I am WAY behind on reviewing my RIP reads -- which I'm sure you have assumed I've been delving into since September 1st. In fact, I finished The Yard by Alex Grecian soon after and, if anything qualifies as a perilous read, it's this dark Victorian tale.
As part of the newly created "Murder Squad" of Scotland Yard, shortly after the Ripper killings have finally stopped, Walter Day is not sure he even belongs in London with the other elite investigators. But when he lands an incredibly difficult case--the murder of another detective on the squad--he knows it's both a chance to prove himself to the department and to decide once and for all if this is the life that he wants. With a focus on early forensics, mental health and police procedures, this novel is not only a gripping cat-and-mouse chase but also a fascinating historical journey.
To be honest, some of the subject matter in this story was right on the border of my comfort zone (child abuse, violence, etc.) and I kept considering putting the book down and walking away from it. But the story was intriguing so I stuck with it and was rewarded with well-developed characters and a satisfying ending. I even ended up with a couple of crushes on some flawed but decent men. Overall, this is a very strong first novel that, I would guess, will likely begin a series. And, with the strength of the characters and the interesting historical setting, I'm sure it will be one I'll keep up with.
Still looking over my shoulder,
K
You had me at "dark Victorian". I don't go for explicit violence much either, but this one definitely sounds worthwhile.
ReplyDeleteDark Victorian is kind of our thing, right? ;) It is violent but not in a Swedish crime novel way but just in that way that you're not expecting when you sit down with a Victorian novel. I guess tying the story in to the Ripper should have clued me in a bit though!
DeleteI checked out this book from the library but never got around to it. I think The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher was all the crime I could take for awhile, Victorian or not.
ReplyDeleteThere is quite a bit of crime around these days, isn't there?
DeleteHmm, dark Victoriana, a book that makes one's skin crawl. I think I need to read this one :)
ReplyDeleteIf that's what you like, this will do it!
DeleteI need to get cracking on my RIP reviews too. I'm almost done my reading but haven't written a single review. This sounds as creepy as the cover.
ReplyDeleteIt was much darker than I expected but I ended up enjoying it. Still, my next few RIP reads were much more fantasy because I needed a break after this one!
Deletegood to hear a good review for this since I just sent for it!
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy it!
DeleteThis sounds really good. I've just checked out my library and they have a copy which I've booked.
ReplyDeleteThanks for that
Lynn :D
Great! I haven't seen it mentioned much lately so I'm glad to be spreading the word about it.
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