A review by hakimbriki
He Died With His Eyes Open by Derek Raymond

4.0

When it comes to crime novels, few delve into the gritty and "noir" atmosphere quite like this one. We're whisked away to the harsh, unforgiving, and dreary streets of 80s West London, where our protagonist, an unnamed sergeant, delves into a particularly brutal homicide case. The story is drenched in mood and tone. It creates a vivid sense of despair, while also conveying profound pathos for the victim. The sergeant doesn't fit the mold of your typical investigator, which could either work in his favor or come back to haunt him. Though I don't think it's a perfect novel, mainly due to a very predictable climax, I'm amazed by the author's ability to weave a compelling story rich with profound emotional resonance.