Lady Crymsyn

Lady Crymsyn (2000) P.N. Elrod

After finishing the last three books, I was reluctant to read this book, for fear it would continue what felt to me as a downward spiral. However, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Lady Crymsyn went back to the things that I had liked so much about the previous books–an interesting mystery, a fast pace, and a sharp story.

The story moved quickly, and although I picked up the book only to read a few chapters to see if I was going to like the story, I ended up nearly finishing the book, with one of those “just one more chapter” evenings.

Jack has taken the money he re-appropriated in Blood in the Water, and leased a nightclub he is repairing and planning on opening, called The Lady Crymsyn. Unfortunately for him, the workmen discover a body bricked up in the basement, a la Poe’s “The Cask of Amontillado.”

As I said, I found this to be a huge improvement over the last three books. The story arc is self-contained, and the story itself is fast paced. Although Jack hasn’t resolved his issues, he seems to have moved past them. And although Charles is still an enigma he seems more stable in this book, and plays a more reasonable part in Jack’s life, although nothing like the part Charles plays in the first couple books. Charles is continuing to work as a private investigator, but his cases do not involve Jack, who is wrapped up in getting his nightclub ready for opening night.

If you stuck through Fire in the Blood, Blood on the Water, and A Chill in the Blood, then you’ll be well-rewarded with Lady Crymsyn. Although past events are mentioned, the current story doesn’t hinge upon those events, and so this would be an acceptable place to jump into the story, if you did not have access to the previous books.
Rating: 8/10

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