When Half Spent Was the Night (A Mick Chandra Mystery) - Rebecca Yount

Browsing in a boutique in Camden Market is the last place Erika Livoni expected her sister Katarina to disappear, but that's exactly what occurred.

Frightened and panicked she calls the police. What has happened to her? They were in the UK from Estonia with high hopes of making a new life in London. What if the worst has taken place? How can she face their mother?

In steps Detective Chief Inspector Mick Chandra. With a reputation for closing the toughest of cases, along with his trusted partner, Inspector Elizabeth Chang, they are seconded to the Clubs and Vice Division. Unfortunately, that means working with Matt Miles - someone neither of them like. However, with a young woman's life on the stake, differences be damned.

As the task force of the three top guns in their field begin their investigations, they uncover that it's not just the Albanians that have SoHo under their claim but there may be links to the Russian mafia. Yet what's even more frightening is a possible link to the Home Office. But this piece of information came from a reluctant witness. Can the police trust the word of a woman who has been enslaved? Will they be able to find Katarina before she's no longer of any use (as a sex-slave)?

Perhaps due to it's seedier side of crime, I didn't immediately take to the subject matter of the story. It made me uncomfortable to think of women being sex-slaves, being tortured by their 'pimps'. But it's an unfortunate reality. However, Yount's novel, whilst harrowing a subject matter, brings in touches of light-heartedness making it a palatable read.

New readers will immediately like the chief inspector, his wife and all his friends and colleagues. Those familiar with the Yard's duo will find another thrilling, if disturbing, story. A highly recommended read.

Read my other reviews...Death In C Minor, The Erlking, The Ravenhoe Cauldron,The Oracle of Baal plus an interview with the author and her main character Mick Chandra.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.

Five Question Interview - Rebecca Yount & Mick Chandra

Hailing from a literary family, Rebecca Yount could say writing is in her blood. Having studied music, worked on a 'Washington career' and had 'a bad marriage, divorce then a good marriage', she found that her love of writing became a reality after taking early retirement.

Her skill at creating mystery, suspense, horror, humor and real characters are seen in her four outstanding books - 'Death in C Minor', 'The Erkling', 'The Ravenhoe Cauldron' and her latest novel 'The Oracle of Baal'. With little doubt, her main character Detective Inspector Mick Chandra is an affable individual who takes his home life just as seriously as his work. Commitment to ridding the world of crime is no easy feat, Chandra makes it seem effortless. And this ease is gained only through the artistry of Yount's writing.

The Interviews

Rebecca...

Author: Rebecca Yount

l.  Who are your top five favorite characters in novels/books? 1. Jane Eyre. 2. Nancy Drew. 3. Spencer (R. B. Parker’s PI) 4. Odysseus. 5. Phillip Marlowe.

2. Which authors (dead or alive) have inspired you?
Here is a partial list:  Jane Austen; Fanny Burney; Joan Didion; Robert B. Parker; Charles Dickens; Alex. Pushkin; Edna St. Vincent Millay; Rita Mae Brown.

3.  What motivates you to write the next book? 
The on-going adventure.

4. You’re hosting a literary dinner party – who would you invite (dead or alive) and why?
Jane Austen – For obvious reasons;
The Bronte Sisters – How did they manage to write those powerful stories stuck up there in N. England? Charles Dickens – But as hostess, I would warn him that he could not use the party as an opportunity to do a dramatic reading from one of his books. Rita Mae Brown – Because she seems like a lot of fun, and I love her writing. William. Shakespeare – Well, did you or did you not write all of those plays? Bruce Chatwin – How much time did you actually spend in Patagonia? Patrick Fermor – What was the best thing about walking from Holland to Turkey? Herman Melville – After the failure of MOBY DICK, what kept you writing? Fanny Burney—How do you feel about being considered the mother of the feminist movement? Harper Lee – Didn't you just want to smack your editor when she demanded so many rewrites of MOCKINGBIRD?

5. Looking back over your career, would you still become an author?

Yes, only sooner.

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Mick...

1. What do you like about being a detective?

This may sound like pure conceit on my part, but I like to think I’m “righting” the wrongs of the world.

2. How do you feel when people see your race rather than a skilled detective?
I've long since convinced myself it’s them, not me. Furthermore, I’m exceedingly proud of my Kerala heritage.

3. Do you have a favorite part of London?
By all means north London, where I live in Stoke Newington.  It’s not the most “posh” part of the city, but it’s a real community, multi-cultural, with wonderful international shopping.  You can walk up the High Street and hear a polyglot of languages being spoken. I love that, and so does my wife, Jess.
             
4. Now that you’re married & have a young family, would you consider giving up your career and being a stay-at-home dad?
I might consider cutting back a bit, but I could never give up my work.  Again, at the expense of sounding too grand, I like to think I’m making the world a safer place for my wife and daughter. Also, I confess I’m somewhat hooked on the adrenalin rush of police work.

