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Scotland Yard's Murder Squad #4
The Harvest Man
Scotland Yard’s Murder Squad—and Jack the Ripper—return, in the extraordinary new historical thriller from the bestselling author of The Yard and Red Rabbit.
In The Devil’s Workshop , London discovered that Jack the Ripper was back, sending the city—and Scotland Yard’s Murder Squad—into chaos. But now it is even worse. Not only is the Ripper still at large, but so is another killer just as bad.
For Inspector Walter Day, it has been a difficult time. His wife has given birth to twins, his hostile in-laws have come to stay, and a leg injury has kept him at his desk. But when the Harvest Man begins killing, carving people’s faces off their skulls, the Yard knows they need Day in the field.
Not so Sergeant Nevil Hammersmith. Rash actions have cost him his job, but that doesn’t stop his obsessive hunt for the Ripper. When the mutilated bodies of prostitutes start turning up again, Hammersmith enlists the help of a criminal network to stop Saucy Jack, his methods carrying him further and further from the ideals of the Yard, so far in fact that he may never be able to find his way back.
Of course, the Ripper’s been playing a game with him—with Walter Day, as well. He is pushing both of them to their limits, and what happens when they get there . . . no one can say.
In The Devil’s Workshop , London discovered that Jack the Ripper was back, sending the city—and Scotland Yard’s Murder Squad—into chaos. But now it is even worse. Not only is the Ripper still at large, but so is another killer just as bad.
For Inspector Walter Day, it has been a difficult time. His wife has given birth to twins, his hostile in-laws have come to stay, and a leg injury has kept him at his desk. But when the Harvest Man begins killing, carving people’s faces off their skulls, the Yard knows they need Day in the field.
Not so Sergeant Nevil Hammersmith. Rash actions have cost him his job, but that doesn’t stop his obsessive hunt for the Ripper. When the mutilated bodies of prostitutes start turning up again, Hammersmith enlists the help of a criminal network to stop Saucy Jack, his methods carrying him further and further from the ideals of the Yard, so far in fact that he may never be able to find his way back.
Of course, the Ripper’s been playing a game with him—with Walter Day, as well. He is pushing both of them to their limits, and what happens when they get there . . . no one can say.
416 pages, Paperback
First published May 19, 2015
122 people are currently reading
2779 people want to read
About the author
Alex Grecian
59 books1,622 followersGrecian is the author of several bestselling thrillers, including THE SAINT OF WOLVES AND BUTCHERS, and five novels featuring Scotland Yard's Murder Squad: THE YARD, THE BLACK COUNTRY, THE DEVIL'S WORKSHOP, THE HARVEST MAN, and LOST AND GONE FOREVER, plus the original Murder Squad ebook, THE BLUE GIRL.
He also created the six-volume graphic novel series PROOF, and the two-part graphic novel RASPUTIN.
He currently lives in the American Midwest with his wife and son. And a dog. And a tarantula.
He also created the six-volume graphic novel series PROOF, and the two-part graphic novel RASPUTIN.
He currently lives in the American Midwest with his wife and son. And a dog. And a tarantula.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 318 reviews
September 4, 2015
This story is not, I repeat, is not, for the faint of heart. There is very graphic violence and super intense situations that could cause sweating of the palms or cause you to have a few restless nights.
I do have one complaint, and I hate to bring it up, but…. There is not a tidy, all wrapped up neatly with a bow on top, ending. In fact, some may view it as borderline cliffhanger territory. Ordinarily, this would annoy me to the nth degree, and I was slightly irritated , but the author handles this very well, even though I know there will be a wait period before I can see how everything gets worked out, I was able to close the book with a definite sigh of relief.
Overall, this a solid historical crime thriller, well written, featuring finely drawn, complex characters, and a riveting plot. I recommend this book to those who enjoy dark, atmospheric thrillers, historical mysteries, or serial killer tropes.
This review is the copyrighted property of Night Owl Reviews. To read the review in full go to: https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Re...
I do have one complaint, and I hate to bring it up, but…. There is not a tidy, all wrapped up neatly with a bow on top, ending. In fact, some may view it as borderline cliffhanger territory. Ordinarily, this would annoy me to the nth degree, and I was slightly irritated , but the author handles this very well, even though I know there will be a wait period before I can see how everything gets worked out, I was able to close the book with a definite sigh of relief.
Overall, this a solid historical crime thriller, well written, featuring finely drawn, complex characters, and a riveting plot. I recommend this book to those who enjoy dark, atmospheric thrillers, historical mysteries, or serial killer tropes.
