felt like it was layered and well written but was somehow disappointed in the "solution" ( )

A WWI/Post WWI novel about Captain Emmett, who returned home shell-shocked in 1918. His family thought it best if he get treated at a sanitorium for awhile. Sadly, while there, he committed suicide. There is a mystery surrounding his suicide and an old friend is called by the family to see if he can find out the particulars. This is where we learn about the trenches, firing squads, and the rapes of innocent French women. Quite frankly, there were too many things going on in this book that it was difficult to focus. By many things I mean a LOT of conversations. It was a slow-paced book and the ending was a bit of a let-down. I really can't recommend. I listened to this on audio, 14 hours 13 minutes-437 pages. ( )

Well written and researched novel about the execution of British deserters, shell shock and the war poets of the Great War. The novel is written from the perspective (in third person) of Laurence, who lost his wife and son during the war (in childbirth), and is requested by Mary (the purported sister of John Emmett) to enquire about the mysterious circumstances surrounding captain John Emmett’s suicide, three years after returning from the war. Laurence knew John at school as a classmate, whose family received him at their home during recess, since Laurence had lost both his parents early in life. The subsequent investigation by Laurence and his army mate Charles (who proves to be a true fount of knowledge) slowly uncovers the story behind Emmett, who ran an unofficial journal publishing war poetry and was unfortunate enough to preside over the (botched) execution of one of three British army officers who got shot at dawn for desertion.

The investigation allows Speller to explore the phenomenon of shell-shock, cruel treatment of PTSS in asylums across England, and the phenomenon of executing ‘cowards’ affected by this. She also weaves in a cast of dubious characters that exploited their hedonistic tendencies in circumstances of war (including raping innocent, underage French girls; killing for pleasure; smuggling stolen goods; emotionally blackmailing innocent men, etc). In the end the novel boils down to a hit list of men, who get killed for knowing/witnessing the botched execution supervised by Captain Emmett, creating suspense, and a romance between Laurence and Mary that creates amorous tension right through until the end.

While it is a crafty novel I found some of the key characters a bit too savvy (in an unlikely manner, like Charles always providing key info and being there when you need him) and the layers added to the plot make it a bit overbearing (a tendency many writers suffer from). Speller likes a good detective story and I suspect she will write many more. ( )

Should be nearer 4 stars - so frustrating only having 5 stars to choose from..... Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Very well written. Complicated but the author did such a good job of steering me through the complications I didn't need to do a flow chart as I do with many books. Took a long time wrapping up the story and at the time I thought too long - but a day later I'm not feeling in such a rush! Is she planning a sequel? I got quite excited at the description of Birmingham university clock tower where I was for the first time a week ago myself! And the poetry struck a chord too. ( )

Speller's exploration of the psyche of men involved with WWI really touched a chord. Her insights blew me away. Life in the trenches, military customs, shell shock, adapting to 'normal' life: all profoundly depicted. I've been reflecting on not only the book but the historical realities even after turning the final page, which for me is the mark of a great book! ( )