Cathy C. (cathyskye) -
I love how author Martin Edwards can weave together (1) a nuanced and compelling romantic triangle between Hannah, Daniel and Marc, (2) the glorious and sometimes creepy setting of England's Lake District, and (3) investigations into a fascinating cold case as well as one occurring in the present day. Every book in this series is consistently first-rate.
Even a description of setting like this one as Hannah hikes to the Serpent Pool tells you about her character:
"The sky was bruised. Livid patches of yellow, with deep purple streaks. Hannah stood on the back door step outside Undercrag, staring up to the heavens as Marc strode off. The colours reminded her of the cheeks of a victim of domestic violence."
It only stands to reason that a seasoned police officer would see a sky like that and compare it to domestic violence, but even though it's indicative of so many facets of Hannah's character, it's the type of comparison few writers use. And as for characterizations, the Lake District should be listed in a cast list. It is an area rich in history and literature and atmosphere, and Edwards knows how to use it to create stories in which readers love to immerse themselves.
Wonderful characters, perfect setting-- and from its very heart-stopping beginning all the way to its shocking end-- an investigation that fascinates with every twist and turn. Although I had my beady eye focused in the right spots, I couldn't even begin to piece the conclusion together properly.
If you've never read one of Martin Edwards' Lake District mysteries, I urge you to do so. They're among the best to be found anywhere.
Even a description of setting like this one as Hannah hikes to the Serpent Pool tells you about her character:
"The sky was bruised. Livid patches of yellow, with deep purple streaks. Hannah stood on the back door step outside Undercrag, staring up to the heavens as Marc strode off. The colours reminded her of the cheeks of a victim of domestic violence."
It only stands to reason that a seasoned police officer would see a sky like that and compare it to domestic violence, but even though it's indicative of so many facets of Hannah's character, it's the type of comparison few writers use. And as for characterizations, the Lake District should be listed in a cast list. It is an area rich in history and literature and atmosphere, and Edwards knows how to use it to create stories in which readers love to immerse themselves.
Wonderful characters, perfect setting-- and from its very heart-stopping beginning all the way to its shocking end-- an investigation that fascinates with every twist and turn. Although I had my beady eye focused in the right spots, I couldn't even begin to piece the conclusion together properly.
If you've never read one of Martin Edwards' Lake District mysteries, I urge you to do so. They're among the best to be found anywhere.
This fourth in the Lake District series has Hannah taking center stage, with Daniel more in the background. While Daniel prepares, mostly behind the scenes, for a presentation at a De Quincey symposium and deals with the fall-out from Louise's love life, Hannah deals with a cold case connected to some current murders and with her relationship with Marc. This kept me guessing until the end, and as always, Edwards did a terrific job bringing the Lake District to life. I like Hannah and Daniel very much, and I'm anxiously waiting for Edwards to write #5 in the series so that I can spend more time with them!