This review is the copyrighted property of Night Owl Reviews. To read the review in full go to: https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Re...
February 12, 2019
The Harvest Man by Alex Grecian the 4th installment in the Scotland Yard's Murder Squad series does not disappoint
Well written characters with a complex storyline – dark colourful London in the late 1800’s. Jack the Ripper – victims/ CSI techniques and much more.
A cliff hanger that will lead well into the pages of “Lost and Gone Forever”
I will read on and see what happens to the Murder Squad. Sergeant Nevil Hammersmith and Inspector Walter Day
If you enjoy dark London murder/mystery stories – do check this collection out
Well written characters with a complex storyline – dark colourful London in the late 1800’s. Jack the Ripper – victims/ CSI techniques and much more.
A cliff hanger that will lead well into the pages of “Lost and Gone Forever”
I will read on and see what happens to the Murder Squad. Sergeant Nevil Hammersmith and Inspector Walter Day
If you enjoy dark London murder/mystery stories – do check this collection out
May 19, 2015
After the explosive
Devil’s Workshop
I was quite excited to return to the adventures of Inspector Walter Day and his sidekick, Nevil Hammersmith. While I did enjoy The Harvest Man, it did not have the same suspenseful momentum as the previous book. That said, The Harvest Man ends on a high note, setting the stage perfectly for the next book in the series. I can only imagine that there will be many developments in this mystery series; it has gone in a direction I did not expect.
The Harvest Man picks up shortly after the events in The Devil’s Workshop. Day has returned to the job, but he’s on desk duty. Due to his reckless behaviour Nevil has been let go from the Yard, but he is determined to prove that Jack the Ripper is still at large and catch the man at any cost.
While Day is riding a desk, there’s another serial murderer at large: the Harvest Man. The Harvest Man enters a couple’s home, lies in wait, and then sets to work trying to unveil the “true” identity of his mother and father, only to be disappointed each time.
The murderer’s attempts to find his family are grotesque, graphic and creepy and because readers are given the Harvest Man’s perspective, you understand his motivations for murder. While understanding the motivations does not work to garner sympathy for the murderer, it does serve to make for the crimes to be understandable and all the more disturbing.
What is done very well in The Harvest Man, as well as the previous books in the series, is the human element to the murder. Not only do readers encounter rich primary characters with Day and Hammersmith, but they also get to see into the minds of the murderers and their victims. At times, it’s disturbing to be in the mind of the victim, yet it adds a layer of suspense and drama that makes for a strong mystery read.
While the villains are drawn very well in The Harvest Man, Grecian does not neglect his primary characters. Readers are taken into the struggles of both Day and Hammersmith. Day is a new father and he’s also the survivor of a brutal attack from the Ripper; it’s certainly playing havoc with his behaviour. Likewise, Hammersmith is struggling with the fact that he’s no longer a copper and trying to figure out what’s next for him as he’ll eventually have to find some sort of income. It’s these characters of Day and Hammersmith that keep me coming back. Both Day and Hammersmith are so ordinary. They’re not really super sleuths, and the practicality of their skills just makes them both very strong main characters to read about. Personally, I continue to feel compelled to learn more about their lives and to see their interactions with other characters.
While I still enjoyed The Harvest Man, I do have to admit that I wasn’t as invested in this installment as I was the previous one. The Devil’s Workshop was so suspenseful, I couldn’t put it down; with The Harvest Man, I wasn’t nearly as engrossed. Yet, The Harvest Man does serve an important purpose in the series: it sets the stage. Day and Hammersmith are at a crossroads in their careers and that does subdue the plot in The Harvest Man. But by the end of the novel, readers are thrown for a loop and taken in a direction that I wasn’t expecting. Both Day and Hammersmith are propelled forward and I can’t wait to see how that unravels in the next book in the series.
The Harvest Man is a solid addition to Grecian’s The Murder Squad Series. Grecian continues to build on his very human characters of Day and Hammersmith, while offering readers a spine tingling mystery. While not as suspenseful as the previous book, The Harvest Man sets the stage for future books in the series in an effective and compelling manner.
Originally reviewed at The Book Adventures.
*Review copy provided by the publisher via Edelweiss.
The Harvest Man picks up shortly after the events in The Devil’s Workshop. Day has returned to the job, but he’s on desk duty. Due to his reckless behaviour Nevil has been let go from the Yard, but he is determined to prove that Jack the Ripper is still at large and catch the man at any cost.
