A review by shereadytoread
Smile for the Cameras: A Novel by Miranda Smith

dark slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

This book gives those immediate 90s slasher vibes. It works in dual timelines which felt a little meh at some points. A lot of the past timeline was used to cast suspicion on the current timeline but wasn’t of too much interest on its own. I think it could have been accomplished with just the current timeline and some discussions of the past. The book isn't immediately fast-paced and the beginning of the story is slower, getting to know the characters and setting the context, but once it kicks off, it was a lot of fun. 

It is based in film/hollywood so it uses script sections between the timelines. I didn’t think that piece was needed as it doesn’t tie into the script, and Is mostly a separate padded story. Also the script uses the actors names and not character names which felt weird to me. 

My biggest issue was the “twist” about 80% in felt very juvenile. It’s just revealed and then we get a whole two chapters of exposition dump which felt more like YA writing. It just missed the mark on the climax.

Overall I think this is a pretty good debut but had some major pieces I would change. I think it's worth giving a try.

Disclosure: I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher.
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