Friday, May 26, 2023

SUMMON UP THE BLOOD

 

SUMMON UP THE BLOOD

By R.N. Morris

Canelo US

340 pgs

 

This is the first in a mystery series by R.N. Morris featuring Scotland Yard Detective Silas Quinn. Detective Quinn is the head of the Special Crimes Department. In this debut case, he is assigned the matter of a murdered homosexual whose body was discovered drained of blood. Which is why the case is dropped in Quinn’s lap. The story, set against the Victorian era, does a wonderful job of showcasing the disparity of the social classes at that time and how the laws were unjustly skewered protect the wealth and landed gentry while offering no such shields for the working classes and dirt poor minorities. 

As much as homosexuality was considered by the public at large as an abnormal, deviant behavior to be condemned and punished, there was no lack of the lifestyle among the bluebloods of the London. They felt above the law which puts Quinn, a regular bloke, at odds with certain people of interest in the case. That’s the main plot and Norris handles it well enough. 

Whereas his major strength here is his beautifully designed supporting cast. These characters add so much depth and weight to the story; it would suffer greatly without any of them. From the fellow residents at the boarding house where Quinn resides to his two subordinated in attic office of Special Crimes. Detectives Inchball and Macadam are great characters who come to life within a few pages of dialog that clearly sets their opposing personalities. This offers up dynamism to the trio working together, despite their obvious different world views, to stop a madman before he can kill again.
In all, “Summon Up The Blood” is a good read and if you like mysteries series, we highly recommend considering this one to add to your list.

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