Title: An Inquiry into Love and Death
Author: Simone St. James
Series: n/a
What a wonderful—and chilling—surprise!
So, I loaned this audiobook from the library for the promise of romance. The synopsis didn’t make it sound particularly terrifying, more intriguing, and I love a good mystery with my romance–as well as a dose of history–and England–so I thought, sure, I’m due for a non-mainstream, non-mass-market-paperback romance and downloaded it. I needed a break from my own writing last night and started listening to it.
Not a good idea. My lights were on all night and the drapes firmly pulled over the window. This wasn’t horror or gore, but suspense in its most heart-pounding, adrenaline-fueled form. I won’t be moving on to Steven King or Dean Koontz or anything, but I will be getting my hands on more of Simone St. James.
I loved Jillian and I loved Drew, though his last name, Merriken, distracted me every time I heard it because, of course, I instantly thought of American. While I yearned for more scenes with them and was very, very disappointed by where the end cut off, I have to admit St. James did a very good job of keeping the romantic sub-plot a sub-plot. I don’t dare get into the plot because you can’t enjoy the book if you know what’s coming (says the woman who hates surprises and usually reads spoilers before committing). Let me just say that as soon as you think you know where the book is heading, it blindfolds you, turns you in circles, and sets you walking again. I figured things out right along with Jillian, which kept the pace steady and the story fresh. She was an awesome heroine. Smart, strong, the right mix of selfish and selfless. I wanted her to be my best friend. The historical element–namely all the talk of the war (WWI)–was so prevalent that after a few chapters I knew it was more than setting, it was plot.
Sorry, I’m rambling. I was just so surprised by how much I loved this book that I haven’t quite come back to earth yet, and my thoughts are rather disjointed. I’ll finish by commending Rosalyn Landor, who narrated the audiobook. She was excellent! Took the right tone to set the mood and really brought the fear, the love, and the self-discovery off the page.
