PD Lennon — The Case of the Mad Doctor

Inspired by the true story of Jamaica’s first serial killer.

Jamaica, 1772. Caribbean jewel, or a killer’s playground?

On the island of Jamaica, people have started disappearing without trace. Have they run away, trying to start new lives in the British colony under assumed names, or is something darker afoot?

Some of the missing had taken out large life insurance policies before leaving England, and so word of the vanishings reaches Bristol when relatives try to collect their payouts.

With suspicion of a grand fraud in the air, ambitious Black barrister’s clerk Isaiah Ollenu is thrown together with pious insurance agent Ruben Ashby, and together they are ordered to the Caribbean to investigate.

But, confronted by prejudice, untoward characters and vengeful spirits, the task may cost this unlikely duo more than either man is willing to pay…

A searing snapshot of the British Empire at the threshold of emancipation, and a chilling historical adventure.

Jack the Ripper and the Case for Scotland Yard's Prime Suspect

An investigation into the man Scotland Yard thought (but couldn't prove) was Jack the Ripper. Dozens of theories have attempted to resolve the mystery of the identity of Jack the Ripper, the world's most famous serial killer. Ripperologist Robert House contends that we may have known the answer all along. The head of Scotland Yard's Criminal Investigation Department at the time of the murders thought Aaron Kozminski was guilty, but he lacked the legal proof to convict him. By exploring Kozminski's life, House builds a strong circumstantial case against him, showing not only that he had means, motive, and opportunity, but also that he fit the general profile of a serial killer as defined by the FBI today.

The first book to explore the life of Aaron Kozminski, one of Scotland Yard's top suspects in the quest to identify Jack the Ripper, combines historical research and contemporary criminal profiling techniques to solve one of the most vexing criminal mysteries of all time. The book draws on a decade of research by the author, including trips to Poland and England to uncover Kozminski's past and details of the case. Includes a Foreword by Roy Hazelwood, a former FBI profiler and pioneer of profiling sexual predators. Features dozens of photographs and illustrations. Building a thorough and convincing case that completes the work begun by Scotland Yard more than a century ago, this book is essential reading for anyone who wants to know who really committed Jack the Ripper's heinous and unforgettable crimes.

Review: The Blazing Sea by Tim Hodkinson

Synopsis: The thrilling new Whale Road Chronicles Viking adventure. Einar and the Wolf Coats venture south, but danger and bloodshed is never far away.

Einar and the Wolf Coats have angered most of the kings of Northern Europe. With England no refuge, their only solution is to set sail across the Whale Road.

A chance encounter with a slave trader leads them to Muslim Spain, but what starts as a joyous homecoming for one of the crew ends in the Caliph's infamous dungeons.

The Mediterranean proves a perilous sea. Byzantine warships roam, armed with liquid fire that can torch man and ship alike. Viking mercenaries and pirate lords alike spill blood for gold or glory.

With a chance to retake his stolen kingdom of Orkney, Einar must first save an innocent life... and risk his own and those of his crew once more.

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Following adventures in 10th century Brittany, Ireland and Saxon England, Book 8 in the series finds Ulrich and his band of Ulfhednar in sun-soaked al-Andalus, and as prisoners of the Caliphate not long after their arrival. After managing to make their escape, they flee across the Mediterranean Sea, only to find themselves again prisoners ... this time at the mercy of the Byzantines and their deadly liquid (Greek) fire.

The motley band find themselves in the legendary Miklagarad (Constantinople) where Araltes (Harold), a Norwegian Imperial (or Varangian) Guard, makes them an offer they cannot refuse .... infiltrate one pesky pirate island.

Hodkinson's narrative leads Einar and the Wolf Coats on a merry adventure which sees Affreca infiltrate the harem of the pirate king to find the daughter of one of their own. Byzantine plots, pirates, capture and evasion, battles and heroics, Greek fire and gold keep the reader suitably entertained.

Another rollicking story in the legend of Einar and the Wolf Coats that will surely be recounted in the best Skaldic tradition by the fireside!

Review: Nemesis by Catherine Hanley

Synopsis: The extraordinary tale of Philip Augustus, one of medieval Europe's greatest monarchs, and the part he played in the downfall of four Plantagenet kings of England.

