Adam Ross’ Mr. Peanut might be the best book I’ve read so far in 2010. In fact, it might be one of the best books of the year.
I don’t say this lightly. I’ve already heard a number of other titles declared “Best of 2010,” and it’s absurd to make that kind of call as early as March, especially since the book doesn’t even hit stores until June. Nonetheless, this book blew me away.
David Pepin has often imagined and fantasized about his wife’s death, and when she dies, it’s more than a little suspicious. He rapidly becomes a murder suspect, and the detectives on the case each have their own back-stories winding around different combinations of marriage and violence.
It’s engaging and gripping like a good murder mystery, but more richly layered and intellectually engaging than a beach read. When I was looking through it to get quotes for this post, I kept getting sucked back into the story again, even though I’d just read it. I’m likening it to a great meal at a restaurant–the appetizer gains your trust, the first course provides some revelations, the second demonstrates the chef’s skills, and the dessert just blows you away. Ross is truly a great wordsmith.
I know it’s far too early to call “Best of 2010,” but this is a strong, strong contender.
Bookdwarf 
Sounds like it’s just my speed. It’s too bad I have to wait till June- but it’s going on my wishlist right now!
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No need to read anything else. I can confirm that MR. PEANUT is the best novel you will read in 2010.
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You’ve hooked me already. Any book which can be linked to a great meal — metaphorically or literally — will get me to buy it. I also love a murder mystery that can be literarily savored.
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This book is amazing! I was lucky enough to read an ARC and it’s definitely one of my favorites of 2010.
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Your excitement for this book is infectious. It’s going on my list. Great review.
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A terrific literary achievement – the prose is so scrumptious that the reading the novel is a delectable meal . . . UNTIL the desert, which is a hasty effort to wrap up all the motifs in the mobius strip, including Mobius himself, and whisk the reader from the table. Almost made me forget how much good stuff Ross has to say about male/female relationships. On the last 30 pages, MR PEANUT turns from depth psychology to deftness.
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