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Book Review of Murder in Thrall (New Scotland Yard, Bk 1)

Murder in Thrall (New Scotland Yard, Bk 1)
reviewed on + 19 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2


None of the books in this series seem to have a review here at this point, which is too bad. I am interested in other views about the book,as I was left with very mixed feelings. I'm sure that is reflected below. It's difficult to outline the problems without spoilers, but an ick factor may be present due to individual perceptions of strict Catholic behavior, women's rights, and stalkers.

This is both mystery and romance, although not at all standard for either genre, and both elements had their frustrations due to the way the story was constructed.
Parts of the book was written backwards, with information provided in the last few pages that other stories would include in the beginning. Too,the author chooses not to give information which would explain the reasons behind the actions and character of her leading man, making him creepier than your usual romantic lead. The female lead is a bit unsettling in the opposite direction. Both characters do stupid things which are later explained, but this leaves one still with that first impression.

The tale is skewed by being almost entirely from Doyle's point of view. The story telling is not linear and I had to go back after I was finished and read parts again--fortunately it was not a hardship as I got caught up in the story once more and read to the end.

The mystery itself is fairly well crafted, the main characters engaging if not totally believable, the supporting characters are great, and the anticipation for the next volume is wickedly intense by the last page. Yet it still left me off-balance, and other views will be read with interest.