Murder in the Crypt (Redmond and Haze Mysteries #1) by Irina Shapiro
This week I'm taking a peek into the life and works of Author Irina Shapiro. A writer who takes on her own twist to murder mysteries and private investigation. She gives us a new duo to love. Here's a brief glance into her world:
"I was born in Moscow, Russia during the hight of Communism and "enjoyed" the life of an average Russian child until my family's immigration to the United States in 1982. We settled in Brooklyn, NY where I finished school and then graduated from Bernard M. Baruch College in New York City with a degree in International Business. Despite my business degree, history and travel have always been my passions and I have tried to incorporate my knowledge and experiences into my stories.
I currently live in New Jersey with my husband and two children." ~Goodreads
"Irina Shapiro will be first in line if recreational time travel ever becomes a reality, but for now, she must rely on flights of imagination, traveling through time and space vicariously through her characters. Irina particularly enjoys stories set in the past, where the characters must navigate the volatile political climates of their time while still managing to live, love, and cause mischief.
Irina has always had a particular fascination with the paranormal, and explores some of these themes in her books. She believes that nothing is truly impossible; true love can transcend space and time, and live on forever.
Please visit Irina Shapiro at www.irinashapiroauthor.com to learn more about her titles and upcoming releases." ~Amazon
More sites to learn about the author and see her list of works:
"When the body of a young man is found stuffed into the tomb of a medieval knight, Parish Constable Daniel Haze is tasked with investigating his first solo murder case. Suspicion instantly falls on the only stranger to arrive in the village of Birch Hill just before the crime took place, but the American captain proves to be an unexpected asset. A former soldier and a skilled surgeon, Jason Redmond is not only willing to assist Haze with the investigation but will risk his own safety to apprehend the killer.
With no suspects, no motive, and few leads to follow, Redmond and Haze must solve the crime before one of them becomes the murderer’s next victim.
Murder in the Crypt is the exciting first installment of this Victorian murder mystery series set in a quaint British village." ~Amazon
1: didn't like it
2: it was okay
3. liked it
4. really liked it
5. it was amazing
2: it was okay
3. liked it
4. really liked it
5. it was amazing
A new take on Holmes and Watson.
The classic characterization creates empathetic circumstances for Haze and Redmond, which allows the reader to connect to and care for the characters and their plights. The conflict springs from several different areas of each character's life, and this adds to the drama and speculation of the whole novel. The diction, foreshadowing, culprit's hubris, and imagery are well-done and spur the plot on. From their personal lives to walking the streets and trying to find a killer, these two not only have their work cut out for them, but they do it with efficiency and humor.
From the first chapter, the author sets a steady pace, and you're introduced to the dead body of a young man who has been stuffed into the tomb of a medieval knight. Haze's first murder case, he's on his own to find the evidence and the killer. His first clue leads him to newcomer Jason Redmond. After all, someone arriving on the same night as a stranger's murder in an otherwise calm and quiet village is certainly suspicious, right?
Captain Redmond has brought his ward, Micah, with him to his grandfather's home and land. His parents died during the Civil War, and he's just been released from a prisoner of war camp. Leaving America to settle his affairs in England, he's looking to sell his property and iron out the details of his inheritance. Yet, his medical expertise becomes a need in a local murder. After he's been acquitted of involvement, of course.
Thus, the dubious friendship of the Constable and Captain comes to fruition, and readers gain the optimistic and worthwhile moments of this blossoming relationship. Being a doctor, Redmond is happy to sign-on as a medical examiner and help Haze out. He has his own brand of know-how and isn't squeamish. Without meaning to, he finds himself falling into the role of investigator and helping smooth the way to the answers Haze needs.
Before long, Haze has an identity of the victim which leads him to a short list of possible murder suspects. That list contains a popular family, and he isn't ready to lose his job over unfounded accusations. Between him and Redmond, they're able to piece together the clues. Their investigation proves challenging, and when Daniel gets too close to the truth, the killer sets their sights on the constable.
Using dual points of view, a great setting, and the spark of suspense, Shapiro's work draws you in and gives you a twisted tale to enjoy. Her characters are the highlight, and although I do liken them to a new Holmes and Watson, there are definite differences between the classic duo and Haze and Redmond. The plot is elegant yet simple. You're soon on the road to figuring out whodunit, but it's such a pleasurable and confident read to enjoy.
My overall contentment of the content and genre is easy to share, and I highly recommend this new series as a fast-paced and adventuresome historical fiction murder mystery. It's themes of family, friendship, and justice are sure to appeal to your crime-fighting instincts, and the characters' good hearts and devotion to finding the truth will keep you guessing, investigating, and appreciating this Victorian conundrum. A likeable new duo, enticing crime plots, and easy to read writing style make Author Irina Shapiro's Redmond and Haze Mystery series a must read. I rate this first book as a solid 4/5. I really liked it! :)
Thanks for joining me, and as always, Happy Reading!! :)
~Rebecca Reddell
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