Marlitt Kaplan is a young detective in the university city of Athens. She is no stranger to the inner workings of university life as her mother is a professor. She is also painfully aware of the potential darkness lurking in its stately buildings, emotionally and psychologically scarred from her own experiences at university.

Following a visit to her mother’s office on campus, Marlitt stumbles on an apparent hit-and-run. A popular frat boy was run over by what witnesses say was a smiling look-alike driving the victim’s car. The only woman on her team, Marlitt pushes for the case despite her partner Teddy’s reluctance. As she investigates, she is forced to confront her own demons and prejudices.

Marlitt and Teddy begin investigating the dead boy’s fraternity house, but before they can get anywhere threats are made. Then there is a fire that involves Marlitt. As she resumes the investigation, she is unable to let things rest, driven in part by her own disturbing memories.

A quietly compelling novel, The Resemblance moves at a steady but assured pace and, even as Marlitt’s behaviour becomes more and more erratic, her need for closure is undeniable. At times it is difficult to distinguish between Marlitt’s paranoia and what is actually happening, but it soon becomes clear. Lauren Nossett is a university professor herself and her writing is astute. This is a real slow-burning thriller.

Reviewed by Tessa Chudy

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lauren Nosiest is a former professor turned novelist with a Ph.D. in German literature. Her scholarly work has appeared in journals, edited volumes, and a book with Northwestern University Press. She currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Resemblance is her fiction debut.

Visit Lauren Nossett’s website

‘Sometimes when I write, I’m tempted to skip ahead. Like an impatient reader who flips to the end of a story, I’m eager to know what happens to my characters. I often have to remind myself to slow down, enjoy the process, and allow my characters to develop fully before I speed them along to the future.’ – Lauren Nossett