Morris, R.N.

Book number three (after The Mannequin House) has Quinn dipping into psychoanalysis to help solve his case. While the story line is fascinating, Morris's tendency to jump around comes off as choppy, and leaves a few too many loose ends to satisfy.

This homage to Edgar Allan Poe lacks some of the verve and tension that Morris's debut, Summon Up the Blood, exhibited, but shows real flair for exposing the shady side of society. Quinn's tortured psyche adds depth to the historical, but let's hope he gains more confidence for the next entry. With its psychological bent, readers who liked Erik Larson's The Devil in the White City could appreciate this.

Changing centuries and locale, historical mystery author Morris (A Vengeful Longing) introduces a new protagonist with Silas Quinn. He may lack for scientific gadgets, but this sleuth excels at intuition and picking up on people's emotions. His passion for justice makes for an engrossing and disquieting Sherlockian entry. [See Prepub Alert, 4/2/12.]