Friday, February 19, 2016

Book: The Body Under the Bridge

And we’re back. With a bang and with a book. It’s been one of those months, but hopefully regular posting will resume soon. In the interest of “Full Disclosure,” this is supposed to be a review book that I received free for doing the review. I lost the free one, so I bought a replacement. I don’t know if that makes this a free book review or a bought book review.

Murder, mayhem, and mishaps? Prior to The Body under the Bridge, I had only heard Father Gilbert’s name in reference to audio dramas, but I had not looked into them. So, I have no background on the characters outside of the blurb. One can easily figure, though, that Father Gilbert left Scotland Yard with a desire for peace and, perhaps, atonement. Not to become a crime-solving vicar.

What is there to like here? First, the plot is compelling. Who committed what crimes? What bodies are here just because, and are not actually victims? McCusker has woven a good tale here, with a hint of unpredictability. It had what I like in a mystery—the ending that you did not quite see coming, but then on second read you can find the clues.

Second, the content is spiritual, including the idea of demonic/angelic/spirits in conflict and involved in the actions of this world. While this leads to a few moments that make the hair on the back of my neck stand up, I like a good scare. And I like it when the difference between good and evil is clear. McCusker does that well.

Third, the characters are mostly enjoyable. I found the age-old nobility/working-man conflict a bit normal and predictable, but perhaps that is because it is all too common. The same with the development vs. preservation arguments. However, the book reminds enjoyable.

As to overall enjoyment? I enjoyed it quite a bit. It’s a good tale, especially for the winter when the nights are long.

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