Xanthe Walter’s Crocodile Tears is a gripping exploration of love, loss, and redemption set against a dystopian backdrop. The novel is a masterful blend of mystery, romance, and speculative fiction, offering readers a deeply immersive experience in a world both familiar and unsettlingly different. The narrative is set in London, 2095, a city transformed by rising seas and a corrupt system of servitude, where the past and present collide in unexpected ways.

At the heart of the story is Josiah Raine, a top homicide detective whose life has been frozen in time since the brutal murder of his husband seven years ago. Josiah is a complex character, portrayed with a depth that makes his pain palpable. His struggle with grief and his inability to move on from his past is a central theme of the novel. Walter skillfully depicts Josiah’s internal conflict, making him a character that readers can empathize with, even as he makes questionable decisions.

Enter Alexander Lytton, a notorious figure whose fall from grace has made him Britain’s most hated man. Alex is a character shrouded in mystery, and his enigmatic nature is one of the novel’s driving forces. When Josiah arrests Alex for the murder of a celebrity, the stage is set for a complex interplay of suspicion and attraction. Walter’s portrayal of Alex is nuanced, allowing readers to see beyond his bad-boy persona to the vulnerable man beneath.

The relationship between Josiah and Alex is the novel’s emotional core. Their dynamic is fraught with tension, as Josiah grapples with his feelings for a man who could be a murderer. Walter excels at building this tension, creating a slow-burn romance that feels both inevitable and fraught with danger. The chemistry between the two characters is electric, and their interactions are charged with a mix of suspicion, desire, and the possibility of redemption.

One of the novel’s standout features is its setting. The drowned world of 2095 London is vividly realized, with Walter painting a picture of a society struggling to stay afloat in the aftermath of environmental catastrophe. The corrupt system of servitude that underpins this new world adds a layer of social commentary to the narrative, raising questions about power, privilege, and the cost of survival. Walter’s world-building is meticulous, and the setting serves as a haunting backdrop to the unfolding drama.

The themes of Crocodile Tears are both timeless and timely. The novel explores the nature of grief and the ways it can paralyze us, as well as the possibility of healing and moving forward. It also delves into themes of trust and betrayal, as Josiah must decide whether to follow his instincts or succumb to his fears. The exploration of love in a world where human connections are fraught with danger is particularly poignant, and Walter handles these themes with sensitivity and insight.

In terms of character development, Walter excels at creating multi-dimensional characters who evolve over the course of the story. Josiah’s journey from a man consumed by grief to one who is willing to risk everything for love is compelling and believable. Alex’s transformation from a man hiding behind a façade to one who is willing to confront his past is equally well-drawn. The supporting characters, though less central to the narrative, are also well-developed, adding depth to the story.

Walter’s writing is both lyrical and precise, with a keen eye for detail that brings the world of Crocodile Tears to life. Her prose is evocative, capturing the emotional nuances of the characters’ experiences and the atmospheric setting. The pacing of the novel is well-balanced, with moments of introspection interspersed with action and suspense, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.

Comparatively, Crocodile Tears shares thematic similarities with works like The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, in its exploration of a dystopian society and the human spirit’s resilience. However, Walter’s focus on romance and personal redemption sets it apart, offering a unique take on the genre. Fans of authors like Sarah Waters and Kazuo Ishiguro may find Walter’s blend of speculative fiction and emotional depth particularly appealing.

Overall, Crocodile Tears is a compelling read that combines elements of mystery, romance, and dystopian fiction to create a story that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. Xanthe Walter has crafted a novel that challenges readers to consider the complexities of love and loss in a world where nothing is certain. It’s a book that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned, making it a must-read for fans of genre-blending fiction.