5. Of all the investigations, which affected you the most?
I would have to say The Erlking case, in which we broke up a notorious pedophile ring in north London. The morning I saw eight-year-old Josie Stephens’ corpse pulled out of the Grand Union canal, I vowed to bring down her abusers and murderers.  The mantra for that investigation became, “For Josie’s sake.”

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GIVEAWAY

Rebecca has kindly offered three readers of my blog to receive a digital copy of her latest novel - The Oracle of Baal.

Leave a comment or question on this post by October 15 8pm EST to be entered into a drawing to win this book. One person will be chosen randomly using Random.org. Please make sure to leave an e-mail address with your comment. Thank you and Good Luck!

Five Question Interview

Coming Soon...

Five Question Interviews

Author and their main character are interviewed in just five short questions.

The answers are revealing, smart and always insightful.

The first in the series will be with Rebecca Yount and the charming, handsome Detective Inspector Mick Chandra.

To whet your appetite, take a look at my reviews on the excellent series: 

Death in C Minor; 

The Erkling; The Ravenhoe Cauldron and The Oracle of Baal

A giveaway will be part of this first interview too!

The Oracle of Baal (A Mick Chandra Mystery) - Rebecca Yount

When a prominent stage actress is found dead having apparently committed suicide and having just won a prestigious award, there's only one team that can solve the puzzle.

Detective Inspector Mick Chandra and his partner Elizabeth Chang are the ones to call upon to solve the unsolvable cases. But this time around the case is throwing out a lot of bodies, questions and no answers. How can the suicide of an actress be connected to that of a headmaster in York?

When two more suicides are noted, Chandra spots a similarity. One which is quite odd and out of character - a hat neatly left on a hassock. The people who have died have all been seemingly happy (that is until their untimely death) but another strange fact comes to light. They all talked of enlightenment, the after-life. Could it be they were all part of cult?

After meeting one Dr. Solomon Deal, a revered scholar on the topic of cults, Mick learns so much more and realizes that he has to tread carefully. Upon learning of a young woman that escaped the so called Oracle of Baal, Mick travels to York to visit the emotionally traumatized young girl and discovers a cult that is truly disturbing.

How high up does this cult extend? What are they doing with the significant amounts of money that they have received? With the enigmatic leader Madame Love proclaiming the organization as a self-help group, the inspector will have to call upon the help of his friend Jamie. By infiltrating the suspected cult, can Mick bring the brainwashing to an end and justice for the families left behind?

This is the best Mick Chandra mystery so far. With a captivating subject matter and written so well, it's an absorbing, can't put it down read. Further details are discovered on the main characters adding new dimensions to already rounded figures. Yount's eloquence with handling a fairly sensitive topic is intelligent without glamorizing other well known cults. She manages to give facts and theories without digressing from the plot - a plot that is unpredictable, tense and exciting.  A highly recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.

The Ravenhoe Cauldron (Mick Chandra Mysteries) - Rebecca Yount

Ancient Celtic antiquities isn't Detective Inspector Mick Chandra's area of expertise. As the Force's go-to man to solve the unsolvable cases, he's thinking twice when a naked body is found dead at the bottom of an excavation hole. What is its link to a golden cauldron recently stolen from Colchester Museum?

With trusted colleague, Elizabeth Chung in tow, Chandra calls in the help of Detective Todd Bertram - an expert in the field of stolen and forgery antiquities. Together they begin to unravel the mystery of the cauldron. Their investigation leads to Celtic rituals, murders and international intrigue as well as a sinister plot that puts Chandra's life, and those around him, in danger.

What is the legend behind the golden artifact? Is the dead man found really dead? And what secrets lie within the close knit circle of people who pay homage to Celtic relics?

The third mystery begins with a happy domestic scene and then very quickly fades into another engaging and thrilling journey for the likable Detective Inspector. The handsome, intelligent police officer quickly makes connections but when the answers to his questions/investigation leads to Interpol, things slow down and then become dangerous. He's getting close to infiltrating and breaking down the circle of enthusiasts who are not above killing for their passion.

Another great outing in this series. Yount's portrayal of the British officer is believable and engaging. The author pays attention to the details such as the food eaten and clothes worn so there's little effort needed to imagine the scene just as she wants the reader to see it. The mystery/plot has lots of twists and turns along the way and the international aspect of the case adds a great edge. I particularly liked that I found out more about Elizabeth who I was never wholly taken with, but certainly grew on me this time around. Overall, it's an eloquent, well thought out story. A highly recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.

The Erlking (Mick Chandra Mysteries) - Rebecca Yount

With a dead eight years old girl dragged from a North London canal, Mick Chandra looks at the scantily clad young victim and makes a promise to her mother - that he will catch 'them', 'for Josie's sake'.

