There's a great bit in The Prestige where the narrator describes the unspoken agreement between magician and audience, which he calls the Pact of Acquiescent Sorcery. The audience knows, of course, that what they are about to witness is not really magic. For the purposes of enjoying the performance, however, they agree to suspend disbelief. The magician also has to uphold his end of the bargain and put on a good show -- he must be deft in his misdirection, never let the audience see his hand moving to his sleeve, and keep every carefully tied thread invisible. 
 I often think of this as I approach these high concept sorts of books. I hear "time-traveling serial killer" and that is a show that I want to see! I am rooting for the magician author to really wow me, let me keep my belief in the illusion intact and misdirect me from the imperfections. How permissive will I be in letting things slide if I notice the way the trick is being done or if there are mistakes in the execution? I never know, but I always try to be open. 
 Sometimes it doesn't work, as was the case of Night Film. With The Shining Girls, for me, it totally did. I ate this one up. 
 I did see some imperfections. (view spoiler)[Harper Curtis wasn't very compelling, as serial killers go. I felt zero connection between Dan and Kirby. (hide spoiler)] As I read the other reviews, even the two and three star ones, I'm nodding my head. But, other elements of the book kept me enrapt, turning pages. I loved the structure and it felt very well-paced. I liked Kirby's character and I loved the idea of the House. I totally understand why this book doesn't work for some, but for me, Lauren Beukes put on a fantastic show.