Title: Let the Devil Sleep
Author: John Verdon
First published January 1, 2012
449 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780307717924 (ISBN10: 0307717925)
Rating: 3.9
Overview
John Verdon’s latest novel, Think Twice Before You Sleep, follows the story of Dave Gurney, a former NYPD detective who now lives a peaceful life in upstate New York. But when Gurney is approached by a troubled young woman producing a documentary about a notorious serial killer, he finds himself drawn back into the world of crime-solving.
As Gurney begins to dig deeper into the case, he realizes that the accepted truth about the killer’s motives is wrong. As he gets closer to the truth, Gurney becomes the target of the killer’s wrath, and he must use all his skills to stay alive.
With the help of his trusted allies, including his wife Madeleine and son Kyle, Gurney races against time to unravel the killer’s twisted plan. Think Twice Before You Sleep is a gripping tale of suspense, with well-drawn characters and twists and turns that will keep readers guessing until the very end.
About the Author
John Verdon has worked in executive roles at various advertising firms in Manhattan. However, just like the main character in his book, he and his wife moved to rural upstate New York.
Editoral Review
Red Delicious Death by Sheila Connolly is a cozy mystery set in a small town in Massachusetts. Published in 2010, the novel is part of the Orchard Mystery series and features orchard owner Meg Corey as the protagonist.
Connolly, a New York Times bestselling author, has written over thirty mysteries, including the Museum Mysteries and the County Cork Mysteries. The novel follows Meg Corey as she tries to unravel the mysterious death of a local apple picker.
With the help of the handsome, yet infuriating, police chief, Meg navigates through the tight-knit community to uncover the truth. Connolly’s writing is descriptive and atmospheric, perfectly capturing the essence of small-town New England.
The novel’s setting is not only a backdrop but a character in itself, as the orchard’s changing seasons and the apple industry’s decline are closely tied to the story. The characters in the novel are well-developed, with Meg Corey emerging as a relatable and likable heroine.
The author does an excellent job of depicting the complicated relationships among the town’s inhabitants, which adds intrigue to the mystery. The pacing of the novel is steady, with the plot unfolding at just the right speed to keep the reader guessing until the end.
While Red Delicious Death may not have an overarching political or cultural significance, it is a strong representative of the cozy mystery genre. As such, it provides a much-needed escape from the demands of everyday life.
The novel’s themes of family, loyalty, and betrayal are universal, making it a perfect read whether the reader is looking for entertainment or self-reflection. In terms of criticism, Red Delicious Death occasionally falls into clichés of the cozy mystery genre.
The romance between Meg and the police chief is predictable, and some of the characters’ motivations feel contrived. However, these limitations do not detract from the overall enjoyment of the novel.
Overall, Red Delicious Death is a satisfying mystery that will keep readers engaged until the very end. Its setting, characters, and themes all contribute to a thoroughly enjoyable reading experience.
Fans of cozy mysteries or New England settings will particularly appreciate this novel. Based on these factors, I give Red Delicious Death a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