Philip II ruled France with an iron fist for over 40 years, expanding its borders and increasing its power. For his entire reign his counterpart on the English throne was a member of the Plantagenet dynasty, and Philip took on them all: Henry II, Richard the Lionheart, John and Henry III. And yet we know so little about medieval England's greatest enemy.

Historian Catherine Hanley, author of the critically acclaimed 1217, redresses this imbalance, bringing Philip out of the shadows in this fascinating new history. Delving into French medieval archives, Nemesis explores Philip's motives for attacking England and in doing so we learn not only about him but discover so much more about England's most colourful and controversial of rulers – the Plantagenets.

When Philip first succeeded to the throne in 1180, Henry II of England, thanks to his Angevin and Norman ancestry as well as his wife's inheritance of Aquitaine, ruled more of France than Philip himself. By the end of Philip's reign in 1223, the pendulum of power had swung the other way. Nemesis reveals how Philip exploited the constant familiar squabbles of the Plantagenets to secure his grip on France, his wily political manoeuvring combined with a mastery of the medieval battlefield turning France into a powerhouse of Europe.

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For those looking for a straight up biography of this French King, you may find yourselves disappointed - or might I suggest reading the synopsis wherein the author, Hanley, states her intent. 

This is literally a look at the man on a broader political scale, in context with four Plantagenet Kings - Henry II and his sons, Henry the young King, Richard, John and grandson, Henry III - all of who at one time or another were enemies, rivals and allies, often all three ... at once.

It is a study of a young man determined to rule on his own, "... fully aware of the nest of vipers that surrounded him..." - both within and without France. He was a shrewd, methodical ruler, who exploited the factions around him for his own benefit. Philip had a well-developed political acumen; he was a mentally competent and agile strategist, often both single-minded and ruthless - "... he did not necessarily have to draw his sword in order to achieve his political aims ...".

Philip was a monarch driven to protect and empower France, and as a consequence of this self-styled mission, he raised up men based upon their talent and aptitude. But his greatest quality was his patience - he was all about playing the long game, and stored up information for future use. Such was his military and political acumen that he outlived, outwitted and outfought Henry II, his four sons and grandson.

Hanley's book on Philip is well researched, informative, very readable, being neither dry nor pompously academic in tone. There are ample footnotes at the end of each chapter to allow the reader to explore more on their own.  Being slightly pro-Plantagent myself, I found myself moving into Philip's corner on more than one occasion.

For a more indepth biography and history of the period, you would do well to chase up books by Jim Bradbury and Elizabeth Hallam.

Review: The Labyrinth House Murders by Yukito Aatsuji

Synopsis: Miyagaki Yōtarō is one of Japan's most famed mystery writers, but several years ago he put down his pen and left the Tokyo literary world for a life of seclusion in the remote Labyrinth House, built by the notorious architect Nakamura Seiji. When four of the country's most exciting up-and-coming crime writers are invited to the house for Yōtarō's birthday party, they are honoured to accept. But no sooner have they arrived than they are confronted with a shocking death, then lured into a bizarre, deadly competition with each other...

As the competition proceeds, and murder follows murder, the brilliant Kiyoshi Shimada investigates. Can he solve the mystery of the house before all those trapped in its labyrinth are dead? And can you guess the solution before he does?

This is the third stand-alone book from the author of Decagon House Murders and Mill House Murders

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"... let the game of detection begin ..."

Four authors and a few other notable guests, are drawn to the mysterious Labyrinth House by its owner, famed author Miyagaki Yotaro.  His intent: to find a worthy successor to himself (and a substantial inheritance and writing kudos for the winner) after conducting a writing competition, to be judged at the conclusion.

However, shortly after arriving - a murder is announced - that of their host. Though shocked at this news, the writers are determined to proceed with their late host's wishes - afterall, a large inheritance is nothing to be sniffed at. However, things soon turn even deadlier as one author after another is found murdered ......

Kiyoshi Shimada leads the investigation, as the house's architect is revealed to be none other than Nakamura Seiji (creator of the Decagon House and the Mill House from previous books). This discovery sends Shimada on a new course of investigation - with plot twists and teasing reveals ultimately disclosing both the murderer and their motive.

However ..... that is never the true ending as an even more clever reveal follows, with Shimada having the final word.

