Thursday, June 7, 2018

"The Last Equation of Isaac Severy" by Nova Jacobs

Title: The Last Equation of Isaac Severy
Author: Nova Jacobs
Published: March 6, 2018
Genre: Mystery

For the fans of the earlier reviewed Mr. Penubra's 24-Hour Bookstore, comes the Book of the Month Club's March pick The Last Equation of Isaac Severy: A Novel in Clues, a clever debut novel from author Nova Jacobs.

I made this novel my choice for BOM mostly because I was drawn to the idea of a math-driven mystery. My husband is the math brain. I, sadly, am not. The choice came as a way to maybe relate to what he finds so fascinating about numbers and equations. What I discovered is that I had plenty in common with the novel's heroine, Hazel Severy, who also doesn't possess my husband's or her own family's gift for mathematics.

Hazel, who owns a slowly-failing bookstore in Seattle, is called home for the funeral of her adoptive grandfather Isaac Severy, a world-renowned mathematician who died of apparent suicide. She soon receives a posthumous letter addressed to her by Isaac explaining that she alone is responsible for recovering his last equation despite not possessing the same mathematical ability as the rest of her extended family. Hazel quickly discovers the global impact that Isaac's equation could have as she searches for clues hidden by her grandfather in a copy of her favorite book. She also discovers that she is not the only Severy who is after the equation. Theoretical physicist Philip, Isaac's oldest son, is also on the hunt. However, a mysterious corporation, who may know more about Isaac's death, is hunting Philip. As soon as it seems like the equation is out of her grasp, Hazel is forced to enlist the help of a mysterious long-lost cousin, whose intentions may not be as pure as her own.

My initial impression of The Last Equation of Isaac Severy was that it was going to center around the amazing equation that Isaac Severy spent his life testing and perfecting. Instead, the story largely became about how this family of geniuses unravels as a result of their present and past traumas. The chapters alternate narratives told from the perspective of various members of the Severy clan. Each intertwined story provides more clues and insight into their complex lives, fragile egos, and tortured pasts. This reader enjoyed the alternating storylines, as it allowed Ms. Jacobs to slowly reveal characteristics and motives of each family member. Without giving anything away, I was extremely pleased with the resolution, as it was not anything like I had guessed.

As fantastical as Severy's equation is, I would recommend this book to mystery and math lovers! It was charming and entertaining and the plot twists and intrigue made the journey a fun one!

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