Review: No Graves As Yet

NO GRAVES AS YET is something new from Anne Perry. This prolific author introduces us to a new set of characters and a new time frame. On the eve of World War One Joseph Reavley is enjoying a Cricket match at his beloved Cambridge when his brother comes to tell him their parents have been killed in an auto accident. To further muddy the waters the night before the accident brother Matthew had received a call from their father saying that he had in his possession “a document that would disgrace England forever” . We have our mulligan. When the brothers find out that the accident was the result of all four tires blowing at the same time we have reason to believe the elder Reavleys have met an untimely death. The only reason possible is the document. Breakins at the family Manse lead the brothers (and the reader) to the conclusion that the document is still out there. The search is on. In the background away from the grieving family WW1 is about to begin. And back on campus one of Joseph’s protégés is murdered. Perry guides us through this muddle with her usual authority. Intrigues us as she reveals the plot and its motivations and then?

There are times when a book moves its reader. Books can provide insight. They can provide a deeper understanding of the human condition. In the case of NO GRAVES AS YET the wrap up left me infuriated. It could be one of those cases where the author’s political views and mine are so far afield that it sent shivers up my spine. It could be that it was so arrogant that I wasn’t prepared. It could be that the allegory between this book and what is going on in the world right now was too much drivel. So I’m off Perry for good. But the book is well crafted and I’ll be interested to get reactions from other readers. I am after all a pig-headed Irish lass.

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Ruth Jordan - RAM

Please Note: Books reviewed are usually provided by the publisher, author, or an agent. Reviewers usually get to keep the book.

Book Review: No Graves As Yet

Please Note: Books reviewed are usually provided by the publisher, author, or an agent. Reviewers usually get to keep the book.