Kairen Cullen is an experienced doctor of Educational Psychology who now writes full-time. She has a blog http//:psychologistthinkingaloud, which is inspired by her work as a professional psychologist, work with the media and her personal experience. She has had many articles and two books published, which are aimed at a general audience on child psychology, children’s development and parenting. She has also started to write fiction, which draws upon psychology and is focused on crime, relationships and contemporary life.
This debut is an excellent mystery novel that blends all the ingredients needed to create an evocative and thought provoking gothic thriller. But first a tip, it requires the reader to ensure all doors and windows are secured before its spine is cracked, for it has a sense of dread that builds into terror.
The narrative details the life of the renowned Thomas Bexley, one of the first forensic photographers. He has a remarkable talent that results in him becoming commissioned as a special inspector for the Metropolitan Police.
Set at the turn of the century in 1904; Bexley is called to a remote village in South Wales to investigate the horrific murder and mutilation of a young girl, Bethan Tilley. From his basic accommodation at the local inn, he conducts his enquiry into the savage crime. He is hampered from the outset by a conspiracy of silence and hostility shared by villagers, local dignitaries and constabulary alike.
The details of the murder and the actions taken immediately after the crime raise Bexley’s suspicions, as does the commonly held (and all too convenient) belief that horrific murder was conducted by gypsies.
In his search for evidence Bexley battles both a strange illness and paranormal forces, which conspire to threaten his life, but he persists with his mission.
The characterisation, structure and plot are robust. Sam Hurcom’s writing transports the reader vividly into the ghastly situation in which Bexley finds himself in. The plot though convoluted, is crafted with care, so that the crime and subsequent investigation becomes multi-layered.
This debut novel is both an entertaining and surprisingly chilling story. It is also prescient with the themes of its residents all having a ‘small town mentality’ that is riddled with a prejudice of outsiders and a belief in superstition.
My one criticism is that Thomas Bexley’s ordeals would surely have finished most men off but if you suspend judgement, which you must do with stories of this kind, they are, nevertheless, completely in keeping with the story.
Bravo Mr Hurcom, a welcome addition to the historical mystery genre.
