Title: The Yard
Author: Alex Grecian
First published May 29, 2012
422 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780399149542 (ISBN10: 0399149546)
Rating: 3.82
Overview
Adventurer Amelia Peabody is back with another thrilling account of her time in Egypt. In this latest installment, Amelia’s young son Ramses is safely tucked away in England while she and her husband Radcliffe Emerson delve into a new mystery.
Their friend Lady Baskerville believes her husband was cursed and seeks their help to uncover the truth. As they continue their excavations, strange occurrences and unexplainable deaths plague their expedition.
A mysterious woman dressed in white haunts their every move, spreading fear and chaos. Can Amelia and Radcliffe solve the mystery before it’s too late?
The Curse of the Pharaohs will leave you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
About the Author
Meet Grecian, a talented author who has captivated readers with his thrilling novels. You may have heard of his bestsellers, such as “The Saint of Wolves and Butchers,” or perhaps you’ve delved into his popular “Murder Squad” series, which features five engaging novels: “The Yard,” “The Black Country,” “The Devil’s Workshop,” “The Harvest Man,” and “Lost and Gone Forever.” Additionally, he’s also penned an original ebook titled “The Blue Girl.”
If that’s not impressive enough, Grecian is also the creative mind behind the six-volume graphic novel series “Proof” and the two-part graphic novel “Rasputin.” With such a diverse range of works, it’s clear that Grecian is an author who can excel in any medium.
When he’s not busy writing, Grecian resides in the American Midwest with his loved ones. This includes his wife, his son, and their furry and not-so-furry pets: a dog and a tarantula.
Editoral Review
The Yard, by Alex Grecian, is a gripping novel that takes readers back to Victorian-era London. Published on May 29, 2012, it is Grecian’s debut novel and is set in the aftermath of Jack the Ripper’s reign of terror.
The book is a blend of historical fiction, crime thriller, and mystery. The novel’s plot centers on the newly formed Scotland Yard, which has been created to combat the rising crime in London.
The author does an excellent job of establishing the Yard’s hierarchy, introducing Inspector Walter Day as the main character. Day is tasked with solving the murder of one of his colleagues, which sets the stage for the rest of the book.
Grecian has created a diverse cast of characters who add depth to the story. From Day’s Sergeant, Nevil Hammersmith, to the Yard’s forensic expert, Dr. Bernard Kingsley, each character is unique, with their motives and backgrounds.
The setting of the book is also well-crafted, with Grecian painting a vivid picture of London’s dark alleys and Victorian architecture. One of the book’s strengths is the author’s ability to create suspense and maintain it throughout the book.
Grecian’s writing style is engaging, and the book’s fast-paced plot keeps readers hooked from the start. The novels’ themes of corruption, classism, and the politics of Victorian-era policing, are also well presented.
The author’s meticulous attention to detail makes the book historically fascinating, even for those not interested in the genre. Grecian’s research shines through, with the police procedures and medical techniques being historically accurate.
The portrayal of the era’s class divide and its struggles are also noteworthy. The Yard is not without its flaws, however.
Some character arcs feel underdeveloped, and the ending seems overcrowded with too many subplots. Additionally, some readers may find the graphic descriptions of the murders disturbing, which may make it unsuitable for young or sensitive readers.
Overall, The Yard is an excellent read for those interested in historical fiction, mystery, and crime thriller genres. It will leave readers on edge and guessing until the very end.
The detailed setting and complex characters make it a must-read, even for those not interested in the genre. Despite its flaws, The Yard’s strengths easily outweigh them, making it a five out of five.
