A Field of Darkness has many aspects that make it a compelling read. The
use of language is refreshing. The mystery is an intriguing one, worthy of
investigation, and the process of discovery is impeded by obstacles, ensuring
the answers do not come easily to an inexperienced journalist.
Author Cornelia Read has a way of wording things that is sharp and distinctive.
With a few deft phrases she can paint a clear picture of the scene, the person,
the politics at play. Beyond the cold case that protagonist Madeline Dare has
been drawn into – a case that’s solution may lead back to her family – there
is the journey Madeline is on, to reconcile her present circumstances with her
disjointed past. She is so aptly introduced in the first lines of chapter 1. “There
are people who can be happy anywhere. I am not one of them.” Madeline Dare
is a complex character that doesn’t have the usual crime protagonist’s
foibles, but her struggles resonate with authenticity and it is easy to relate
to this well-bred young woman finding herself on the edge of nowhere, struggling
to keep the wanderlust spirit at bay as she wrestles with her discontentment
during her husband’s long absences.
I was on the third page of A Field of Darkness when I had a writer-moment.
After grabbing a pen and a notebook to jot down all the verbs and phrases that
are
unique to Cornelia’s style, I resumed reading. It’s a writer-thing
that, no matter whose book I’m reading, I always think about doing. Sometimes,
I actually manage to take notes but if the book is incredible, I have to read
it again – I just can’t put it down even for a second.
By page four the pen and paper were forgotten as I was swept into Madeline
Dare’s
journey and I’m not complaining. I didn’t need an excuse to re-read
this exceptional debut.
Be sure to read Sandra's in-depth two part interview with Cornelia Read
in Spring 2006 and Summer 2006 issues of SPINETINGLER Magazine.
ABOUT THE REVIEWER
Sandra Ruttan has just signed a deal for the release of her first
novel, Suspicious Circumstances, in November 2006. A regular
contributor to Spinetingler Magazine, her work can also be found in
the May/June and July/August issues of Crimespree
Magazine. For more information about Sandra visit her website
at www.sandraruttan.com |
