I’m a fan of mysteries set in historical times, and if you are as well, then you’ll want to pick up Susanne Alleyn’s THE CAVALIER OF THE APOCALYPSE. Set in 1786 France, this is the third novel featuring Aristide Ravel, a somewhat down-and-out scribbler who writes occasionally incendiary political pamphlets and is trying to find his way in an unjust society.
He stumbles upon a church arson, and in his efforts to help put the fire out, also stumbles upon Inspector Brasseur, who is investigating the crime. At first, Ravel comes under his suspicion, but the inspector gradually learns that Ravel is a shrewd and intelligent individual, and one remarkably suited to police work.
When a man is found horribly murdered — with Masonic emblems carved into his chest, his throat slit, and his tongue hacked out by the roots — Brasseur and Ravel form a loose alliance in an effort to uncover the murderer.
The time and social mores of the setting are handled quite well. There may be a bit too much spouting of political philosophy, but it helps the modern American reader such as myself (who is none too familiar with French history) to get a feel for the era. The detective work is adequate, although Brasseur — who shows himself to be very sharp at the beginning of the tale — seems to contribute less as we move forward through the story.
Alleyn brings up some intriguing historical byways that are always the real treat for fans of this genre, and her story nicely rips through at an under-300 page count, welcome in this time of bloated fiction. Overall, it’s quite a successful little mystery, perfect for those who prefer the days of candlelights and horse carriages, and of a time when one gentleman could vouch for another and that would have to be a good enough alibi. —Mark Rose
Related posts:
- BULLETS, BROADS, BLACKMAIL & BOMBS: The Column at the End of the Apocalypse
- Angel Dust Apocalypse
- Wasteland: Stories of the Apocalypse
- The Umbrella Academy: Apocalypse Suite
- Bestial: Werewolf Apocalypse
