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
