Robert Bryndza calls his new novel, Nine Elms (Thomas and Mercher, $24.95), a Kate Marshall thriller. It must be the first since it begins with Kate as a rookie detective constable in London. The book opens with her incredible experience, catching the notorious Nine Elms Cannibal. After that beginning, one wonders how Bryndza will top that. The first chapter could have carried one great thriller!
The book takes up again with Kate fifteen years later, teaching criminology in college and trying to remain sober after years of alcoholism brought on by the trauma of personal and sexual involvement with a serial murderer. A copycat killer has begun preying upon girls in the countryside where she now teaches. Kate is asked to examine a body found by the local medical examiner which resembles the MO of the cannibal. Kate, after seeing the dead girl, decides to call herself a private investigator, and begins the work of locating and identifying the new killer, since the original is locked in a mental hospital. Complicating matters, a family whose daughter may have been the first victim of the original cannibal asks Kate and her assistant to investigate that death from many years ago. So now Bryndza has the balls juggling in the air.
He writes short easy-flowing sentences, though the plot is a bit predictable and the cover flap gives away that the killer will eventually go after Kate herself. I think that detail could have been better saved, adding to the intensity of the story.
But I spotted one huge error. It’s impossible to bleed to death quickly from having your jugular vein sliced. Your carotid artery-yes– but not the jugular. And it’s hard to get to the carotid with a shiv made from a toothbrush. Without giving away much, this is a pretty critical plot event that should not have been missed with simple research. Overall, I would give this a C+, a nice weekend read, but nothing to keep on your shelf.
Steve E Clark as seen in the New York Times is Author of Justice Is for the Lonely and Justice Is for the Deserving, Kristen Kerry Novels Of Suspense. Steve is a 2017 NY Big Book Award winner and a 2018 Independent Book Award recipient. You can purchase his books via https://steveclarkauthor.com/buy-the-book/ or request it at your local book store. Want to know more about Steve Clark, read more reviews or speak directly with Steve? Learn more about Steve at SteveClarkAuthor.com
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