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jessmcglynn 's review for:
A Rising Man
by Abir Mukherjee
I’ve bumped this up but again, like my last read it’s probably closer to 3.5 stars.
I adore a good historical crime drama and when I spotted this series, totally new to me, I thought it sounded fascinating. Set in 1919 we have our detective, Sam Wyndham, fresh off the boat from England and on the hunt for the murderer of a high ranking British official.
I thought the setting was fantastic, it was easy to read and I can see how this debut potentially lays the foundation for much development as the series progresses. Also gave me itchy feet for wanting to visit India!
I was disappointed at the crime element; Wyndham is lauded as a great catch from Scotland Yard but actually seems pretty inept at his role, basically accusing everyone of murder with not much thought as to who or why...I’d guessed from the start what the outcome would be so as a reader it was frustrating to read as he blundered around. He also relies heavily on his ‘side kick’ Surrender-Not which is fine, but I felt this character could have been developed more. I’d have liked to have read from Surrender-Not’s POV to complement the storyline.
I also felt that the author made much of Wyndham being a war veteran. I get that it was shaping his character, and helping us to understand that he was troubled, but it was mentioned almost every few pages and I was nearly eye rolling by the end when I spotted it coming. Just felt heavy handed to me.
Will I pick up the next one? I have a feeling this series has the potential to just get better and better so I’d be willing to try the next book. And the setting is just glorious. Which is probably enough motivation!
I adore a good historical crime drama and when I spotted this series, totally new to me, I thought it sounded fascinating. Set in 1919 we have our detective, Sam Wyndham, fresh off the boat from England and on the hunt for the murderer of a high ranking British official.
I thought the setting was fantastic, it was easy to read and I can see how this debut potentially lays the foundation for much development as the series progresses. Also gave me itchy feet for wanting to visit India!
I was disappointed at the crime element; Wyndham is lauded as a great catch from Scotland Yard but actually seems pretty inept at his role, basically accusing everyone of murder with not much thought as to who or why...I’d guessed from the start what the outcome would be so as a reader it was frustrating to read as he blundered around. He also relies heavily on his ‘side kick’ Surrender-Not which is fine, but I felt this character could have been developed more. I’d have liked to have read from Surrender-Not’s POV to complement the storyline.
I also felt that the author made much of Wyndham being a war veteran. I get that it was shaping his character, and helping us to understand that he was troubled, but it was mentioned almost every few pages and I was nearly eye rolling by the end when I spotted it coming. Just felt heavy handed to me.
Will I pick up the next one? I have a feeling this series has the potential to just get better and better so I’d be willing to try the next book. And the setting is just glorious. Which is probably enough motivation!