Review: Genuine Thematic Qualities
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 21, 2012
In my world, a 5 star whodunit is comprise of not only an interesting puzzle to be solved, but also a theme that I find meaningful. An Indecent Death is strong in both of these areas.Police officers have one of the highest divorce rates of any profession. Personal relationships are challenged by long and irregular hours, pressure for results, and dealing with the dregs of society on a daily basis. The novel's protagonist, Detective Sergeant Nicholas Drumm, finds himself in the midst of reconciling with his love interest when he is assigned to investigate the murder of a promiscuous 7th grade teacher.Author David Anderson does an excellent job of subtly showing (rather than telling) how Drumm's profession impacts his personal life at a critical crossroads. We also experience Drumm's professional relationship with a female underling, and see his attitude evolve in a very believable way. As the son of a police detective, I was very impressed with the novel's feeling of authenticity.