Title: The Calling
Author: Inger Ash Wolfe
First published January 1, 2008
384 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780151013470 (ISBN10: 0151013470)
Rating: 3.77
Overview
Inger Ash Wolfe’s The Calling takes us to the small town of Port Dundas, where Detective Inspector Hazel Micallef is approaching retirement with a heavy heart. Plagued by a bad back and the aftermath of a painful divorce, Hazel finds herself facing a gruesome murder case that shakes the town to its core.
As the bodies of terminally ill victims pile up, drained of blood and with their mouths contorted into eerie shapes, Hazel and her team must race against time to catch the killer. Amidst the chaos of a frenzied press, a gossipy town, and her own personal struggles, Hazel hears the whispers of the dead.
But can she decipher their message before it’s too late? With a sharp wit and a keen eye for detail, Inger Ash Wolfe delivers a gripping new mystery with an unforgettable heroine at its center.
About the Author
Did you know that Inger Ash Wolfe is actually a pen name used by Canadian fiction writer Michael Redhill? Redhill is a man of many talents, including poetry, playwriting, and novel writing.
He has quite an impressive list of accomplishments, having written two novels, a collection of short fiction, three plays, and five collections of poetry. In fact, his play Building Jerusalem earned him the Dora Award, the Chalmers Award, and a nomination for the Governor General’s award.
Redhill’s first novel, Martin Sloane, was also a hit, winning the Books in Canada First Novel Award, the Commonwealth Writer’s Prize, and receiving nominations for the Giller Prize, the City of Toronto Book Award, and the Trillium Book Award. His most recent novel, Consolation, won the City of Toronto Book Award and was longlisted for the Man Booker Prize.
Redhill has also served as an editorial board member for Coach House Press and was a former publisher and editor of Brick Magazine. With such an impressive resume, it’s no wonder that Redhill is considered a true literary talent.
Editoral Review
Inger Ash Wolfes The Calling is a thrilling mystery novel that takes readers on a journey through the dark and twisted mind of a serial killer. Published in 2008, the book introduces the world to DI Hazel Micallef, a no-nonsense police detective who is struggling with health issues and a family history of alcoholism.
Wolfe, whose true identity remains unknown, has crafted a compelling story that not only keeps readers on the edge of their seat but also explores complex themes like loss, addiction, and the nature of evil. The story takes place in the sleepy town of Port Dundas, Canada, where the murder of an elderly woman leads DI Micallef and her team to a disturbing discovery.
The killer has been leaving cryptic messages and clues at the crime scenes that suggest his twisted motivations. As the body count starts to rise, Hazel and her crew race against time to catch the elusive murderer before he strikes again.
One of the book’s strengths is Wolfes ability to create believable and engaging characters. Hazel Micallef is a complex protagonist, whose struggles with addiction and family trauma are depicted in a compassionate yet unsentimental manner.
The supporting cast, including the colorful police officers and suspect villains, are also well-drawn and add depth to the story. The setting, a small town in Canada, is evocatively described, contributing to the atmosphere of the book.
The plot of The Calling is expertly crafted, with plenty of twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end. The pacing is excellent, with tense moments interspersed with quieter scenes that allow readers to catch their breath.
The writing style is descriptive without being overly verbose, and Wolfe is a master at creating suspense without resorting to gratuitous violence or gore. Despite its many strengths, the book does have some limitations.
There are times when the plot feels contrived or stereotypical, particularly in some of the characterizations of female victims or suspects. Additionally, while the book’s exploration of complex themes is admirable, there are moments when the book feels didactic or preachy.
Overall, The Calling is an excellent book that will appeal to fans of the mystery genre. It is well-written, expertly plotted, and features engaging characters and a compelling setting.
While it may not be perfect, it is certainly worth reading for anyone looking for a suspenseful and thought-provoking thriller. For those who enjoy crime fiction, The Calling is a must-read.
It offers a fresh and unique take on the genre, and Wolfes skillful writing will keep readers hooked from beginning to end. While its themes are dark and at times unsettling, there is a sense of hope and redemption that runs throughout the book.
I would give The Calling 4 out of 5 stars, based on its strong characterizations, pacing, and plot structure.
