Jack, the Lady Killer

Rating:
Summary: Experienced a verse novel
Review: (H. R. F. Keating also writes the Inspector Ghote mystery series set in India.)

JACK, THE LADY KILLER is an unusual mystery because it's written in verse with illustrations. The first mystery I read in verse was Martha Grimes, SEND BYGRAVES, and I have been a fan of this unique style of story telling ever since. I am thrilled to say H.R.F. Keating's mystery in verse was just as unique and fun to read as SEND BRGRAVES.

Mr. Keating gives the author Vikram Seth credit for inspiring him after he read his verse novel THE GOLDEN GATE. He even quotes a verse of Vikram Seth's at the beginning of this mystery and I think those in the publishing business will get a kick out of it.

Mr. Keating's mystery takes place in 1935. Jack Steele, a new recruit to the Imperial Police Service in India is sent to take care of a panicked elephant. While he's gone someone murders widow Milly Marchbanks. With the District Superintendent in hospital Jack finds himself working the crime. A witness, a boy named "Little Brown Gramophone" tells Jack that just before Milly died she cried, " No, Jack, no! So searching for a member of the Briton Club named Jack should seem easy . . . but it isn't. The author takes the reader through the suspects, clues and emotions of Jack in verse.

If you haven't experienced a verse novel or mystery nows your chance. Don't miss it.

Rating:
Summary: Experienced a verse novel
Review: (H. R. F. Keating also writes the Inspector Ghote mystery series set in India.)

JACK, THE LADY KILLER is an unusual mystery because it's written in verse with illustrations. The first mystery I read in verse was Martha Grimes, SEND BYGRAVES, and I have been a fan of this unique style of story telling ever since. I am thrilled to say H.R.F. Keating's mystery in verse was just as unique and fun to read as SEND BRGRAVES.

Mr. Keating gives the author Vikram Seth credit for inspiring him after he read his verse novel THE GOLDEN GATE. He even quotes a verse of Vikram Seth's at the beginning of this mystery and I think those in the publishing business will get a kick out of it.

Mr. Keating's mystery takes place in 1935. Jack Steele, a new recruit to the Imperial Police Service in India is sent to take care of a panicked elephant. While he's gone someone murders widow Milly Marchbanks. With the District Superintendent in hospital Jack finds himself working the crime. A witness, a boy named "Little Brown Gramophone" tells Jack that just before Milly died she cried, " No, Jack, no! So searching for a member of the Briton Club named Jack should seem easy . . . but it isn't. The author takes the reader through the suspects, clues and emotions of Jack in verse.

If you haven't experienced a verse novel or mystery nows your chance. Don't miss it.

Rating:
Summary: A good mystery that is in verse
Review: In 1935, England reigns over the Indian subcontinent. Just graduating from school, Jack Stealton arrives in Punjab, India to join the Imperial Police Service. His supervisor, FHR Guthrie makes sure the new recruit understands that he represents England at all times. It is imperative that he insures the locals never forget that he is a superior being. As the months pass, Jack easily acclimates to his new home. However, while playing tennis with Jack at an exclusive club, Guthrie collapses from heatstroke on the court.

Not to long after that incident, someone murders Milly Marchbanks, a sex-starved man-eater. Her last words are: "No Jack! No Jack!" Seven club members allegedly were sleeping when the killing occurred. Jack believes one of them is lying and is the killer. With his mentor hospitalized and unable to guide him, Jack leads the inquiry. This investigation will either change Jack into confident law enforcement official or find him in need of a new profession.

JACK, THE LADY KILLER is an unusual historical police procedural as this tale is written in verse. Narrative poetry such as THE HIGHWAYMAN or THE RHYME OF THE ANCIENT MARINER is risky. In this case, the poetic format works with the mystery fully unfolding like any novel would have done. The talented H.R.F. Keating succeeds in providing his audience with a feel for the era and interesting characters, especially Jack and Guthrie. The English air of superiority to the natives adds depth to the overall tale. This colorful narrative poem is unique and entertaining. Anyone seeking an enjoyable but different book, should try JACK, THE LADY KILLER because no one will feel Keating is cheating them with this reading.

Harriet Klausner