While Day is riding a desk, there’s another serial murderer at large: the Harvest Man. The Harvest Man enters a couple’s home, lies in wait, and then sets to work trying to unveil the “true” identity of his mother and father, only to be disappointed each time.
A killer had escaped from prison with three other men and had used the ensuing confusion to evade police. He was still at large. He had no known name, and his records had been lost, but he had been called the Harvest Man by other inmates. The Harvest Man broke into people's homes while they were out during the day and hid in their attics, waiting until the household was asleep before emerging. He somehow made them groggy and unable to react while he methodically cut away their faces, a piece at a time (p. 39).
The murderer’s attempts to find his family are grotesque, graphic and creepy and because readers are given the Harvest Man’s perspective, you understand his motivations for murder. While understanding the motivations does not work to garner sympathy for the murderer, it does serve to make for the crimes to be understandable and all the more disturbing.
What is done very well in The Harvest Man, as well as the previous books in the series, is the human element to the murder. Not only do readers encounter rich primary characters with Day and Hammersmith, but they also get to see into the minds of the murderers and their victims. At times, it’s disturbing to be in the mind of the victim, yet it adds a layer of suspense and drama that makes for a strong mystery read.
While the villains are drawn very well in The Harvest Man, Grecian does not neglect his primary characters. Readers are taken into the struggles of both Day and Hammersmith. Day is a new father and he’s also the survivor of a brutal attack from the Ripper; it’s certainly playing havoc with his behaviour. Likewise, Hammersmith is struggling with the fact that he’s no longer a copper and trying to figure out what’s next for him as he’ll eventually have to find some sort of income. It’s these characters of Day and Hammersmith that keep me coming back. Both Day and Hammersmith are so ordinary. They’re not really super sleuths, and the practicality of their skills just makes them both very strong main characters to read about. Personally, I continue to feel compelled to learn more about their lives and to see their interactions with other characters.
While I still enjoyed The Harvest Man, I do have to admit that I wasn’t as invested in this installment as I was the previous one. The Devil’s Workshop was so suspenseful, I couldn’t put it down; with The Harvest Man, I wasn’t nearly as engrossed. Yet, The Harvest Man does serve an important purpose in the series: it sets the stage. Day and Hammersmith are at a crossroads in their careers and that does subdue the plot in The Harvest Man. But by the end of the novel, readers are thrown for a loop and taken in a direction that I wasn’t expecting. Both Day and Hammersmith are propelled forward and I can’t wait to see how that unravels in the next book in the series.
The Harvest Man is a solid addition to Grecian’s The Murder Squad Series. Grecian continues to build on his very human characters of Day and Hammersmith, while offering readers a spine tingling mystery. While not as suspenseful as the previous book, The Harvest Man sets the stage for future books in the series in an effective and compelling manner.
Originally reviewed at The Book Adventures.
*Review copy provided by the publisher via Edelweiss.
October 16, 2021
I read The Devil's Workshop a few years ago and thought it had an interesting premise, so I picked up this book in the continuing series of Inspector Walter Day. Jack the Ripper is still on the scene although not everyone agrees with Inspector Day that Saucy Jack is still alive. But Day knows better and when the bodies of three prostitutes are found murdered in the same manner that Jack used, Day is on the trail even though still suffering the physical effects of their first encounter;
But another villain is also on the loose whose crimes are horrendous as he removes the faces of his victims. He has earned the name of the Harvest Man and his victims are random except for the fact that they are always husband and wife. The author, however, never really explains the reason for the Harvest Man's crimes, only hinting that is has something to do with his parents who he feels are hiding behind the masks of the victims faces.
The story of the Ripper and the Harvest Man meld but there are a paucity of clues/reasons for this deadly duo, And soon the reader wonders if the murdered prostitutes were actually killed by Jack or a possible copy-cat. There is a lot going on here and the story is left wide open for sequel. it is a rather strange story that ends leaving the reader a bit disappointed. But still an interesting read.
But another villain is also on the loose whose crimes are horrendous as he removes the faces of his victims. He has earned the name of the Harvest Man and his victims are random except for the fact that they are always husband and wife. The author, however, never really explains the reason for the Harvest Man's crimes, only hinting that is has something to do with his parents who he feels are hiding behind the masks of the victims faces.
