The setting of 1930 in London was good for this story. There have been several violent deaths of eminent people. All by their own hand so far and no suspects involved. The last one does not uncover any shady dealings in the man's history. His character and behaviour seems exemplary so why should he blow his brains out and top it all by accepting guilt for a horrendous murder, especially when his body is found with the decapitated head of the victim by his side.
On the other side we have the enigmatic Rachel Savernake. Daughter of a judge who finally went mad and killed himself, the daughter shows characteristics which do not make her seem normal. She is a brilliant detective though and showed up Scotland Yard by solving the Chorus Girl murder. Being a woman she was not taken seriously and still isnt by certain people, always to their detriment.
We have Jacob a young, keen Fleet Street journalist who becomes the pawn in Rachel's machinations and her vendetta against society who she feels did badly by her. One by one her foes are eliminated, along with the people who helped her put away people.
Very convoluted, very atmospheric I couldn't solve the puzzle till the almost end!
Sent to me by Netgalley for an unbiased review, courtesy of Poisoned Pen Press.
I like twisty mysteries that keep me guessing like that.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds really good. I love historical mysteries and the characters in this one seem interesting, especially Rachel.
ReplyDeleteI like mysteries that I can’t solve until the end. Thanks for sharing it with us!
ReplyDeleteI love it when I can't guess the ending before it arrives in a mystery. It doesn't happen very often! I will have to give this one a try.
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