Title: Dream of the Dead
Author: M.G. Scarsbrook
Published: November 28, 2013
Genre: Mystery
Rating: 5/5
Synopsis:
A WEALTHY THEATRE PRODUCER IS FOUND DEAD.
A RARE, CORROSIVE POISON HAS BURNED THROUGH HIS STOMACH.
NO ONE KNOWS WHY.
Enter DI Jack Ravenshaw. A young, talented officer with a secret: he belongs to England’s most famous dynasty of actors. When Scotland Yard uncovers his hidden past, his acting experience, and his formidable connections, he becomes the perfect choice to investigate the producer’s killing. Against his wishes, he must return to London’s West End.
Cast back into one of the most vibrant – and violent – areas of the country, Ravenshaw is quickly surrounded by sexy performers, shadowy assistants, and powerful investors. Finding the truth seems almost impossible. Devious suspects lie at every turn. Corrupt officers sabotage his inquiry. Even his mind tricks him with dreams and hallucinations about his past. Yet with the help of his mysterious partner, DS Emily Hart, Ravenshaw must put all his skills into action against an ingenious, twisted, and ruthless killer…
But can he solve the case before another person is murdered?
Review Minor Spoilers:
It’s really exciting when you find a treasure beneath the many submissions of works that we receive from authors requesting reviews. Lately, I’m finding that Mystery and Suspense have currently taken its hold on my interests. It’s a nice break from the Romance and Paranormals that continue to still be favorite genres. But right now Mystery is rocking my world, and I believe that I have a new character on my stalker list.
My current reading adventure takes me to London, specifically the West End. The heart of culture, politics and theatre entertainment.
Meet Detective Inspector Ravenshaw, whose life could have taken a much more glamorous turn in acting, if not for the murder of his father. His form of grief therapy and escapism was to join the police force so that he can one day be competent enough to bring down his father’s killer. He has estranged himself from his family and past, and from the world his father loved, which was in theatre. A lineage strong in acting, his mother is also a famous actress.
Seemingly content at Bristol he has been forced to assist as a consultant in a high profile murder investigation. The fact that he is related to a famous acting family could have bearing on the Maitland case. The Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police has asked for his help. And so, Ravenshaw is forced to come home. He is expected to provide insight to a team of detectives, which unfortunately for him, consists of only one individual; that being the newly promoted Detective Sergeant Emily Hart.
From the beginning they are confronted with frustrating roadblocks, subpar resources, a questionable and irritating boss that obstructs the case at every turn. The story has many twists and turns and all the suspects have the more-than-what-they-seem vibe going on about them.
The story is told in third person, mainly through Ravenshaw’s perspective. The narrative is informal and relaxed, and there are ample amounts of words that he uses that should be in the dictionary, but aren’t. In this respect, the Urban dictionary was quite helpful and I found it very amusing while reading 🙂 Detective Ravenshaw appears to have a dry, yet refreshing sense of humor. Not in the least bit starchy. The writing is fluid and fast paced and I found myself quite engrossed, vigilantly awaiting to find out who did it throughout the read!
There are many interesting suspects, and just as many helpful secondary characters. His mother Vivien, in particular, was a favorite. She lacks the normal warm maternal ways; not a touchy feely sort of mommy. But you have to love her for her gritty style, cold as ice, say it like it is, expletive-laced attitude. Ravenshaw and Vivien’s relationship is strained but they eventually find common ground as the story progresses.
The addition of Emily gives this story a very Sherlock-esque appeal. She is meticulous and neat to Ravenshaw’s often scattered and messy ways. It wasn’t mentioned, but I do believe she is a Feng Shui nut. That, or anally retentive. She thinks inside the box, where Ravenshaw, whose life began with acting, thinks like the box. They complement each other very well. I am anxious to see where the author takes Emily and am hoping the author expands on her character with the next addition of this series.
This is a very well written Mystery and this author is surely one you’ll want to keep an eye on! I would highly recommend it. Meanwhile, he has several historical mystery books that I’m sure will keep me entertained as I await book 2.
Buy on Amazon, at this time only .99 cents!
About the Author:
M. G. Scarsbrook is the author of two historical novels and the editor of four literary collections. Since 2011 his books have sold more than 20,000 copies worldwide and been translated into five languages. English editions of his work are sold in paperback, eBook, and audiobook formats at all major online bookstores. A member of the prestigious Crime Writers’ Association and the Society of Authors, he lives in the UK and is working on the next book in the West End Murders series.
Leave a Reply