Seconded to the Pedophile Unit under the direction of Detective Chief Inspector Kip Brodie, Mick and his sergeant, Elizabeth Chang, join a seasoned team that have dealt with the most awful crime - child abuse and child pornography. Their current task is to find four missing children, break apart the pedophile ring that is praying on young victims and especially the head of the group who calls himself The Erlking. With one victim dead, time is running out.

With calculated patience, pedophiles have a range of people on hand to help obtain their victims. With this piece of information, Mick starts to probe more deeply into the seemingly unconnected murder of an Member of Parliament's wife. The MP was accused of molesting a young girl yet no charges were made. But with dogged determination, the pedophile unit along with Mick's tenacity and skill at breaking cases, the team delve further into the seedy world of pedophilia.

When threats are made to his beautiful musician girlfriend Jessica, to his home and his dog, Mick knows he's being warned to stay away from the case. But as loyal as those around the accused are, so are Mick's friends and colleagues. Will they be able to save the last three victims? Can the seasoned group of police officers bring to justice those who delight in the young and make them pay for their sordid crimes?

With a chilling opening, Yount's mystery packs a punch and keeps delivering. In the second installment of the Mick Chandra mysteries, the charming and handsome detective is seen in a more homely light. His relationship with Jessica Beaumont, started in Yount's first novel (A Death in C Minor), has blossomed into a nurturing, strong and supportive partnership. With such a trying case embarked upon, Mick needs this love but when it comes under fire (quite literally) he leaps into full time protective mode. With more questions being raised than answered, Mick seeks the guidance of and listens to Kip. The senior detective reminds Mick that slow and steady is sometimes the best way to get results when it comes to a case like this. With surprising twists and turns, the dramatic and tense ending creates a enthralling story.

Yount's characterization is detailed yet still allows the reader to imagine the scenes. The author has handled a difficult and often disturbing subject matter with sensitivity without losing any of the dramatic impact to the story. The authors language is eloquent and her use of colloquial expressions add a touch of realism to this British based thriller.

Another brilliant, well thought out and intelligent mystery. The handsome Anglo-Indian detective is just as charming and even more likable as his is stunning partner, Jessica. Old friends are met again and despite it being the second book in the series, this is still a stand alone mystery. My one grumble, and a very small one at that, is that it's obvious an American is writing about an English character as there were unnecessary explanations of phrases and other things - but being British I would notice them, so whilst they mildly distracted me, I doubt others would be bothered by them.

Overall, this story is a real page tuner and I thoroughly enjoyed the book. With the inclusion of the first chapter from the next installment of the series, I am very much looking forward to meeting up with the charismatic Mick Chandra once again. A highly recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique. 

A Death in C Minor (Mick Chandra Mysteries) - Rebecca Yount

Renowned pianist, Jessica Beaumont couldn't take it anymore - her son was killed in a hit and run accident, her husband left her for his secretary and her suicide failed. Needing to leave it all behind, she heads to rural England - Kenwick, Essex - a sleepy village where she can potter around and nurse her wounds. Or so she thinks.

Jessica (Jess) soon makes friends with some of the villagers, namely the 'fish and chips' gang. A mixed bunch but all have money, some more than others. They enjoy walks and meet once a week for their fish and chip supper. But the murder of one Peter Chandler still haunts them. Jess, egged on by her friend Gwen, asks the question - 'what can you tell me of Peter Chandler's murder?' -  an uncomfortable silence hits the table and Pandora's box is opened.

Detective Inspector Mick Chandra and his assistant Elizabeth Chang are responsible for the cold cases for Scotland Yard. Chandra was initially on the Chandler case but could only take ownership of it once the case was put on the back burner. His reputation in Kenwick is infamous and the villagers do not take kindly to his invasion again. Staying in the same rambling country house as Jess, they both try to ignore the attraction but fail. The investigation heats up with a car bomb exploding, a gay informant sleeping with a woman to illicit information, fraud, attempted rape...Kenwick is anything but a quiet village. Will Mick find out who killed Peter? Is it all linked to the Chechnya mafia? And is Jess really the woman for him?

Yount's mystery is a fascinating web of deceit that takes its time to unravel. The main characters - Mick and Jess are vibrant and their relationship is honest, sweet and not wholly romantic. They've both been scared by a failing marriage so are cautious. Mick's detecting skills are marred with underlying racist remarks but it makes him all the more resilient and determined to show his narrow minded colleagues he's good. Jess has her own demons to work through, ones that eventually lead her to resuming her career as the accomplished pianist that she is.

The author has created a story that will lead the reader in several directions with a number of suspects. Her descriptions and overall language used is eloquent and suits the upper middle class setting. Although some English expressions (like 'crikey') are a little twee it doesn't detract from the plot. Akin to Midsomer Murders (a long running UK TV crime show based in an English county), I found this a well written and honest narrative, if perhaps a little too detailed in some parts - recipes, songs sung - but again it adds to the building drama as well as some light relief. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and look forward to adding the Mick Chandra mysteries to my collection of favored crime books. A recommended read.  

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.