It is apparent from the very start that Eleanor Raven is not going to be your typical heroine. The opening scene makes it obvious that this woman walks a different path – the question is, why? It’s a heck of an introduction to the main character, but it doesn’t stop there. Eleanor quickly finds herself in the middle of quite the investigation.
That’s just one of the appealing things in this series from Karen Long. The book starts strong and doesn’t really let up. The author does a good job of introducing the characters and relating them all to each other.
I will say that Eleanor is a tricky character. On the one hand, she is a cool character. Her analytical sense comes through loud and clear, and her methodology is logical. This is good for policework, because it enables her to work through the case efficiently.
Apple: http://ow.ly/Qgoe50BsbbL
Kobo: http://ow.ly/QoeF50Bsb8P
Google: http://ow.ly/udYv50BsbfM
However, her reserve also makes it difficult to really “get to know” her, which in turn made it a little bit difficult to really get behind her. The aloofness worked on one hand but was a hindrance on another.
The subject matter itself is not for the faint of heart. A killer is on the loose and is playing a very dangerous game. Eleanor figures out that there is a connection to a cold case…but just how cold is it? And are the victims random, or is there a pattern?
I thought the investigation and the attitudes of the entire team were realistic. Yes, there’s swearing and it’s gritty, but that’s simply policework. It’s realistic (from my experience).
This book was originally released under a different title a few years ago. I don’t know if there were any changes made between the original publication and this one. I do know that it was a good read, and I look forward to more investigations with Eleanor.
Author Bio:
Karen Long was born in Wolverhampton but has spent the last few years living in California. She worked as an English and Drama teacher for many years, before becoming a full-time writer.
She has written screenplays and articles, but primarily dedicates her time to writing crime fiction and observing wildlife. She loves to travel, which is a great source of inspiration; Toronto became the backdrop to the Eleanor Raven series of thrillers after Karen spent several months there.
A passionate conservationist and lover of the crow family in particular, she has rehabilitated and adopted ravens, crows, magpies and rooks, many of whom became integrated into family life, much to the distress of household members and soft furnishings. She now volunteers regularly at Los Angeles Oiled Bird Care Centre.