The story of the Ripper and the Harvest Man meld but there are a paucity of clues/reasons for this deadly duo, And soon the reader wonders if the murdered prostitutes were actually killed by Jack or a possible copy-cat. There is a lot going on here and the story is left wide open for sequel. it is a rather strange story that ends leaving the reader a bit disappointed. But still an interesting read.
June 3, 2020
And onto the next book in the series and as the title implied we’ll be continuing onwards from the last book. Plus I did rip through the prior one at a good lick.
Yes! I was right to follow this up as a back-to-back read where we pick up Day & Hammersmith piecing their lives back together after there last run in which got quite “rough” for the duo…. They are still trying to track down the last escapee aka The Harvest Man which is no real gimme in terms of “plot leaks” for this tale.
The villain in this is deranged to say the least……
This book reveals a lot more about the subsidiary characters who Its good to learn more about outside of Day & Hammersmith, where the author has been slowly expanding their characterisation throughout the series especially so with Inspector Day where in this story his home life is opened up & includes a fair bit about his wife & household which all adds to the flavour.
There is also a sub-plot running in the background which is part of an ongoing theme with the series. So it’s fair to say you have two investigations on the go.
A very good read, weighing in with 4 stars as found the writing flowed more than it’s predecessor.
Yes! I was right to follow this up as a back-to-back read where we pick up Day & Hammersmith piecing their lives back together after there last run in which got quite “rough” for the duo…. They are still trying to track down the last escapee aka The Harvest Man which is no real gimme in terms of “plot leaks” for this tale.
The villain in this is deranged to say the least……
This book reveals a lot more about the subsidiary characters who Its good to learn more about outside of Day & Hammersmith, where the author has been slowly expanding their characterisation throughout the series especially so with Inspector Day where in this story his home life is opened up & includes a fair bit about his wife & household which all adds to the flavour.
There is also a sub-plot running in the background which is part of an ongoing theme with the series. So it’s fair to say you have two investigations on the go.
A very good read, weighing in with 4 stars as found the writing flowed more than it’s predecessor.
July 4, 2015
This is the fourth installment in the “Scotland Yard’s Murder Squad” series and while there have been a few minor bumps along the way I’ve enjoyed each of the books. “The Harvest Man” is no exception.
The transition from the ending of the last book to the start of this one is seamless. Mr. Grecian does not miss a beat. The “Harvest Man” (named after a reclusive attic dwelling spider) is still on the loose but this time he has left some witnesses behind. The bodies of dead prostitutes are once more turning up so suspicions are that Saucy Jack is up to his old ways again. Walter Day is recovering from his wounds while his in-laws are still making his home life miserable. Nevil Hammersmith has been relieved of his official duties but does not let that slow him down on his unrelenting determination to apprehend The Ripper.
Where this book differs slightly from the previous three is that Walter and Nevil are tracking separate killers. Nevil is on his personal quest to find Jack while Walter, still being part of “The Yard”, concentrates on the official case involving the Harvest Man. Despite the seemingly diverging plot line the book works. There is enough overlap that neither they nor the reader loses track of each of them.
Set in the late 1800’s this book, as were the others, is filled with colorful references to London and both its high and lower society. True to form Mr. Grecian once again caused a few grimaces with his blood, guts and gore descriptions of the victims of both the killers at large. If you are a reader that prefers “cozy mysteries” you might want to give this series a pass – although you would be missing out on some wonderful historical thrillers.
One aspect of these books that I particularly enjoy is the fact that Mr. Grecian does not use the female characters as window dressing. Do they play a major role in the meat of the story? No. However both Claire Day and Fiona Kingsley are pretty tough ladies with minds of their own considering it’s the 19th century. Dr. Kingsley is also becoming a favorite character of mine because of his antiquated CSI techniques, which are of course quite revolutionary for his time. He draws a fun contrast between “that was then” when the reader is aware of the “this is now”. It adds the much-appreciated lightness to an otherwise pretty gruesome tale.
This series shows no signs of slowing down and since this one ends on very much of a cliff hanger I hope I don’t have to wait too long for the next book to be released. I also just noticed that there is a prequel to the “Murder Squad” books called “The Blue Girl” – how did that one slip by me? – so I’ll definitely be having a look at that soon.
I have been listening to this series on audio book and would be remiss not give kudos to the narrator, John Curless. I am certain he adds greatly to my enjoyment of these books in the way he brings the characters to life. His accents are excellent and even the minor background players have major personalities of their own thanks to Mr. Curless. Great reading!
