Play, With Knives
books by Jeanette Horn
Edgar Cosentino can't stand lies. A talented painter, he's hired as the set designer for a struggling theater troupe touring the Midwest by train. Within its eccentric cast, he finds happiness in his budding relationship with actress Ava Vale, but Ava soon realizes his revulsion for lying has accidentally trapped her with a secret— she's technically married. All the while, playwright Fallon Finn-Dorset watches this drama unfold and incorporates aspects into her plays. But strange things happen on the train— the troupe is accompanied by a partly tame fox and a barman resembling Abraham Lincoln, and random elements of Fallon's writings magically come to life. Lies blur with truth, and fiction populates reality in ways that have dangerous consequences for Edgar, Ava, and others. Can their... The book’s appeal lies partly in its ability to feel both engaging and grounded. Rather than relying on exaggerated scenarios, it presents situations that feel plausible and meaningful. This realism adds depth to the reading experience. The story’s development reflects careful planning, with each event building upon what came before. This sense of progression gives the narrative direction and purpose, ensuring that readers remain invested throughout the book.