Distant Revenge

Rating:
Summary: Matters of the Vengeful Kind
Review: I found the book, Distant Revenge by Dr. Edward Briscoe, et al to be an engrossing and delightful novel, written with the passion and flair of writers who know how to both suspend and entertain the reader, while also providing a sense of the historical. The novel is basically a murder mystery set in contemporary Washington, D.C., but eventually encompasses a wider geographical perspective as well as time span, and in the process delights the reader with tidbits of Civil War anecdotes and other history lessons which keep you riveted to the pages.

The book's writers obviously spent a lot of time researching material for their literary gem which, through the use of flashbacks takes the reader back to the 1860's as they develop the background of one of the main characters. And through the adroit use of Chapters (29) and Parts (5), further take you through the painstaking planning stages of each of the multiple murders that become the foundation of the mystery and intrigue. There are five Georgetown University medical students intent on completing their respective medical degrees and hoping to make a difference in the world. However, due to the personal tragedies that befall four of them during the early stages of their educational pursuits, their dreams are virtually ended before they can be realized. If not for the extraordinary assistance provided by the fifth member of the group, whose personal financial fortunes enable the others to complete their education, they would not have ultimately attained their career goals. His "gift" to them, however turns into a "debt" he desperately needs them to repay many years later, as a life threatening situation involving his only son requires their immediate medical expertise. Unfortunately circumstances, which are very intricately developed by the authors, make each of their decisions to help their former classmate in his time of need virtually impossible, leading to - shall I dare say - matters of the vengeful kind!

To complicate things and to equally keep the reader off-balance, the writers throw in a parallel scenario involving the same four medical students in a tragic situation at a small town General Hospital during their medical internships, which consequently incurs the wrath of another individual. What this eventually leads to are "viable motives" of two different people to seek out revenge on these four doctors who, unfortunately are completely oblivious to what is in store for them. What an intriguing story line! And the authors handle it with both skill and cunning as they meticulously move the reader through each Chapter and Part, leaving you clues and then dead-ends as you attempt to determine, 'Who dunit?'

I found Distant Revenge to be a relatively quick read, and I think you'll find it literally impossible to put the book down. It contains a little over 260 pages and concludes with a most interesting and thought provoking Epilogue that will have you asking the question, "What was the ultimate 'distant revenge'?" I highly recommend this book, especially for the avid mystery reader, but also for those of you who like to be taken on a voyage as you meander through the vicissitudes of a novel as you find little tidbits of interest here and intrigue there. This book should make a great film!