DEATH OF AN IDOL

In Ray’s novel, a South Korean pop-idol-turned-aspiring-professor must confront his past as he investigates his fiancée’s untimely death.

As the author states in her preface, “This is a book about idols. / Also about those who love them. / The ones who lose them. / And the ones who can’t let go….” Park “Tae” Taejoon was once a child actor for one of the most beloved South Korean shows, Rainbow Family, and latera member of a wildly successful K-pop band, Orion. As he grew older, he became a magnet for fawning fangirls, but after the mysterious death of one his fellow band members, he completely disappeared from the entertainment world and moved to the Pittsburgh to pursue a doctorate in business. However, after he receives a text from his fiancée’s sister, his world turns upside down. He hadn’t heard from his fiancée, Sonia Moore, lately, and a news article explains why: She apparently took a secret trip to the South Korean island of Jeju, where she was found dead—evidently the victim of an accident. With the help of private investigator Yoon Hana, Tae looks into the circumstances of Sonia’s death and ultimately finds that there’s more to the tragedy than meets the eye. Interspersed with the story of Tae’s investigation is a story about a young South Korean girl named Nari and the many troubles she endures. As readers alternate between the two third-person perspectives, they learn that sometimes the answers to mysteries are hiding in plain sight.

Ray’s rich character development, engaging prose, and trendy milieu make for a thrilling read. The novel provides enough of Tae’s backstory to make readers sympathize with his desire to escape from his past life as an idol, and understand the difficulties that he faces when he moves back into the spotlight to find answers. Hana’s characterization is also a delight to read: She’s revealed to be a loving, honest person with obsessive-compulsive tendencies who made a major career move from policing to private investigation. A tidbit about her pet turtle, Einstein, is especially adorable and adds depth to the scene: “He shifted slightly, claws scratching lightly against the stone, and tilted his head, as if assessing her with quiet, ancient judgment.” Furthermore, the young girl’s story is intriguing; her backstory shows complexity and an understanding of the human psyche, especially when it comes to how trauma and fame can create ripple effects. In addition to character depth, Ray creates suspenseful, engaging prose that begs readers to find out more. Her writing is immersive throughout; it’s easy to feel the real world fade away while reading about the trauma and psychological motives that drive the plot. The pain that Nari’s family endured, due to poverty, is especially apparent in a scene about her mom’s jade necklace. Moreover, the inclusion of a “Novel Playlist” is a smart move; the songs match the text well and effectively add to the work as a whole.

A gripping, fast-paced psychological thriller that will make readers crave a sequel.