H.L. Leroy's "Remember the Dead"

Title: Not Your Typical Bottle of Jack

“Remember the Dead” by H.L. Leroy

Reviewed by B. Smart

10/29/15

7:58 p.m.

Have you ever wanted to get inside the head of a famous detective? Well you’ll get the chance to if you pick up H.L. Leroy’s novella Remember the Dead, a mystery thriller that takes place in the world of author J.A. Konrath. The story follows Lieutenant Jacqueline “Jack” Daniels and Jillian Varela, a private investigator from California, who work together to catch a sadistic serial killer known only as the “Parkside Strangler.” With her job on the line and Chicago politicians breathing down her neck, Jack races against time to solve the case before it’s too late.

Author H.L. Leroy weaves together an incredibly entertaining cast of characters together to tell a riveting story about drugs, sex, and murder. His witty dialogue, unforgettable scenes, and fascinating plot twists make it impossible to put the story down and leave you hungry for more. At times piece is outrageously funny, disarmingly clever, and yet deadly serious which is how it’s able to grip the reader’s attention and not let go. Featuring a strong female protagonist with enough sass to blow up the city, this novella has the reader hanging on Jack’s every word and rooting for her until the very end.

Remember the Dead is heavily cliché at times, but still enjoyable because of the snappy storyline. From time to time it is difficult to read because, although it’s intended for a mature audience, it reads like a YA fiction due to its simple, concise writing. Moreover, the reader is often told what is happening instead of shown the scene through detailed imagery. Additionally, the characters come off as caricatures which is why some of their mannerisms come off as unbelievable at times.

However, this novella is still a fun and intriguing read.

I give “Remember the Dead” 3 out of 5 stars.

Cheers,

B. Smart