Christine Falls

Christine Falls
Benjamin Black
Henry Holt
ISBN: 0805081526
Fiction, Mystery
Reviewed by John R. Clark

Do not in any way be put off by what might seem like a slow start for you won't be disappointed later on. The crafting at the beginning of this fine mystery paints not only a fine portrait of the characters, but of the times. I consider a story above average when I forget that I am reading and start seeing the narrative unfold in my mind like a good movie. This book did exactly that and went a step further as much of the early part was displayed in a sepia-tone highly reminiscent of the time period.
Benjamin Black has written a fine and gripping story of family, intrigue and deceit, one that will force the reader to stay attentive and use his/her brain as the story unfolds. There are plenty of character and plot aspects that can and will challenge you. This is a thinker's mystery, not a pick-it-up-whiz-through-and-forget it tomorrow work. I found myself wondering about the characters, particularly Quirke, Sarah and Phoebe when I wasn't reading the story. The tone reminded me in spots of early Spenser novels by Robert Parker when he was at the top of his game.
This is a definite keeper and a book that I will happily suggest to many of my avid mystery reading patrons at the library.