The Malice of Angels - The Esme Quentin Mysteries 3
Formats: E-Book, Audio, Paperback
Ages: 12-15, 18+
THE DEEPEST SHADOWS HIDE THE DARKEST TRUTH
Esme Quentin is reminded of a painful past when Max Rainsford,a journalist colleague of her late husband Tim, turns up unannounced asking about a story Tim reported on thirty-five years ago – the murder of an old soldier. Esme, wary of Max’s motives, declines to get involved.
Meanwhile, Esme’s friend Ruth, prompted by WWII anniversaries, wants to solve the mystery of Vivienne, her mother Bea’s sister, a wartime nurse who never came home. Despite Bea’s disapproval, Ruth is convinced the truth will finally help Bea come to terms with her loss and asks Esme to investigate.
Esme unpicks the threads of Vivienne’s past and stumbles upon a disturbing connection, linking the old soldier’s murder to her own distressing past and her late husband’s fate. As events unravel, Esme realises that to uncover the secrets behind Vivienne’s story, she must also confront the terrifying truth behind her own.
Reviews
Another wonderfully written book and plot which does not disappoint. The series goes from strength to strength this time involving an intricate plot set against the backdrop of WW2. We also delve deeper into Esme's own past as she becomes emotionally involved herself as the plot twist involves her own late husband and the mystery surrounding his death. A slower burner than the previous books, this plot builds and builds and the plot twists are so cleverly worked that it keeps you second guessing literally right up until the end. I have read many crime function novels over the years and these books are up there with the best in the business. I really can't give any higher recommendation than that. They can all be read as a stand-alone books, but treat yourself and read the series from start to finish. A gripping read and another book that you just can't put down
We meet Esme Quentin, at the beginning of this third mystery, packing up to move to the Devon coast where she has friends and fond memories.... Like the earlier stories in this series, there is a complicated but logical plot and fascinating information about past times, in this case undercover work during the second world war. Esme’s bravery and calm approach, make for a thrilling story which appeal to all readers, not just those interested in family history. It is good to finally discover the traumatic event which caused Esme’s face to be scarred and reinforces the quality of this compulsive series of books.
This is Esme Quentin's third full-length outing, and yet again Wendy Percival has kept me up all night as I couldn't stop reading! Wendy draws on real WW2 history to bring us new characters who all have secrets from the past which they would rather keep under wraps. But they are up against Esme and her friends, who are equally determined to get to the truth - even if the truth might not "heal a wounded soul". One of the wounded souls here belongs to Esme, who must confront a tragedy from her own past as she endeavours to collate all the clues, sort fact from fiction, and distinguish villain from victim. Gradually, seemingly disparate threads are woven together into a fiendishly complex web of intrigue, the like of which Esme Quentin's fans will by now be familiar.
