“Death in Her Hands” by Ottessa Moshfegh

July 14, 2023

Mystery novels often know how to engage readers in a fictional world of suspense and anticipation. Through intricate crimes, riveting plot twists, and dynamic characters, these books bring to life intriguing tales, captivating the imagination with stories lurking in the shadows. 

My preference for mysteries and thrillers derives from my liking for dark narrations and grim themes. There is something almost fascinating when exploring the mind’s scariest creations. To briefly summarize, in this book, Vesta is an old widow who finds a note confessing to a murder without a body present. Throughout the plot, readers watch as she obsesses over the mysterious note and juggles the possibility of a crime. 

My impression upon reading the first couple of chapters was unlike my expectations of a traditional mystery or thriller. The absence of lurking criminals and harrowing details of the crime scene actually diverts from how most authors approach murder mysteries. On the contrary, the further I read into the story, the less I deciphered the true nature of the crime or plot. So, the more I read, the more I became confused with its purpose.

From the beginning, Vesta makes several repetitive points, bringing us back through a cyclical narration without ever really advancing through the story. She often speaks about her disdain for her late husband, pessimistic view of life, and obsession with creating a storyline based on the murder note. The rhythmic pattern then caught my attention to an alternative perspective on approaching Moshfegh’s novel. 

One of the most discernible elements of the book is the lack of characters and the continuous dialogue with the self. Due to the emphasis on the sole protagonist, we cannot think of anything else except Vesta, thus leading me to believe this was intentional. Readers immerse in Vesta’s personality and listen to her thoughts, offering a clear insight into her mental state and thought process. The lack of character dynamics and relationships refutes much character development and highlights her isolation, physically and mentally. 

As a character, Vesta is lonely and, arguably, depressed. Her life follows a cyclical pattern where she gains most of her company from her dog and lacks much interaction outside. It isn’t surprising then that the note incites a wave of possible excitement for her to explore. In one chapter, Vesta notes moving away from traditional mysteries, which led me to believe that Moshefgh’s work is a new interpretation of typical murder mysteries. Instead, she dives into personal issues of mental health, isolation, and hopelessness. This novel highlights psychologically thrilling themes, which showcase the disturbing and dark atmosphere inhabited by the character. 

That is to say, readers will notice a lack of heightened action throughout the plot. Vesta’s mystery doesn’t follow a coherent storyline surrounding the crime, which leaves us with several unanswered questions by the end. The lack of resolution, and details for that matter, keeps the audience wondering about the note’s intentions and gives away an open ending to this story. However, we receive an insightful and comprehensive narrative of Vesta’s unfulfilling journey and pursuit of loneliness. In some ways, this book is an interesting twist on mysteries and provides a new way of analyzing our characters. Ultimately, readers receive a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition and the intricate impacts of loneliness even after the book’s final pages.