Book Review: Immortalised to Death by Lyn Squire
Immortalised to Death by debut author Lyn Squire is like a time machine that takes you back to Victorian England, a place filled with secrets and mysteries waiting to be unraveled. The story revolves around the puzzling death of the famous author Charles Dickens. While it was officially declared a heart attack, some believe he was poisoned with arsenic.
The book follows Dickens’s family, especially his sister-in-law Georgina Hogarth and his nephew Dunston Burnett, as they try to uncover the truth behind his death. What makes it even more interesting is the connection to Dickens’s last unfinished novel, The Mystery of Edwin Drood.
The author’s storytelling is vivid. He mixes actual historical facts with made-up elements to paint an authentic picture of Victorian England. He shows us both the gritty side of the city with its brothels and opium dens and the more sophisticated world of drawing rooms and private clubs. As you read, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to a place where gas lamps light the streets and horse-drawn carriages are the usual mode of transport.
The characters are diverse and likable. For example, Dunston Burnett, a simple bookkeeper, accidentally becomes a significant character involved in solving the case. He undergoes a transformation as he delves deeper into the mystery, evolving from a bit of a clumsy figure to a confident detective. You can’t help but root for him as he faces challenges and uncovers secrets.
However, what makes Immortalised to Death unique is its ability to blend a complex plot with the charm reminiscent of Dickens’s writing. The mystery unfolds with surprising twists and clever conversations between the characters. Each turn in the plot keeps you engaged, eager to discover the truth alongside Dunston and Georgina. Just when you think you’ve solved the puzzle, the author throws in new elements that keep the story fresh and unpredictable.
Thus, the writing style pays tribute to Charles Dickens himself. Lyn Squire uses descriptive language, wordplay, and rhythmic phrasing that matches the writing style of the bygone Victorian era. If you’ve read some of Charles Dicken’s works before, while reading Immortalized to Death, you will have a sense of deja vu. The humor and witty dialogue make it quite enjoyable to read.
Overall, Immortalised to Death is a beautiful debut novel, and a must-read for everyone who appreciates historical mysteries with a touch of Victorian charm, and classic literature. Lyn Squire’s storytelling pays tribute to Dickens while delivering an engaging and immersive narrative with an intriguing plot reminiscent of cases solved by characters from Agatha Christie’s novels.
Learn more about the author on his website.
