Title: The Edwin Drood Murders
Series: Dickens Junction Mystery 02
Author: Christopher Lord
Genre: Mystery
Length: Novel Plus (304pgs)
Publisher: Harrison Thurman Books (24th September 2013)
Heat Level: Nil
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: The Droodists have arrived in Dickens Junction. Local bookstore owner Simon Alastair has his hands full in his role as co-chair for the latest convention honoring Charles Dickens’s uncompleted novel, The Mystery of Edwin Drood. A movie star, a pesky blogger, dueling scholars, a stage hypnotist, and an old family friend (among others) all have claims on Simon’s time. In addition, some Droodists are clearly more–or less–than they appear, including a mysterious young man with the improbable name of Edwin Drood.
When a priceless ring and a rare Dickensian artifact go missing, Simon and reporter-partner Zach Benjamin learns that someone will do anything–including murder–to obtain an object of desire.
Purchase Link: US: http://www.amazon.com/Murders-Dickens-Junction-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B00FE1TLUU
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Murders-Dickens-Junction-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B00FE1TLUU
Review: This story is part of a series and is best read in order. Simon is co-chairing the latest convention for Charles Dickens’ uncompleted novel, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, in Dickens Junction. The Droodists have come out in force, a wide selection of characters who love Charles Dickens work. Simon has his hands full with the activities, but when a theft occurs of a priceless ring, it is only the beginning of a week of murder, mystery, and intrigue.
This is a great mystery story of the old-fashioned sort, Miss Marple, and Poirot spring to mind when reading The Edwin Drood Murders. Taking you to a quaint town where a mystery falls into Simon’s lap. The story starts out with Simon asking his boyfriend, Zach, an all-important question. But, being put off for the time being, until Zach has time to think about it. Then Simon sets off for the convention. We are then treated to an interesting array of characters, as all the players arrive at the hotel and some of them are not quite, what they seem.
The mystery we are led on has us wondering what will happen next. Has us guessing which suspicious character could be the culprit and what others are hiding. We discover horrendous and surprising murders and are left puzzled as to why the thefts occurred. And at the last, we appreciate Simon’s fine mind at putting the puzzle together and explaining the fine details we overlooked. Simon’s relationship with Zach plays out in the background, their loving relationship making itself known without any overt gestures. Simon does have his moments of insecurity, at Zach’s refusal to instantly accept his offer of moving in, but it doesn’t affect his relationship in the least.
This is a wonderfully written story that is an easy story to read and keeps you gripped with its storyline. we connect with the characters as we get to know them and we mourn along with Simon in places. Each character has their own unique personality and while we take some to heart, we keep a suspicious eye on others. But, they all come together to keep your attention on the pages of this book.
I recommend this to those who love Dickens, mysteries, great characters, intriguing discoveries, a sweet relationship and a wonderful ending.