Vengeful Longing , A
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Product Description
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A Vengeful Longing confirms what RN Morris’ previous novel, A Gentle Axe, suggested – that here is major talent in the increasingly overcrowded historical crime field. On the evidence here, Morris is writing novels that rival the very best in the genre in terms of atmosphere, plausible historical detail and exemplary plotting. Two people – a mother and son -- are murdered; a box of chocolates delivered by woman's husband contains an agonising poison. The detectives investigating the killing (in which the doctor husband is, of course, the prime suspect – and seems to telegraph his guilt when interviewed) are the novice Virginsky and the experienced Porfiry Petrovich – the later, of course, the protagonist in Morris’ previous books -- And the policeman in Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment, no less. Morris audaciously utilised Petrovich in his previous novel. That gamble (cheeky though it was) has paid off handsomely there – and does so once again in A Vengeful Longing.
19th-century Russia is once again evoked with total authority, and the murder investigation has the compulsiveness of modern crime fiction – with the added frisson of a brilliantly conjured period setting. The continuation of characters created by other authors is nothing new, but few have the chutzpah of RN Morris – or the skill to pull off (not once, but twice – and more, we are told) this daring trick. --Barry Forshaw --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
Book Description
The sequel to the brilliant A Gentle Axe, featuring Crime and Punishment's detective Porfiry Petrovich in another gripping Russian murder story.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Seamy & humane,
By
This review is from: A Vengeful Longing (Paperback)
Another dark masterpiece from Morris, featuring the sharp-eyed investigator Porfiry, and a host of steamy, seamy 19th century St Petersburg scenes. The descriptions of the city and its people are first-class, as one would expect, and I particularly loved the interplay between Porfiry and his new sidekick, Virginsky. Long may that partnership continue! - it's an excellent way of bringing out Porfiry's humour and humanity far more deeply. Mind you, I really won't look at flies in quite the same way again.
The plot is also exciting and keeps you on the edge of your chair - it's full of clever red herrings and the tension notches up to a serious level towards the very dramatic end. I'm certainly looking forward to more Porfiry & Virginsky outings. Great stuff indeed.
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Vengeful Longing,
By
This review is from: A Vengeful Longing (Paperback)
This is a cut above the average crime thriller,well-written and creating a vivid sense of life in nineteenth century St.Petersburg, apparently based on close research, even down to the post mortem practices of the day. The background of corruption, bureaucracy, pollution, poverty and vice is developed and sustained without the story becoming too depressing, perhaps because of the hooks of an intriguing plot and the varied cast of characters. Clues are slipped into the complex twisting plot to give an ending which is hard to predict, with the loose ends tied up. There seemed stronger character development than in the first novel, with humorous interplay between the eccentric detective hero Porfiry and his sidekick Virginsky.
However, as with "The Gentle Axe" I am left a little disappointed at the end by some almost ludicrous implausibilities in the plot (not quite so marked this time)- which I cannot reveal for obvious reasons, except it's safe to cite the occasion when Porfiry interrogates a murder suspect in front of a large audience. Some scenes are frankly odd e.g. where Porfiry almost bumps into a civil servant who faints when challenged seemed bizarre at the time. I also find too many of the characters seem to be caricatures, and therefore unconvincing. Perhaps I am guilty of taking the plots too seriously! So, I am left feeling ambivalent, but recognising that Morris is an original and talented writer in this genre. I just wish that such good writing was applied to slightly more "worthwhile" plots!
6 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another Excellent Read,
By
This review is from: A Vengeful Longing (Paperback)
Although I awaited the publication of this book with baited breath I was also a little nervous. `A Gentle Axe' was such an excellent read, with everything I wanted in a crime novel, that I wondered whether Mr. Morris could do it again.
Now I have read the book I realize I worried in vain. This is such a fluid follow on from the first story that, in many ways, it is as if we have never left the pages of Morris' original masterpiece. Porfiry is brought to life once more as a deep, thoughtful and at times disturbing character who is all the more enjoyable now he has a sidekick in Virginsky who is young and eager to learn. His status as teacher as well as magistrate gives us wonderful insight into why he does the job he obviously both loves and loathes. Once again I am sure Dostoevsky would be proud of how his legacy has been given a new lease of life. The story itself, as before, drew me in immediately and then twisted and turned its way to a conclusion wholly satisfying and surprising at the same time. The characters were so caringly drawn that you found yourself sympathising with those you were prepared to hate and disliking those you thought you should be rooting for. The description of the squalor some of these characters lived in or ended up in were brutal in their portrayal but never over exaggerated or softened in any way. There is a third novel to come and again I am already waiting eagerly to read it.
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