Kemper Donovan’s debut mystery novel, The Busy Body, introduces an unnamed ghostwriter protagonist who finds herself embroiled in not one, but two murders while collaborating with former Senator Dorothy Gibson on her memoir. Set against the backdrop of a bitterly contested presidential election, this first installment in the Ghostwriter Mystery series (to be followed by Loose Lips) attempts to blend political intrigue with classic whodunit elements.
Plot Overview: Politics Meets Murder in Maine
When our narrator arrives at Dorothy Gibson’s secluded Maine estate to ghostwrite the former senator’s memoir, she expects the usual challenges of working with a high-profile client. What she doesn’t anticipate is becoming an amateur detective alongside Gibson when their neighbor, Vivian Davis, is found dead in her bathtub at the Crystal Palace – an architectural marvel next door that serves as a luxury retreat.
As the investigation unfolds, the ghostwriter and Gibson discover that nothing is quite what it seems. The plot thickens with the murder of Vivian’s husband, Walter Vogel, leading to a complex web of deceit involving identity theft, financial schemes, and romantic entanglements.
Writing Style: Strengths and Weaknesses
Donovan demonstrates a knack for creating memorable characters and vivid settings. The Crystal Palace, with its glass walls and mysterious inhabitants, serves as an effective metaphor for the transparency and deception central to the story. The author’s background in television writing shows in the snappy dialogue and well-paced revelations.
However, the writing occasionally suffers from an identity crisis. While the narrator’s sardonic voice can be engaging, her constant asides and pop culture references sometimes distract from the story’s momentum. The blend of political commentary and murder mystery, while ambitious, doesn’t always gel seamlessly.
Character Analysis: A Mixed Bag
The Ghostwriter
Our unnamed narrator proves to be an interesting study in contradictions. Her sharp observational skills and wit make her an engaging guide through the mystery, but her romantic subplot with “the Bodyguard” feels forced and ultimately detracts from the main story.
Dorothy Gibson
The former senator emerges as the novel’s most compelling character. Her combination of political acumen and detective skills feels natural, though some readers might find her almost superhuman ability to piece together clues a bit convenient.
Supporting Cast
The secondary characters range from intriguing to stereotypical. Vivian Davis/Joycelyn Duval stands out as a complex antagonist, while characters like the bumbling Detective Locust veer into caricature.
Strengths
- Strong sense of place and atmosphere
- Complex mystery plot with surprising twists
- Well-developed political backdrop
- Engaging dynamic between the ghostwriter and Dorothy Gibson
- Effective use of humor to balance darker elements
Areas for Improvement
- Uneven pacing in the middle section
- Some underdeveloped subplots
- Occasional reliance on coincidence to move the plot forward
- Heavy-handed political commentary
- Romance subplot feels unnecessary
Social Commentary and Themes
Donovan explores several compelling themes:
- The nature of truth in politics and personal relationships
- The power of narrative and who controls it
- Gender dynamics in positions of power
- The cost of ambition and success
While these themes add depth to the story, they sometimes overshadow the central mystery.
Similar Works and Market Position
Fans of political mysteries like David Baldacci’s Camel Club series or Margaret Truman’s Capital Crimes novels may find familiar elements here. However, Donovan’s approach feels fresher, with its focus on female protagonists and contemporary political issues.
The book also shares DNA with cozy mysteries featuring amateur sleuths, though its political elements and darker themes set it apart from that genre.
Technical Execution
The mystery plot is well-constructed, with clues and red herrings properly distributed throughout the narrative. The final revelation about Vivian’s true identity and scheme is clever, if somewhat implausible. The author shows skill in managing multiple timelines and perspectives without confusing the reader.
Impact and Significance
The Busy Body by Kemper Donovan attempts to modernize the traditional mystery novel by incorporating contemporary political themes and social commentary. While not entirely successful, it represents an interesting evolution of the genre.
The upcoming sequel, Loose Lips, suggests Donovan plans to continue exploring the intersection of politics and crime through these characters.
Final Verdict
The Good
- Innovative premise combining political and mystery elements
- Strong central characters in the ghostwriter and Dorothy Gibson
- Well-crafted puzzle with satisfying resolution
- Effective use of setting and atmosphere
The Not-So-Good
- Uneven tone
- Some underdeveloped subplots
- Romance elements feel forced
- Political commentary sometimes heavy-handed
The Busy Body shows promise as the start of a new mystery series by Kemper Donovan, despite its flaws. Donovan’s fresh take on the genre and strong character work offset the occasional missteps in pacing and plot. Readers interested in political mysteries with a contemporary edge will likely find enough here to warrant following the series, though some may wish for more polished execution.
Recommendation
Best suited for readers who:
- Enjoy political thrillers with mystery elements
- Appreciate strong female protagonists
- Don’t mind occasional departures from traditional mystery conventions
- Are interested in contemporary political themes
May not appeal to those seeking:
- Traditional police procedurals
- Pure political thrillers
- Cozy mysteries
- Straightforward whodunits
The Busy Body by Kemper Donovan marks an ambitious debut that, while not perfect, suggests interesting possibilities for the future of the Ghostwriter Mystery series.