Review: Slow spiral of suspense and intrigue~! Riveting!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 08 28, 2011
I was lucky enough to grab this TERRIFIC read when it was available for free on Amazon. Like Konrath with his "Trapped" novel, Comley writes in such a way that it is a main entree and not an "appetizer" read. It's a "slow burn" thriller where you truly don't know what you're in store for. Comley spoon feeds info in the beginning to introduce a foundation of knowledge so the reader isn't lost. I very much felt like I had landed in the middle of a tale that had a rich history of relationships and emotions before me. I felt "anchored" in immediately and didn't have to grapple with a feeling of motion sickness...which can happen when an exciting/violent/intense scene is present in the first few pages.Comley is absolutely brilliant at the terrible spiral of storytelling that she drags the reader through; wow! It didn't matter if I wanted to read it or not...with each chapter the story became more compelling than the last. I wanted so badly to know what would happen I am now stuck buying the next installment! Price? Huh...doesn't matter. What is going to happen with The Unicorn? The wretched excuse of a "man." Comley showcases humanity in the harshest light possible and does it perfectly. Too perfectly. If you squirm over extremely mature and violent themes such as the following: child rape/flesh trade/dismemberment, etc. you may have to pass. For me, the themes were contextually appropriate within the story and not gratuitous; no harm, no foul. But I mention for sensitive readers.Love the UK angle as the author is English. What a refreshing change of diction and culture. Fun!What I didn't like was how Lorne (MC) was so driven and obsessed in her role as inspector that her family was neglected. Even when her daughter is in grave danger...the job superseded all. I found that to be slightly unrealistic. As a mother myself, there wouldn't be another job that could turn my head when situations such as those presented in this novel occurred. Nothing would distract me from the role of protective and later, nurturing comforter. Lorne's dealings in relational situations of importance are also left unresolved and "dangling." But just because I didn't like that doesn't mean that it isn't true of that character(the latter).Like in some past interviews, I really wish there were half star ratings. I'm giving this novel 4.5 stars.