Many find it a "page-turner" that keeps them up late. However, some critics at the New York Times and The Guardian felt it was excessively long (over 600 pages) and dragged in the middle.
: Reviewers frequently mention its "creepy" and "hypnotic" atmosphere, comparing it to the works of Stanley Kubrick or David Lynch. Pessl, Marisha Die Amerikanische Nacht epub
: The story follows investigative journalist Scott McGrath as he looks into the mysterious death of Ashley Cordova, daughter of the legendary, reclusive horror director Stanislas Cordova. Many find it a "page-turner" that keeps them up late
Pessl's prose is often described as "gorgeously written" and "dazzling". Conversely, some readers on Reddit strongly disliked her frequent use of italics for emphasis. : The story follows investigative journalist Scott McGrath
: A unique feature of the novel (and its epub/digital versions) is the inclusion of fictional documents, including newspaper clippings, police reports, and screenshots of secret websites. Some readers found these highly engaging, while others felt they were "alienating" or gimmicky. Critical Consensus Typical Reviewer Feedback Pacing