The Business of Blood
by Kerrigan Byrne
London, 1890. Blood and death are Fiona Mahoney’s trade, and business, as they say, is booming.
Dying is the only thing people do with any regularity, and Fiona makes her indecorous living cleaning up after the corpses are carted away. Her childhood best friend, Mary, was the last known victim of Jack the Ripper. It’s been two years since Fiona scrubbed Mary’s blood from the floorboards, and London is no longer buzzing about the Ripper, but Fiona hasn’t forgotten.
And she hasn’t stopped searching for Jack.
When she’s called to a murder in the middle of the night, Fiona finds a victim mutilated in an eerily similar fashion to those of the Ripper, and only a few doors down from Mary’s old home. The relentless, overbearing, and irritatingly handsome Inspector Grayson Croft warns her away from the case. She might have listened, if she hadn’t found a clue in the blood. A clue that will lead her down a path from which there is no return.As a killer cuts a devastating swath through London, a letter written in blood arrives at her door, and it is only then that Fiona realizes just how perilous her endeavor is. For she has drawn the attention of an obsessive evil, and is no longer the hunter, but the prey. Fiona Mahoney is in the business of blood.
But she’s not the only one.
.
Read
The Business of Blood on http://kissnovel.net
Martial Peak Reviews
Kerrigan Byrne's The Business of Blood is a gripping historical mystery that immerses readers in the gritty, atmospheric streets of 1890s London. This novel deftly combines elements of historical fiction, mystery, and thriller, creating a narrative that is as compelling as it is chilling. At its heart is Fiona Mahoney, a character whose unique profession and personal vendetta against one of history's most infamous killers make for a fascinating protagonist.
Set against the backdrop of a city still haunted by the specter of Jack the Ripper, Byrne's novel explores the dark underbelly of Victorian London with meticulous attention to detail. The setting is not just a backdrop but a living, breathing entity that enhances the narrative's tension and intrigue. Byrne's London is a place where the fog hangs heavy, and danger lurks around every corner, a city that is as much a character in the story as Fiona herself.
Fiona Mahoney is a refreshingly unconventional heroine. Her occupation—cleaning up after the dead—places her in a unique position to uncover the secrets that others might miss. Her determination to find Jack the Ripper, driven by the personal loss of her childhood friend Mary, adds a layer of emotional depth to her character. Fiona's resilience and resourcefulness make her a compelling figure, and her interactions with the other characters, particularly the enigmatic Inspector Grayson Croft, are charged with tension and complexity.
The dynamic between Fiona and Inspector Croft is one of the novel's highlights. Croft, with his relentless pursuit of justice and his own personal demons, serves as both a foil and an ally to Fiona. Their relationship is marked by a blend of mutual respect and underlying tension, adding an intriguing layer to the narrative. Byrne skillfully develops their interactions, allowing their relationship to evolve naturally over the course of the story.
Byrne's exploration of themes such as obsession, justice, and the nature of evil is both thought-provoking and unsettling. Fiona's quest to find Jack the Ripper is not just a search for a killer but a journey into the darkest corners of human nature. The novel raises questions about the cost of vengeance and the thin line between hunter and prey. As Fiona delves deeper into the mystery, she is forced to confront her own motivations and the possibility that her pursuit of justice may come at a terrible price.
The narrative is expertly paced, with Byrne maintaining a steady tension that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The plot twists are well-executed, and the mystery unfolds in a way that is both satisfying and surprising. Byrne's ability to weave historical detail with fictional elements creates a rich tapestry that is both immersive and engaging.
In comparison to other historical mysteries, such as those by Anne Perry or C.S. Harris, The Business of Blood stands out for its unique premise and its focus on a female protagonist who defies the conventions of her time. While Perry and Harris often explore the intricacies of Victorian society through the lens of their male detectives, Byrne offers a fresh perspective by centering her narrative on a woman whose profession and personal mission set her apart from the typical Victorian heroine.
Moreover, Byrne's handling of the Jack the Ripper legend is both respectful and innovative. Rather than rehashing the well-trodden path of the Ripper's known victims, she uses the historical context as a springboard for a new and original story. This approach allows her to explore the enduring fascination with the Ripper while crafting a narrative that is distinctly her own.
Overall, The Business of Blood is a masterful blend of historical fiction and mystery, with a strong, complex heroine at its center. Kerrigan Byrne has crafted a novel that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, offering readers a fresh take on a familiar legend. With its rich historical detail, compelling characters, and gripping plot, this book is sure to captivate fans of historical mysteries and thrillers alike.
For those who appreciate a well-crafted mystery with a strong sense of place and character, The Business of Blood is a must-read. Byrne's ability to blend historical accuracy with fictional intrigue makes for a captivating read that will linger in the minds of readers long after the final page is turned.
Reviews 0
Post a Reviews: