Friday, September 30, 2011

DEVOURED by D.E. Meredith


THE GIST:

A pair of forensic scientists team up with a police inspector to solve an escalating series of murders in Victorian England when the science is in its infancy.

THE VERDICT:

In the interest of full disclosure: D.E. Meredith is represented by Tibor Jones literary agency in London. I spent a summer as an intern for Tibor Jones, where I met and corresponded with this author. We met again on Twitter, and she very kindly remembered me and offered to send me a copy of her debut mystery novel. Consider this an introduction to her book rather than an impartial review. This author is a lovely person, by the way.

DEVOURED is a Victorian murder mystery told with a fresh, modern voice. Think Bones meets Sherlock Holmes. This is the first book in what is bound to become a great mystery series. The carefully researched story is set in an exciting time in the development of modern science. Forensic scientist Professor Hatton has to fight for the legitimacy of his young profession as the major thinkers around him are questioning everything from religion to the nature of man. When an inspector from Scotland Yard asks for his help, he jumps into a murder investigation that seems inextricably linked to some of the radical new ideas circulating in London.

The stand-out character of this story is Roumande, Hatton's French assistant. This richly drawn character displays a strong moral compass and meticulous dedication to his work. Roumande is just as concerned with the fate of the lowliest members of society as he is of every other victim that comes through the doors of the lab. He joins a group of flawed and intriguing characters in gloomy Victorian England where exciting ideas flow and tension escalates. I don't usually read that much mystery, but this is a good page-turning story and I already want to read more Hatton and Roumande adventures.

THE LINK:

 D. E. Meredith's website and twitter

THE COST:

See my disclaimer. The hardcover edition is listed for $18 on Amazon.

THE QUESTION:

Do you like to read mystery novels? What's your favorite book or series?

2 comments:

  1. Sounds like a very interesting book. It's amazing the contacts you make during jobs, trips and life in general. I for one think it's a wonderful thing.

    http://www.ManOfLaBook.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. This book does sound very interesting and fortunately it is available at my local library! Yay :)

    ReplyDelete

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