Terribilis

by Carol Weekes

Witty, charming, handsome and a skilled conversationalist, Alison Mornay’s ex‑husband is also a biology prof at Ottawa U. His specialty is a rare breed of frog found primarily on the east coast of Colombia. His colleagues and students love him; one of them even married him. But when a string of apparent heroin overdoses leads to the death of a very odd assortment of people – including Lee‑Ann Boudreaux, a human resources specialist at the university, and two Byward Market prostitutes – one male, one female – Detective Constables Morrow and Crowther start looking a little more deeply into Dr. Gerry Scott’s field of study, and the Ottawa U biology lab.

Other than cause of death, there doesn’t seem to be any connection between the victims, which makes Morrow and Crowther think they’re dealing with a serial killer who’s both highly intelligent and absolutely ruthless. But will they be able to cover the distance between Eastern Ontario and Muskoka fast enough to prevent a fourth murder? And will they get enough evidence to arrest their serial killer before he outwits them yet again?

Mystery, thriller, and medical drama, Terribilis is an uncomfortable journey into a 21st century heart of darkness.

336 pages, Paperback

First published June 24, 2011

About the author

Writer of primarily dark fiction in the horror, dark fantasy, science-fiction and crime genres, as well as screenplays. Published first in 1995 and since then has released three novels: 'Walter's Crossing' in 2007 through NSP Books, 'Ouroboros' (co-written with Michael Kelly) in 2009 and first published as a hardcover through Bloodletting Press, then as a softcover in 2010 through Dark Regions Press.

Reviews

[Barth Siemens · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first half of Terribilis feels disjointed; it could have used more revision or editorial effort to make it more readable. I pushed through confused timelines, poor grammar and incorrect word usage so that I could review the full book. (Otherwise, I might have put it down and moved on.) Additionally, the inclusion of course and sexually aggressive language where it didn't seem to fit the context - possibly to ramp up the suspense - irked me. During the latter half of the book, I was able to engage enough to follow the thrill of the hunt. The plot was creatively arranged to bring about a believable and satisfying ending. If the reader is not put off by the inconsistencies, the book is a worthwhile read.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was certainly suspense in this Ottawa-set thriller. It wasn't long before we knew who the murderer was and could guess what was behind it but would he get away with it? His planning and forethought was so thorough and he had got access to so many aspects of his intended victim's life that there is no way that he wouldn't succeed and get away with it. Something about this book makes you feel that this might not be your average suspense story and you know that there is every possibility that he will succeed. It would be terrible, but that is what the title is and frog poison is deadly. I am so glad to know that the University of Ottawa does not have a faculty carrying out this kind of testing, even though others do. This was a fascinating book and I think I'll read it again.

[Riju Ganguly · Rating 1 out of 5]

Last year, when the blogs were aflame with debates concerning literary merit (or lack thereof) of "Fifty Shades of Grey", I had tried to make a set of stuff that should be used to define writing that is plain awful. As usual, like people relishing their morning tea while reading about grotesquery perpetrated by some weirdo on some other hapless person, I had never believed that something similar might happen to me. Well it has happened! Eventually, I got to read a book which is absolutely pathetic in terms of anything literary, apart from being a thoroughly rubbish mystery, filled with characters that are less livelier than mannequins, and sex-fantasies that were positively nauseating. NOT RECOMMENDED, unless you are a kinky reader with fetish for very-very painful reading!

[Randy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I managed to stick it out for about 40 pages before my frustration with the awful writing finally trumped whatever curiosity I had regarding the story. This author needs (and clearly did not find) a good editor with a ruthless red pencil. Is it possible that the text was just so badly (egregiously!) transcribed into digital form as to make this novel unreadable? If so, someone's head should role, and Carol Weekes should be allowed to wield the axe!

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. There were times where I found the storyline a bit disjointed and thought the sex fantasies the main characters were indulging in were not needed, but overall it was a very good read. It kept me interested all through the book and has left the storyline open for a sequel. I would read another book with these characters.