In Loose Lips, the second installment of Kemper Donovan’s Ghostwriter Mystery Series, we find ourselves aboard a literary cruise ship where secrets run as deep as the Atlantic waters below. Following the success of The Busy Body, Donovan brings back his unnamed ghostwriter-protagonist for another adventure that combines classic mystery elements with contemporary themes.
Setting Sail: The Premise
The “Get Lit Cruise” seems like a perfectly packaged disaster from the start – an all-female writing retreat at sea organized by Payton Garrett, our protagonist’s frenemy from their MFA days. The setup is deliciously claustrophobic: three hundred women, five writing genres, and seven days at sea. What could possibly go wrong? As it turns out, everything.
Plot Navigation: Story Structure and Pacing
Donovan divides the novel into five parts: Departure, First Murder, Second Murder, Third Murder, and Return. This structure creates a steady escalation of tension, though some readers might find the first hundred pages a bit slow as characters are introduced and relationships established.
The story truly picks up steam after the first death, when Jackson Richards – Payton’s assistant – is found dead in his cabin. From there, the bodies start dropping with calculated precision, each death more dramatic than the last.
Character Development: A Mixed Bag
The Strengths
- The protagonist remains an engaging narrator, her self-deprecating wit and sharp observations carrying us through the story
- Payton Garrett emerges as a complex character, neither purely antagonistic nor entirely sympathetic
- Secondary characters like Jessamine LaBouchère and Gerry Forrest are well-developed with meaningful backstories
The Weaknesses
- Some characters feel like mystery novel stereotypes (the eccentric captain, the mysterious chef)
- The large cast can be overwhelming, with several characters blending together
- The romance subplot with Gideon feels somewhat forced and underdeveloped
Writing Style: Waves of Wit and Wisdom
Donovan’s prose shines brightest in dialogue and internal monologue. The first-person narration allows for clever observations and literary references that will delight bookish readers. However, some of the metaphors feel stretched, and occasionally the wit veers into territory that might be too self-aware.
Mystery Elements: A Modern Take on Classic Tropes
What Works
- The closed-circle setting of the cruise ship
- Multiple viable suspects with compelling motives
- Clever use of misdirection and red herrings
- A satisfying resolution that plays fair with readers
What Could Be Better
- The ultimate reveal, while surprising, might strain credibility for some readers
- Certain clues feel too conveniently placed
- The protagonist’s investigative process sometimes takes a back seat to social commentary
Themes and Social Commentary
Donovan weaves several contemporary themes through the mystery:
- Gender dynamics in publishing
- The impact of social media on literary careers
- Questions of authenticity versus performance
- The nature of friendship and betrayal
Comparison to The Busy Body
While The Busy Body introduced us to our ghostwriter-sleuth in a more traditional setting, Loose Lips takes bigger risks with its structure and themes. The first book had a tighter focus on the central mystery, whereas this sequel attempts to balance multiple storylines and social commentary.
Technical Elements and Craft
Strengths
- Strong sense of place and atmosphere
- Well-maintained tension
- Effective use of timeline compression (events occur over just a few days)
- Skillful handling of a large cast of characters
Areas for Improvement
- Pacing issues in the first act
- Some subplot resolutions feel rushed
- Occasional overreliance on coincidence
The Verdict
Loose Lips by Kemper Donovan is an ambitious second installment that mostly succeeds in what it sets out to do. While it may not completely satisfy readers looking for a traditional mystery, it offers enough twists, social commentary, and character development to keep pages turning.
Recommended for:
- Fans of contemporary mystery with social commentary
- Readers who enjoy closed-circle mysteries
- Those interested in publishing industry dynamics
- Followers of the first book looking for character development
May not appeal to:
- Traditionalists seeking a purely puzzle-based mystery
- Readers who prefer faster-paced thrillers
- Those who dislike meta-commentary in their fiction
Similar Books and Authors
Fans of Loose Lips by Kemper Donovan might also enjoy:
- Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club series
- Anthony Horowitz’s Hawthorne and Horowitz mysteries
- Lucy Foley’s The Guest List
- Ruth Ware’s The Woman in Cabin 10
Final Thoughts
Loose Lips by Kemper Donovan represents a solid addition to the contemporary mystery genre, even if it occasionally loses its way in choppy waters. Donovan has created a unique voice in his ghostwriter-protagonist, and while this second outing might not be perfect, it shows promise for future installments in the series.
The book’s greatest strength lies in its ability to blend classic mystery elements with modern sensibilities, creating something that feels both familiar and fresh. Despite its flaws, it’s an entertaining read that will likely leave readers curious about where the ghostwriter’s next adventure might lead.