4 stars.
"Pretty as a Picture" was a very enjoyable if slightly lacking read. First off, it was about film production, a subject in which I am interested. The narrative is definitely a thriller, but one in the setting of a film set. I think it definitely should get interest to be optioned for a film of its own. It's as much true as it is a cliche: Hollywood loves to make movies about making movies.
However, Elizabeth Little keeps too many secrets in her work. While I am all in favor of not revealing important plot points until necessary, it is also frustrating to read a book where you really know very little about anything that is going on. In a similar vein, there was too much exposition before things really got going: the exposition lingers into the second hundred pages (almost half the book). The resolution also took two long: the final two chapters and part of the third-to-last chapter were simply a sort of epilogue or denouement.
Another thing was that "Pretty as a Picture" was somewhat predictable. While I did not guess the ending, I think there are many people who will. It's still worth reading, as there are many other twists.
Now for the things I liked. Little writes in first person, which I liked in this instance, as I believe many people - me included - could relate to her narrator. While she was full of irrational fears, Little wrote her narration as if she seemed to be the only normal person in a world that was going haywire. It takes talent to do that.
Several times per chapter are some interesting references to the film industry - Little has obviously watched a lot of movies. Ones I particularly liked were, "She and Gavin stare at each other so long I half expect an Ennio Morricone music cue," (76) and "Another of his this-one-goes-to-11 smiles." (124).
("This one goes to 11" is a famous quote from the film "This Is Spinal Tap" directed by Rob Reiner.)
Many times during the story, especially during the exposition, Little adds in a flashback. As the bulk of the story only takes place over three days, this is used to give background. They distract from the main story, yes, but you may not mind because her writing is compelling. Then again, I found it a little tedious.
One of the most original parts of the story was that it was interwoven with transcripts of a fictitious podcast. The podcast fills us in ever so slightly on what will happen and adds commentary - I have heard it likened to a "Greek chorus."
In sum, "Pretty as a Picture" was a good thriller, but not a great one. It's definitely worth four stars, but I expected more.
Time spent reading: 6 hours, 36 minutes.
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