A cleverly crafted crime novel that tackles sensitive subjects in a true to life representation, not that we wish for these events to happen, without sensationalising or glamorising the subject matter or characters involved. It would be quite easy to believe that the story is a retelling of actual events and the effect on the victim/s, perpetrator and the investigating crime professionals. The main plot revolves around the disappearance of an eight-year old daughter of a local business man and the deaths of a series of clergymen with a picture of a mushroom being left at the scene of the crime.
The path that the investigation goes down is at times detailed in a vivid way to describe the explicit and harrowing events that become very close to home for DI Charlie Priest, yet the sensitive and delicate approach with robust and determined actions add to the realism of the novel
In an age where over dramatisation and exaggeration of the even the smallest fact, this novel is a leap into reality and for the reader; I would suspect that this novel reflects detective work more closely than most novels or that of TV dramas. The action still flows without getting bogged down in the mundane still giving a thriller aspect to the novel.
If you like the crime novel that follows a single crime or concentrates on the key detective and his/her personality at the expense of the overall story then this book is not for you.
If you like the intricate weave of characters, events and a plot that takes you on a journey into the unknown like a trip through spaghetti junction, where you think you know where you are going yet end up being amazed at your final destination then this is a novel for you.
Personally I like a novel that gives you a solid plot and storyline and keeps you guessing and wondering where the plot is going without making it so complex that you give up and put the book down. Stuart Pawson gives you hints and suggestions that keep you thinking and guessing where the plot may go sufficiently to make you think you know the answer but never giving you enough to finish the picture so you’re always being asked “do you know what it is yet”?
Pawson cleverly gives you an insight into Detective Charlie Priest’s own personal life and how this affects his career and investigations at the same time keeping you well informed of progress of the numerous investigations. The excellent characterisation of Charlie his acquaintances Annabelle, his colleagues and right down to the mirror characters is done will skill with enough depth yet not loitering with infinite details that would otherwise switch the reader onto auto-read. You never ever feel like it’s a production line novel where ingredients just go in follow a set route with the final product coming out the other end.
A novel I would recommend to any lover of crime fiction and anyone who wants to dip their toes into the genre.
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