Look Out For These - A November duo: Crime amongst the rich in London and the mystery of magic used for murder

I’ve chosen just two novels this month – both very different, each with something special of its own.

The Yellow Diamond by Andrew Martin:  DI Blake Reynolds has been assigned to head up a new unit responsible for investigating the crimes of the super-rich in London.  His first task is to solve the murder of his predecessor, George Quinn. As you’d expect, things are somewhat complicated. Not just because of Quinn’s unorthodox methods, or the machinations of Quinn’s assistant Victoria Clifford, or just the basic domestic problems of trying to get on the London Housing ladder.  The biggest problem is finding Anna Samarin is linked to a jewellery theft and possibly even the murder he’s investigating.  Anna has previously come close to compromising Reynolds, so even though he’s on his guard when he sees her, Reynolds still feels his heart go “pitter patter”, so his infatuation hasn’t gone away.  Martin has created a great atmosphere in the novel – the backdrop of Mayfair, the ultra-wealthy and their behaviour as if above the law is captivating and in some ways almost timeless.  This novel could be in the 1930’s or even the nineteenth century, as that conflict between wealth, power and the law plays out.  My verdict – well worth a read!

Angel Killer by Andrew Mayne: A book about an FBI agent who used to be an illusionist on the track of a serial killer called “the Warlock” who commits murder in seemingly impossible ways.  Well, if you’ve read my previous reviews I bet you think that a novel like this will not get a favourable review.  In fact when I first picked the book up, I instantly thought “Oh no! Cliché!” Why I gave it a go, I don’t know, but I really enjoyed it!  Mayne has created a likeable and plausible character in Jessica Blackwood; the writing is vivid and the story well-paced.  The use of illusion in the crimes works really well and I found it entertaining trying to work out how these impossible crimes could have been committed. My verdict – recommended; even if this isn’t your normal cup of tea I’d suggest giving it a try.  It’s on Kindle for only 99p [21 November 2015], so very low risk if you’re unsure and just want to dip you're toe in the water.

That’s all for now – Look out for two reviews coming up before Christmas: Claire McGowan’s new novel The Silent Dead and a veritable rollercoaster of a book from Anders De La Motte – Memorandom which is just fab!  

See you soon.

Romancrimeblogger