Wonderful storytelling from Yukito Ayatsuji, who leads the reader into the labyrinth that is the author's own creative narrative, leaving them there, like his characters,  to solve the puzzle and find their own way out.

Review: Buried Above Ground by Mike Ripley

Synopsis: An original spin on the crime novel in which the race to gain the rights to an author’s backlist proves to be more head-scratching – and deadly! – than the plots in his books.

The Librarian

It’s been two decades since mystery writer Duncan Torrens was last published. I should know, I was his editor. So why a blogger would turn up asking questions about the rights to his books is beyond me . . .

The Reader

That librarian Roly is a bit odd. You’d think he’d be happy with my blog’s research into a largely forgotten author, but he’s . . . resistant. If I can get into Duncan’s home – and his mysterious garden shed – I know I’ll find what I’m looking for . . .

The Publisher

Torrens’ books are crying out for a revival. I just need that blogger, Jacon, to work out who holds the rights to his backlist. Then I can acquire them before Duncan’s old publishing house realises they’ve missed a trick!

The Editor

I never worked directly with Duncan before he died, but if someone is sniffing round, there must be money involved. I just need to find out what’s happened to the rights before they do . . .

The Writer

After twenty years, will the sudden interest in this author’s forgotten mysteries reveal a dark – and deadly – twist?

Told from the point of view of five unreliable narrators, none of whom can be trusted – The Librarian, The Reader, The Publisher, The Editor and The Writer – this amusing and darkly intriguing novel is a refreshingly fun, subversive take on the crime fiction genre.

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Five unreliable narrators (Roland / Roly Wilkes, Jacon Archer, Stephen Crow, Robina Robinson, and Duncan Torrens) take the reader into the heart of modern-day publishing, where only the bottom-line matters and making a buck off an author, dead or alive, however they can, has nothing to do with ethical considerations or authorial proprietorship.

The tale progress as each of these seemingly unconnected  narrators adds a little bit more to the overall plot-line, which is in no way broken or disjointed for doing so - these narratives compliment each other. However, as both we and our narrators near ever closer to the truth, things turn a little deadly, as long buried secrets (and the body count) are starting to rise.

A skillfully plotted mystery that at times leads the reader astray, yet the clues are there to be pieced together, revealing an surprising twist.

Review: French Windows by Antoine Laurain

Synopsis: Nathalia, a young photographer, has been seeing a therapist. Having accidentally photographed a murder, she finds that she can no longer do her job. Instead, Doctor Faber suggests that she write about the neighbours she idly observes in the building across the street. But as these written snapshots become increasingly detailed, he starts to wonder how she can possibly know so much about them.

With each session, Doctor Faber and his mysterious patient will get closer and closer to the truth. But are the stories Nathalia submits each week as she claims...

Bestselling author Antoine Laurain serves up a dose of suspense and intrigue in Rear Window with a Parisian heart.

~ ~ ~

After having photographed a murder and unable to pursue her passion of photography, Nathalia seeks out a therapist. To reignite her passion, therapist (and our narrator) Faber suggests writing a little story on one of the occupants on each of the floors of the building she lives in. Nathalia herself admits that she "watches the people opposite" and "feels like an eye", and though detached from life, she is not so from the act of looking.

One by one, Nathalia brings/ delivers her stories to Faber, starting with Alice, the personal coach on the ground floor, to the hypnotist on the fifth floor. All the while, Faber wonders if the stories are complete fabrications or if there is an element of truth. Only as the reader progresses do they discover the truth behind the stories and a secret that Nathalia has been concealing.

The ending .... superb!  This has to be one of my favourites from this author.

Review: The Red Notebook by Antoine Laurain

Synopsis: In this bestselling novel, a bookseller pursues a mystery woman—known only through the jottings in her red notebook—through the streets of Paris.

Bookseller Laurent Letellier comes across an abandoned handbag on a Parisian street, and feels compelled to return it to its owner. Quickly ruling out the police station, which is always best avoided, he turns the contents out onto his kitchen table to see if they hold a clue. The bag contains no money, phone or contact information. But it does yield a small red notebook, full of handwritten thoughts and jottings that reveal someone Laurent would very much like to meet. From the lists of likes and dislikes, things noticed and things felt, emerges the portrait of a woman who might just be his soulmate.

