BOOK REVIEW: Only The Lonely by Tamara Von Werthern

'Only The Lonely' is the first in a series of accidental detective mysteries written by Tamara Von Werthern. Originally written in German, this novel follows salesman turned Detective Philipp and his canine sidekick, Maschka, as they attempt to uncover the truth behind a mutilated cat which then leads to a peculiar disappearance of the cat’s young and attractive female owner.

The novel’s author, Tamara Von Werthern is also a playwright, screenwriter and producer. She has also written poetry and she owns her own theatre company. An incredibly accomplished woman, Von Werthern has now added crime fiction author to her list of accolades, and I have a feeling her novels will be just as well received as her other creative endeavours.

With the novel originally being published in German, I was concerned before reading that 'Only The Lonely' may not be as eloquent and well-written when translated to a secondary language, English. This is often the case with novels when translated. However, Von Werthern’s English writings still held suspense and humour throughout. The publication itself was a very easy read with its simple writing, making it accessible as an adult novel as well as a piece of young adult fiction. This, along with it being the first in a series, and coming in at only 104 pages, classifying it as a novella, Von Werthern’s first outing with Detective Philipp could easily be read in one comfortable sitting. Taking my time, this read took me three days.

The novella’s protagonist, Philipp, who is based on the author’s father, is charming but flawed. Von Werthern has successfully created a well-rounded and believable character in just a few pages. Not strictly a detective, Philipp’s jobs include removal man and insurance salesman, making his foray into private investigator and detective all the more humorous. The reader is following Philipp on his uncertain journey as we learn alongside him what it takes to be a detective.

A thoroughly enjoyable read, however I hope the next in the series is longer, with more subplots and suspects. I would love to see Philipp and his canine Maschka in more settings and with more drawn out adventures. The characters that the detective comes into contact with in this cosy crime drama were well written and believable, their interactions really drawing me in, however there were only really two possible suspects. As a personal lover of crime dramas and who-dunnits, the solving of the case as a reader was not as satisfying when there was a 50/50 chance I would be correct. Don’t get me wrong, there were still a good few twists within Von Werthern’s 100 page adventure; I found I was just hungry for more.

I will be eagerly awaiting the second novel in the accidental detective mystery series to be translated into English so that I can devour it as I did the first. If you can read German then you are already able to consume the next instalment of Philipp and Maschka’s crime solving; lucky you.

Reviewer - Megan Relph