuscript. As the Answer Man keeps killing, he continues writing letters asking Hoagy to collaborate with him. If Hoagy canтАЩt stop him soon, he may find himself starring in the bookтАЩs next chapter.