The blurb promised me a connection between Jack the Ripper and the new 2010 serial killer who roamed the streets of Seville, Spain, each belonging to the powerful organization of the Freemasons.
My first book by Sharlene Almond, the story had me delving into the pages to get to the good parts of this mystery which seemed haunting with women disappearing and the cops receiving their heart in a box with the number 6 carved on them. The book had the right amount of gruesomeness that I liked without going overboard in its graphics.
Written central to the plot was Annabella, a deaf woman who was talented in reading micro expressions, she sure did help the cops. And she seemed to have seen the head honcho of the Free Masons. I loved her interaction with cop Valero… I could detect a slight hint of sexual tension between them, and that made me long for more scenes between them.. But alas..
The plot itself was gripping, I was left grappling with the Guess Who aspect of the story. It had its enticing moments with some chapters going into the year 1888 with Jack the Ripper’s POV.
But the entire delivery of the book failed, it had so many timelines, without the headings, so many POVs without a title, and Annabella’s story going into first person, including her childhood memories without telling us the identity of the child crying for mummy… I came to know much later… It was most frustrating… I came very close to DNFing it. Annabella who was the most interesting of them all, had hardly any role, that disappointed me..
Only the idea and symbolism of the Freemasons and the need to unveil the identity of the abuser made me read the entire story. So those were enjoyable and my rating was only for those parts.
I received a digital copy from the author, and this is my journey into its pages, straight from the heart.
I have a diploma in Body Language and Criminology, enabling me to explicitly portray my main character. Living in Auckland, New Zealand with my two dogs and partner, I enjoy watching documentaries about history and conspiracy theories, giving me ideas for my next books. At 30 years old, I have a diploma in Cognitive Behavioural therapy, Freelance Journalism, and Editing and proofreading; giving me the ability to better understand the human mind, writing about it in a comprehensive manner.
I have also started up two additional websites: Body, Mind and Health services – https://bodymindandhealthservices.wordpress.com.
And Animal Health and Welfare Services: https:animalhealthandwelfareservices.wordpress.com/home/
Both websites are based around my qualifications in Counselling, Personal training, human and animal nutrition, Animal behaviour and Natural therapies.
Two men from two different generations, both initiated into a powerful organization that throughout history has sought control and uses their power for destruction. They leave behind a wake of murder, manipulation and ancient secrets. The first man wreaks havoc in and around the Whitechapel district of London, England in the 19th century. While the other stalks his victims in the cosmopolitan city of Seville, Spain in the 21st century; knowing that only he could uncover the true motives of one of the world’s most infamous serial killers—Jack the Ripper.
Publication date : 1st January 2015
Publisher : Whiskey Creek Press
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Initiated-Kill-Sharlene-Almond-ebook/dp/B00RF0SGDQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1421873962&sr=8-1&keywords=initiated+to+kill+by+sharlene+almond
Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/initiated-to-kill-sharlene-almond/1113538435?ean=9781681460987
15 Responses
Sounds disjointed, I have to say, this would be a frustrating read.
Oh yes it was…. I liked the mystery, the rest not so much… I got pretty confused in all time lines, the chapters were not well formatted, so I got a headache at the end
I get frustrated when that is the case. Typically I DNF a book like that. However, I try to give some a chance. They don’t usually get better.
You are absolutely right… I thought of DNF. But I wanted to know the identity of the serial killer
Hmmm. The first half of your review made me want to check the book out, but the second half, not so much…better luck with the next one. 🙂 Hope you are having a great weekend!
I had a wonderful time with Logan.. In the past 2 days.. Hint hint wink wink😉😉😘😘
It looks like it had promise but missed the mark and fell short
It was good in parts… 😕
Oh, well I’m happy to help. 🙂 I’ll admit I was getting a little worried. I hope you are getting caught up on your lost sleep. 🙂
Yp I am sleeping well… Logan & Nishi were good…
Oh gosh that Jack the Ripper, Spain and Freemasons combo seemed so cool.
Agreed… I loved the whole concept but the timelines the years from 1888 to 2010 were so haphazard, and connections so subtle that it gave me a massive headache…
😞
From the title of book, followed by the blurb , and biographical ingredients of author , the novel sounds as a proper for a relishing read. Authors impressive fit for the job is to be commended.
Thank you… ❤️