The transition from the ending of the last book to the start of this one is seamless. Mr. Grecian does not miss a beat. The “Harvest Man” (named after a reclusive attic dwelling spider) is still on the loose but this time he has left some witnesses behind. The bodies of dead prostitutes are once more turning up so suspicions are that Saucy Jack is up to his old ways again. Walter Day is recovering from his wounds while his in-laws are still making his home life miserable. Nevil Hammersmith has been relieved of his official duties but does not let that slow him down on his unrelenting determination to apprehend The Ripper.
Where this book differs slightly from the previous three is that Walter and Nevil are tracking separate killers. Nevil is on his personal quest to find Jack while Walter, still being part of “The Yard”, concentrates on the official case involving the Harvest Man. Despite the seemingly diverging plot line the book works. There is enough overlap that neither they nor the reader loses track of each of them.
Set in the late 1800’s this book, as were the others, is filled with colorful references to London and both its high and lower society. True to form Mr. Grecian once again caused a few grimaces with his blood, guts and gore descriptions of the victims of both the killers at large. If you are a reader that prefers “cozy mysteries” you might want to give this series a pass – although you would be missing out on some wonderful historical thrillers.
One aspect of these books that I particularly enjoy is the fact that Mr. Grecian does not use the female characters as window dressing. Do they play a major role in the meat of the story? No. However both Claire Day and Fiona Kingsley are pretty tough ladies with minds of their own considering it’s the 19th century. Dr. Kingsley is also becoming a favorite character of mine because of his antiquated CSI techniques, which are of course quite revolutionary for his time. He draws a fun contrast between “that was then” when the reader is aware of the “this is now”. It adds the much-appreciated lightness to an otherwise pretty gruesome tale.
This series shows no signs of slowing down and since this one ends on very much of a cliff hanger I hope I don’t have to wait too long for the next book to be released. I also just noticed that there is a prequel to the “Murder Squad” books called “The Blue Girl” – how did that one slip by me? – so I’ll definitely be having a look at that soon.
I have been listening to this series on audio book and would be remiss not give kudos to the narrator, John Curless. I am certain he adds greatly to my enjoyment of these books in the way he brings the characters to life. His accents are excellent and even the minor background players have major personalities of their own thanks to Mr. Curless. Great reading!
May 19, 2015
(Thank you to Putnam and First to Read for the ARC!)
The Murder Squad series really has an interesting premise: it's the beginning of forensic detective work and an organized fight against the criminal underworld set against the backdrop of Victorian England. As much as I want to enjoy this series, with the last two installments, I find myself liking it less and less.
It's not that I don't like the characters or enjoy the period setting, it's just that the books are starting to lack a sense of tension. They're enjoyable enough paperback reads--quick, light mysteries, albeit with gore to spare--but there's not much suspense. You never really have the feeling that the bad guy won't meet his fair end. That was okay when there was at least some mystery still to be solved, but in The Harvest Man, there isn't even a mystery underfoot--only the Murder Squad trying to catch killers who were previously identified in earlier books. With no mystery to be solved, a snoozer of a pursuit, and a convenient cliffhanger ending, this book felt more like the bridge between two books than a standalone entry.
I'm kind of bummed, because I initially thought the series had a lot of promise, but I wasn't a huge fan of The Devil's Workshop and I really hoped The Harvest Man would turn the series around. I suppose I'll still pick up the fifth book in the series whenever it's published, just so I can find out what happens next, but I'm not exactly waiting with bated breath.
The Murder Squad series really has an interesting premise: it's the beginning of forensic detective work and an organized fight against the criminal underworld set against the backdrop of Victorian England. As much as I want to enjoy this series, with the last two installments, I find myself liking it less and less.
It's not that I don't like the characters or enjoy the period setting, it's just that the books are starting to lack a sense of tension. They're enjoyable enough paperback reads--quick, light mysteries, albeit with gore to spare--but there's not much suspense. You never really have the feeling that the bad guy won't meet his fair end. That was okay when there was at least some mystery still to be solved, but in The Harvest Man, there isn't even a mystery underfoot--only the Murder Squad trying to catch killers who were previously identified in earlier books. With no mystery to be solved, a snoozer of a pursuit, and a convenient cliffhanger ending, this book felt more like the bridge between two books than a standalone entry.
I'm kind of bummed, because I initially thought the series had a lot of promise, but I wasn't a huge fan of The Devil's Workshop and I really hoped The Harvest Man would turn the series around. I suppose I'll still pick up the fifth book in the series whenever it's published, just so I can find out what happens next, but I'm not exactly waiting with bated breath.
