Thursday, May 5, 2011

Book Review: "The Figurehead" by Bill Kirton

Book Review “The Figurehead” by Bill Kirton.

Publisher: Pfoxchase Publishing.

Genre: Crime/Romance

"Aberdeen, Scotland 1840--Return to an age where sail was being challenged by steam, new continents were opening, and the world was full of opportunities for people to be as good--or as evil--as they chose. When the body of a local shipwright is found on the beach, neither the customers and suppliers he cheated nor the women he seduced are surprised. But the mystery intrigues wood-carver John Grant, who decides to seek out the murderer.

His work and his investigations bring him into contact with William Anderson, a rich merchant-and his daughter Helen.

Commissioned to create a figurehead that combines the features of two women, John eventually uncovers a shocking tale of blackmail and death as he struggles to resist the pangs of unexpected love."

This book is a marvelous intertwining of crime thriller and tender romance. Author Bill Kirton has the artist’s gentle touch, weaving a story rich in detail against a background of well-researched fact about the shipbuilding world of Scotland circa 1840.

The characters force you to care about them; you cannot read this author’s work and not want things to go well. John Grant and his lovely Helen struggle with their feelings and because this is so well written, you the reader struggle right along with them.

Bill Kirton’s plotting is meticulous, there was not one moment when I questioned the intertwining of romance and crime, it was done so cleverly, luring me into the intrigue, and fast paced delivery of a beautifully constructed crime/thriller. The romance is gentle, subtle, and satisfying to a romantic heart. Never mawkish, and not once interrupting the flow of the tapestry of words that Bill Kirton has crafted.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. If you are looking for a book that truly entertains you, one of those that you will not hesitate to recommend to friends, do yourself a favor, grab this book. You will not regret it.

http://www.amazon.com/Figurehead-Bill-Kirton/dp/1935460099/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

2 comments:

  1. Thanks so much Soooz. PfoxChase is immensely proud of Bill's work. I am so happy you enjoyed it.

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  2. Thank you for such a lovely review, Soooz. Interesting that you focus on the romance angle - that wasn't supposed to be there when I started - but Helen (and even John) insisted that it was important so it's all their fault.

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