by Kieran Shields
In 1893, a trail of ashen footprints leads Deputy Archie Lean to the body of a murdered thief. The man’s exposed flesh has been horribly burned and occult symbols mark the nearby walls. Most troubling of all is what Lean witnessed two days earlier: this same man being lowered into his grave without a burn mark on him. Once again, the Portland, Maine, police deputy must turn to the brilliant criminalist Perceval Grey for help.
Grey, a half-Abenaki Indian detective, faces problems of his own after agreeing to an elderly tycoon’s death-bed plea to find his long-lost granddaughter. The dying man’s family is less interested in the missing heiress than with the recent theft of an obscure heirloom carved with curious symbols. As the family’s shadowy history is revealed, the three mysteries intersect to draw Lean and Grey into a maze of murder, deceit, and revenge. Each deadly new clue points toward an even greater puzzle—one that will pit Grey against a devious murderer in a race to unlock an ancient and mysterious power. (Cover image and synopsis courtesy of Goodreads)
Grey, a half-Abenaki Indian detective, faces problems of his own after agreeing to an elderly tycoon’s death-bed plea to find his long-lost granddaughter. The dying man’s family is less interested in the missing heiress than with the recent theft of an obscure heirloom carved with curious symbols. As the family’s shadowy history is revealed, the three mysteries intersect to draw Lean and Grey into a maze of murder, deceit, and revenge. Each deadly new clue points toward an even greater puzzle—one that will pit Grey against a devious murderer in a race to unlock an ancient and mysterious power. (Cover image and synopsis courtesy of Goodreads)
My Thoughts:
Smart! Smart! Smart!
Why do I say this? This read like an 1893 version of CSI. I liked the way Perceval Grey used evidence, the obvious and the not so obvious, to put together clues to help Deputy Archie Lean solve a murder. The plot had a little of everything - mystery, intrigue, a tad amount of sex and even unrequited love. I particularly enjoyed the interaction between Grey and Lean - witty, intelligent and occasionally snarky (I like snarky as long as it’s not directed at me)
I have not read book #1 of the Archie Lean series (?) but do not feel that it deterred me from enjoying book #2. I’m hoping this is an ongoing series as I thoroughly enjoyed the author’s writing.
I would like to thank Crown Publishing Group and Netgalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for an unbiased review.
Publish date: January 8, 2013.
Ooo this sounds so good and I have been on a little mystery fling! Awesome review Lisa!
ReplyDeleteI've noticed you have been reading some mysteries. You would like this one. Thanks for the comment!
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