Review of The Erkeley Shadows
Posted: 06 Feb 2024, 01:38
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Erkeley Shadows" by Michael W. Thomas.]
A man's body is found in an apartment on Cumberland Avenue South, believed to be a European landed immigrant. Will, a police officer, reflects on the unusual circumstances surrounding the discovery. The deceased, a university professor, seems to have met an unnatural end. Will's curiosity leads him to take a folder from the crime scene. During the weekend, Will went into the folder, unable to resist the lingering questions about what brought the man to his stopping point. The folder contains meticulously crafted notes left by the deceased. Will feels a sense of guilt but takes the folder. While perusing the folder, various thoughts crossed Will's mind regarding factors that might have contributed to the professor’s demise.
The Erkeley Shadows by Michael W. Thomas is a captivating novel that combines the lives of its characters in a multi-layered narrative. The protagonist, Will, a police officer, becomes entangled in the enigmatic circumstances surrounding the death, leading him to unravel a complex web of pasts and presents. The novel not only focuses on the mystery at hand but also delves into the complexities of family dynamics. Thomas masterfully blends elements of mystery, reflection, and human connection.
In the narrative, my preferred character is Will. His commitment to unraveling the mysteries surrounding the professor's demise showcases a commendable level of determination. I find myself admiring Will's resolute nature as he endeavors to reach the crux of the matter. His decision to open the folder left at the crime scene, despite harboring a sense of guilt, speaks volumes. Will's character is compelling not only for his professional competence but also for the moral dilemmas and internal conflicts he grapples with throughout the storyline. As a reader, I appreciate the author's portrayal of Will's nature, making him relatable and engaging.
There is nothing I didn’t like about the book. The narrative of the book captivates me with its distinctive and compelling storyline. What sets it apart is the author's ability to craft a plot that diverges from conventional narratives, offering readers a fresh and innovative experience. The storyline exhibits a unique blend of mystery, introspection, and nuanced character development, drawing readers into a world that defies predictability.
The book is flawlessly edited. I assign a rating of 4 out of 5 stars to this book. While I appreciate the distinctiveness of the storyline, my decision to deduct a star is rooted in my sense of dissatisfaction with the conclusion. Despite my initial engagement and admiration for the narrative's uniqueness, I found that the conclusion did not meet my heightened expectations. I anticipated a more impactful and fulfilling conclusion to complement the intriguing setup, and this divergence in my expectations influenced my rating. I recommend this book to those who appreciate narratives that explore complex human relationships and to those who enjoy stories that unfold from multiple perspectives.
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The Erkeley Shadows
View: on Bookshelves
A man's body is found in an apartment on Cumberland Avenue South, believed to be a European landed immigrant. Will, a police officer, reflects on the unusual circumstances surrounding the discovery. The deceased, a university professor, seems to have met an unnatural end. Will's curiosity leads him to take a folder from the crime scene. During the weekend, Will went into the folder, unable to resist the lingering questions about what brought the man to his stopping point. The folder contains meticulously crafted notes left by the deceased. Will feels a sense of guilt but takes the folder. While perusing the folder, various thoughts crossed Will's mind regarding factors that might have contributed to the professor’s demise.
The Erkeley Shadows by Michael W. Thomas is a captivating novel that combines the lives of its characters in a multi-layered narrative. The protagonist, Will, a police officer, becomes entangled in the enigmatic circumstances surrounding the death, leading him to unravel a complex web of pasts and presents. The novel not only focuses on the mystery at hand but also delves into the complexities of family dynamics. Thomas masterfully blends elements of mystery, reflection, and human connection.
In the narrative, my preferred character is Will. His commitment to unraveling the mysteries surrounding the professor's demise showcases a commendable level of determination. I find myself admiring Will's resolute nature as he endeavors to reach the crux of the matter. His decision to open the folder left at the crime scene, despite harboring a sense of guilt, speaks volumes. Will's character is compelling not only for his professional competence but also for the moral dilemmas and internal conflicts he grapples with throughout the storyline. As a reader, I appreciate the author's portrayal of Will's nature, making him relatable and engaging.
There is nothing I didn’t like about the book. The narrative of the book captivates me with its distinctive and compelling storyline. What sets it apart is the author's ability to craft a plot that diverges from conventional narratives, offering readers a fresh and innovative experience. The storyline exhibits a unique blend of mystery, introspection, and nuanced character development, drawing readers into a world that defies predictability.
The book is flawlessly edited. I assign a rating of 4 out of 5 stars to this book. While I appreciate the distinctiveness of the storyline, my decision to deduct a star is rooted in my sense of dissatisfaction with the conclusion. Despite my initial engagement and admiration for the narrative's uniqueness, I found that the conclusion did not meet my heightened expectations. I anticipated a more impactful and fulfilling conclusion to complement the intriguing setup, and this divergence in my expectations influenced my rating. I recommend this book to those who appreciate narratives that explore complex human relationships and to those who enjoy stories that unfold from multiple perspectives.
******
The Erkeley Shadows
View: on Bookshelves