I would almost rather discuss the author’s portrait on the inside back cover of my edition than the novel. Don’t get me wrong, the novel is good. A college student finds himself caught up in a murder and it’s cover up. His clique of friends are strange. It’s almost a tribute to “Crime and Punishment”, as the friends each react differently to guilt over what has happened.

But the author’s portrait is intriguing. She looks serious and defiant, her arms crossed in front of her, her head tilted slightly to the side, an slight, enigmatic smile on her face. Penetrating dark eyes, dark hair, and a very pale face. I can imagine her seeing through all deceptions to the truth within. Very much like her writing. ( )

A group of six students at a small Vermont college become engrossed with their studying of ancient Greek culture, so much so that two murders are committed. The second murder is divulged in the prologue of the book. The first murder is the catalyst for this psychological drama.

Tartt weaves a good blend of suspicion and paranoia amongst her main characters to the point of hysteria. This book is less about the two murders and more about how people cope with the knowledge of what they have done. Tartt shows the destructiveness that guilt and personal responsibility has on a person or group of people.

The richness in the details of Vermont and it's countryside were breathtaking but the storyline dragged on a little too long for me.

I would recommend this book to anyone that is not in a hurry to find out the ending in a quick "all tied up in a bow" manner. Good book~yes Great book~ not so much ( )

This is a favorite re-read, great when new library books disappoint etc. (if I could only take 3 books on vacation with me, this would be one of them). Wonderfully written first novel with strong characters and plotting. I am glad no attempt has been made to adapt this for the screen (yet), because there is not a single actor I can think of who could play Henry. Not the way I picture him. ( )

As I am not particularly an 'academic', few books make me think about certain themes, and meanings behind what normally I might consider mundane aspects to a book. This though, was one of those books that had me thinking throughout it, which of course I like, because it makes me feel like I might contain above average intelligence! :)

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, even though the prologue (don't skip it!) tells you what the climax of the novel is going to be, you still find yourself wondering, is that what's going to happen? Really?! No, they wouldn't! The relationships between the characters are odd, endearing and down right creepy.

Throughout the novel there really isn't any mention for what period of time this story is taking place in except for one offhand remark. Dr. Roland (Richard's boss) says that he drives a 10-year old '98 Buick - which says 2008! Yes Emily you have figured it out. This is the one thing that really bothered me though because Tartt makes many references to pop culture, for example...

- Judy Poovey says that she is out of shape and needs to start doing her Jane Fonda again
- While Richard and either Charles or Francis are at the bar they are watching 'Sally Jesse Raphael' - which made me laugh

These are minor glitches but they really stuck out to me, maybe because when this book was written I was in second grade?

The names of the six main characters I found interesting as they are all names of royalty... Henry, Charles, Camilla, Francis, Richard, except for the outcast of the group, Bunny. Charles and Camilla are twins that have an underlying sexual tension (this was the creepy part), I don't know if they were named intentionally or if it is just a coincidence, either way, nice work. I also made the royalty connection as it seems as though the characters view themselves as above the law, they don't seem to think that their actions should have any legal implications, or if they do, that they will never be found out.

Well, that is just my two cents. This book was a really quick read for being over 500 pages long, and very different from anything else I have read. Now I' wondering if I should go pick up Tartt's second novel, The Little Friend though I have heard that it is nowhere near as good as her first. ( )

I saw this referenced as one of many people's favorite books on a message board. I started it and had trouble making myself finish it. It was predictable and none of the characters were likeable or intriquing. I couldn't care about any of them, what they did or what happened to them. ( )