But without even a name to go on, and only a few of her possessions to help him, how is he to find one woman in a city of millions? He’ll have to turn to his daughter, who helps him decode the possessions and sends him on a madcap journey around the French capital.

Meanwhile, in an anonymous hospital room, fragmentary thoughts float through the mind of a woman in a coma. She thinks she’s called Laure, and she has some strong opinions and painful memories – but will she ever wake up and get a fresh chance at life?

Soaked in Parisian atmosphere, this lovely, clever, funny novel is the perfect French holiday read!

~ ~ ~

The story is very simple - a bookseller finds an abandoned handbag in the street and decides to find and return it to its owner. He does so by inspecting and working with the items left in the handbag, including one red notebook. Along the way the reader discovers more about the bookseller and the owner of the bag - the question remains - will they ever meet?

A little bit stalkerish - quite possibly; but Laurain turns this narrative into a charming romantic mystery. A nice little read.

Review: The Mystery of the Crooked Many by Tom Spencer

Synopsis: A distinctive murder mystery with an unforgettably spiky protagonist, for fans of The Twyford Code, Magpie Murders and Can You Ever Forgive Me?

Meet Agatha Dorn, cantankerous archivist, grammar pedant, gin afficionado and murder mystery addict. When she discovers a lost manuscript by Gladden Green, the Empress of Golden Age detective fiction, Agatha's life takes an unexpected twist. She becomes an overnight sensation, basking in the limelight of literary stardom.

But Agatha's newfound fame takes a nosedive when the 'rediscovered' novel is exposed as a hoax. And when her ex-lover turns up dead, with a scrap of the manuscript by her side, Agatha suspects foul play.

Cancelled, ostracised and severely ticked off, Agatha turns detective to uncover the sinister truth that connects the murder and the fraudulent manuscript. But can she stay sober long enough to catch the murderer, or will Agatha become a whodunit herself?

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Unfortunately, I was not really a fan of this one. I did persevere to the very end, but even that left me feeling flat and slightly disappointed.

I had no connection to / with / for the protagonist, Agatha Dorn; the story line was like a tangled ball of wool where neither end provided any narrative lifeline; the multiple references to Agatha Christie and her works bordered on ad nauseam (and smacked of laziness in the creativity department).

A homage or pastiche to Agatha - not from where I was sitting in my reading chair.

Review: The Black Swan Mystery by Tetsuya Ayukawa

Synopsis: Early one morning, the owner of a local mill is found lying next to the railway tracks just outside of Kuki Station. Suspicion initially falls on the workers' union, with whom the man had been embroiled in a labour dispute, then on a new religious sect that has been gaining followers recently.

Chief Inspector Onitsura and his assistant Tanna are called in to investigate, and soon set off in a journey across Japan, from Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka, and finally to the island of Kyūshu, in a hunt for the killer. But as they investigate, the killer strikes again, and again. Will they be able to catch the murderer before even more people are slain?

Fans of Agatha Christie’s 4.50 from Paddington and Seicho Matsumoto’s Tokyo Express will delight in the devious twists and turns of The Black Swan Mystery, as well as in the characterisation and portrait of 1960s Japan.

The author, Tetsuya Ayukawa, is considered to be the master of alibi deconstruction mysteries–a talent that is on full display in this brilliant classic railway murder mystery, which won the prestigious Japanese Detective Writers Club Prize.

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I have been enjoying a range of Japanese crime mysteries, however, I felt that this particular one was okay. It is very detail orientated around trains and train timetables. The prime detectives, Onitsura and Tanna, seem to be merely secondary to events, coming late into the novel, which is initially dominated by Inspector Sudo and Constable Seki.

There is, of course, the inevitable twist in the narrative, and the murderer confesses in their own way, explaining to their audience, the hows, whys and wherefores.  This I did enjoy!

Japanese crime novels, well at least the ones I have read, tend to be long drawn out affairs, detailing both the social and cultural aspects of the people and places, as well as the investigation - sometimes it feels as if each moment of each day is being documented for the reader. Is this just a quirk of the writers of this genre? Perhaps.

Nothing groundbreaking - an enjoyable, if somewhat dry, read.