Beautiful Remains

Overall Rating: 4/5 stars

Book Review: Beautiful Remains by Gwyn Bennett

Beautiful Remains, the second installment in the Dr. Harrison Lane series by Gwyn Bennett, is a captivating and thrilling mystery that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. With its strong writing, fast-paced narrative, and engaging plot, this book surpasses its predecessor and leaves readers eagerly awaiting the next installment.

The story begins as Dr. Harrison Lane, Head of the Ritualistic Behavioural Crime Unit, is called to assist with a murder investigation in the desolate Wicken Fen. The victim, Paul Lester, is a local jockey whose body is found with curved iron horseshoes holding him down and birch leaves delicately placed upon his torso. As Harrison examines the scene, he discovers a magical talisman hanging around Paul's neck, believed to possess great powers but also associated with an ancient sect with supposed ties to the devil.

Determined to uncover the truth behind Paul's murder, Harrison delves deeper into the case. He finds a thick white envelope in Paul's home containing horsehair and cryptic directions to a meeting place. Realizing that Paul was a member of a secret society called The Horsemen, Harrison becomes concerned for the safety of other members. However, his worries fall on deaf ears as the detective in charge of the case fails to take him seriously.

As the body count rises, Harrison's worst fears are confirmed. To stop this killer, he must infiltrate The Horsemen and unravel their secrets before more lives are lost. With time running out, Harrison faces a race against both the killer and his own doubts as he struggles to uncover the truth.

Bennett's writing style is captivating and immersive, drawing readers into the world of Dr. Harrison Lane with vivid descriptions and meticulously crafted scenes. The narrative maintains a fast pace throughout, keeping readers hooked from start to finish. The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns, constantly keeping readers guessing and eager to unravel the mystery alongside Harrison.

One notable aspect of Beautiful Remains is the author's skill in developing relationships between characters. The romance between Harrison and Tonya is not dragged out unnecessarily, allowing the focus to remain on the investigation. Additionally, the friendship between Harrison and Jack shows great potential for future partnerships and adds depth to the story.

My only disappointment lies in the fact that only the first two books in the series were available for review. This series has proven to be highly enjoyable, and readers will undoubtedly be left craving more after finishing Beautiful Remains.

In conclusion, Beautiful Remains by Gwyn Bennett is an enthralling mystery that surpasses its predecessor in both writing quality and plot development. With its engaging storyline, well-crafted characters, and skillful execution, this book is sure to appeal to fans of the genre. Readers will eagerly anticipate the next installment in the Dr. Harrison Lane series.

ARC Via NetGalley