A Life Eternal

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Starting in the battlefields of the Somme, to the prohibition era in New York, travelling across European capitals as the century's events play out, from Dunkirk to D Day, through to the present day. This is one of the few books I’ve ever read that I want others to read, so I can discuss it with them. This is a sequel to Sam's first appearence in 'South by South West Wales' (I love these titles), which I read a while ago.

Deakin has a feeling of cynicism and a bleak view of humanity that pervades throughout the century, which is understandable, but it means he spends a lot of time in solitude, and he isn’t a strong enough character to carry the book. Before reading it, the idea of living forever, not growing old and not having to think about the inconvenience of dying seemed like it would be a perfect existence. Richard Ayre's spin on immortality is fresh, compelling and made me re-think my whole theory on everlasting life. Rob comes off as mechanical and emotionless even before he is changed by his mysterious interaction with The Medic.The author grounded the book with significant historical events planted throughout as recognisable milestones that acted as both anchors and showing the passing of time. Actually, the first chapter is quite good, and there were several beautiful sentences I highlighted, which perhaps raised my expectations too high. Somewhat inevitably given the premise, the other characters were a little thin and it was more scenario driven than plot driven but an enjoyable easy read.

I'd recommend it to any reader who enjoys gritty historical crime fiction - this is no cosy and refined parlour mystery - and/or has an interest in the early history of modern crime investigation. And living a simple life, pursuing a creative means of sustenance (carving wooden models and toys) leads to an encounter which will take your breath away as well as move you to tears.As the story progressed, I quickly felt empathy to the main character Rob Deakin and by the end I was there with him, living the struggles as he comes to term with his plight. A race that will take them from the murky world of the East End to the even more shady world of the Victorian upper classes. The quest to find out how this eternal life came about ran along side chapters of his life, the sort we all have, the places we live ad the relationships we’re in, yet we know, with some certainty that it’s going to end at some point. Shadow of the Knife might be described as Jack the Ripper "spin-off" fiction, in that it's set in the East End of London a couple of years after the notorious real-life murders, references the details of those crimes and theories around the killer's identity, but maintains a primary narrative thread that is entirely fictional. We see the USA and most of Europe at various times and it is a nice little introduction for readers who might want to delve further into our world history.

Although it is set after the Ripper murders there are some mentions of the victims along with a cameo appearance of Inspector Abberline. All in all, Sam has his hands full, but, being the man he is, he isn't going to stop until he's won the day. One who whisks me away from my everyday life into the pages of his books to be thoroughly entertained. An interesting book that carries off the atmosphere and investigations that may have taken place at the time.Almost immediately, their investigation is stymied, both by political interference high in the Metropolitan Police hierarchy and by the purloining of the dead woman's remains before they can be fully examined. The wonderful sequel to Haven Wakes takes us once more into the magical, futuristic world of Steve Haven. While the subject matter was sometimes confronting, I found Shadow of the Knife an enjoyable and engrossing read. It reminded me of "Interview with the Vampire" by Anne Rice, in its style, but Rob’s unburdening of self is less story and more ‘police report”. This is not just another trite tale or formulaic adventure; it has clearly been written by someone with a particular story they want to tell, and Richard Ayre’s passion to tell it well is evident throughout.

Rob Deakin is a compelling and likeable central character, and I found myself constantly pondering what I might do in his situation.

It culminates by bringing us up to date to London in the Covid-19 era with one of the most heart-breaking and moving sections I have ever come across in fiction. The difference is though, although Sam lives in modern Cardiff, he dresses and talks (and fights) In Any which way but South Wales, we are re-introduced to Samson Valentine; a modern day Sam Spade with a bit of Mike Hammer thrown in for good measure. Coming from the other end of the country I have no idea what the south west is like (apart from a few holidays in the general area), but Kruse has created a sense of time and place brilliantly. This book takes us on a much more action-orientated adventure than the first novel (not that the original lacked this element) and throws Steve further out of the world of the 'workadays' and into the magical realm he has, to an extent, become used to after his previous outing.