I thought that the introduction to Eleanor Raven, Cry for Mercy, pulled no punches that this was a different type of “heroine” for a different type of genre.
Yes, she investigates crimes, but she is also one of the most damaged main characters that I have read in recent memory. That was well-established in the first book and certainly continues into this one.
The author makes a point of everything being gritty, from the lead to the supporting players, from the crime to all of the clues and revelations that come from the investigation, there is no real let-up.
This is good (for the most part) because it kept my interest – this is hard to do these days. I wanted to keep reading to see what the author was going to come up with next.
Non-spoiler alert – I wasn’t disappointed in that regard. There always seemed to be another aspect that provoked an “oh wow!” from me.
I say “for the most part” because by the end of the book, I did feel kind of like I needed to take a shower. Following around in Eleanor’s footsteps can do that to a person.
Apple: http://ow.ly/Gz6150CiriQ
Kobo: http://ow.ly/CmNn50CirgF
Google: http://ow.ly/hAaV50Cirm6
All of this is interesting because in some ways, there is not a lot of “by-the-book” action to the plot. I mean, it starts with a massive fire and a gruesome revelation, but a lot of the story focuses on the psychological aspects of the investigation (both of Eleanor and the suspects/other characters).
While this was an interesting tack to take, it did get to be heavy at times. Being inside the mind of damaged people can be draining.
And I say damaged not as a derogatory term, but to recognize that in some ways this is how they see themselves. I’m not going to go into details (there are other reviews that give away some pretty important plot points), but many of the characters have a certain sense of self-loathing that leads their actions.
That includes Eleanor.
I like this change in pace for a crime thriller, but people should be warned that this series is not for the faint-of-heart. You have to be willing to get down and dirty with Eleanor to truly appreciate what the author has written.
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.
