Author – Kerry Tombs
Publisher – Joffe Books
Date – 2010
Length – 207 pages
Stars – 5/5
Review
Once again, I have devoured a Kerry Tombs murder mystery. I can’t remember how I stumbled across Tombs’ work but I am so glad I did. He just has a way of getting the reader to feel like they are being swept up into the story. His protagonist, Detective Ravenscroft, has now moved to Ledbury and, once again, a suspicious death arouses his attention. The story unfolds with plenty of twists and turns to keep you hooked.
There is also a great reference to true historic events and the reader is left to make up their own mind at the end. I really liked this touch of blending fiction with non-fiction – it just seemed to make the whole story even more believable.
What I liked
The way Tombs writes is not dissimilar to Conan Doyle and gives those hardcore Sherlock fans a little taste of something similar but not a carbon copy. Chapters are short enough to keep your interest but long enough to build suspense when needed. Tombs command of the English language is impressive and he is able to write as if we were in the 19th century convincingly.
Favourite Word
“the fluck” – I’m struggling to find a definition. I have found both ‘poverty’ and a treponemal liver disease. Either way, I like the word and if anyone knows its’ true meaning, I’d be grateful if you could enlighten me.
Leewood’s mother says that nothing can cure her when ‘the fluck’ has already set in. I suppose either of the possible definitions above could fit.
What I didn’t like
There was nothing I didn’t like about this book hence the 5-star review. I was worried this was the last in the series, but I am glad to see that there are another three to go at least.
If you’re sat at home during this restless time, I implore you to get lost in a Kerry Tombs’ novel. It may only take you a few hours to finish it, but you’ll be glad you did.
The Kindle Book Reviewer 