May 14, 2019
Spring, 1890, London. Scotland Yard’s “Murder Squad” is in a bit of disarray and in the middle of moving to a new location. Inspector Walter Day is on desk duty recovering from serious wounds that occurred in the previous book, The Devil's Workshop and now must use a cane to walk properly. His faithful sergeant, Nevil Hammersmith, also severely injured in that last book isn’t even a part of the police force anymore but can’t get the need to solve crimes out of his system. When presented with a new gruesome serial murderer in the form of a psychopath who cuts/harvests the faces off his victims, they both feel the need to get back on the case.
This fourth book in the “Scotland Yard’s Murder Squad” series is my favorite so far. I’m always happy to read a good novel about crime/detectives in 1890’s London and it’s doubly nice to return to a world where I feel I know the main characters well. Not only do we get to experience the case of the Harvest Man in this book, we also encounter a Jack the Ripper wannabe who tries to make his idol proud. And on top of that, we have the ongoing background story of Saucy Jack himself whose presence has been felt all along and has become the driving force behind Inspector Day’s activities in trying to catch him.
Once again, Alex Grecian has provided a strong story, rich in old London atmosphere and dangerous murder cases to solve. But what brings me back to these books is the characters who I genuinely care for. I revel in their successes and despair in their torments, and hope that they will triumph in the end. And not just the main characters. Several others who have been introduced before have major roles to play this time around and I like watching them develop as well. In addition, I always like the early versions of forensics, seeing how various techniques such as police sketch artists come into being.
This novel does have some resolution, but it also ends in a couple of cliffhangers, leading into book five, Lost and Gone Forever. Can’t wait to get to that one.
This fourth book in the “Scotland Yard’s Murder Squad” series is my favorite so far. I’m always happy to read a good novel about crime/detectives in 1890’s London and it’s doubly nice to return to a world where I feel I know the main characters well. Not only do we get to experience the case of the Harvest Man in this book, we also encounter a Jack the Ripper wannabe who tries to make his idol proud. And on top of that, we have the ongoing background story of Saucy Jack himself whose presence has been felt all along and has become the driving force behind Inspector Day’s activities in trying to catch him.
Once again, Alex Grecian has provided a strong story, rich in old London atmosphere and dangerous murder cases to solve. But what brings me back to these books is the characters who I genuinely care for. I revel in their successes and despair in their torments, and hope that they will triumph in the end. And not just the main characters. Several others who have been introduced before have major roles to play this time around and I like watching them develop as well. In addition, I always like the early versions of forensics, seeing how various techniques such as police sketch artists come into being.
This novel does have some resolution, but it also ends in a couple of cliffhangers, leading into book five, Lost and Gone Forever. Can’t wait to get to that one.
February 15, 2016
Since reading The Devil’s Workshop last year I was excited for this Murder Squad book. With everything that happened in the third book in the series you knew great things were to come.
Sadly, despite how much I enjoyed this one, it wasn’t quite to the level of the other books in the series. For me, this book focused far too much on the personal lives of the characters and overlooked the thing I was really interested in – the complex crime that came about following the events in the last book.
It is wonderful build up for what is to come – the events that took place in the last fifty or so pages suggest the series is going to take a truly interesting turn and I cannot wait to see how things are resolved – but as a whole it felt, in part, like a filler book. I simply wish there had been more to it than the focus upon the personal lives (whilst I’m at it, I should probably point out that I felt as though things could have been made more extreme in that regard as well, as people seemed to brush the details of the prior book aside a bit more than I would have liked).
As a whole, it’s not my favourite book in the series yet it has left me more than curious about what is to come next.
Sadly, despite how much I enjoyed this one, it wasn’t quite to the level of the other books in the series. For me, this book focused far too much on the personal lives of the characters and overlooked the thing I was really interested in – the complex crime that came about following the events in the last book.
It is wonderful build up for what is to come – the events that took place in the last fifty or so pages suggest the series is going to take a truly interesting turn and I cannot wait to see how things are resolved – but as a whole it felt, in part, like a filler book. I simply wish there had been more to it than the focus upon the personal lives (whilst I’m at it, I should probably point out that I felt as though things could have been made more extreme in that regard as well, as people seemed to brush the details of the prior book aside a bit more than I would have liked).
As a whole, it’s not my favourite book in the series yet it has left me more than curious about what is to come next.
March 21, 2015
I have not read anything by this author. Now that I have read this book I will be adding this author to my list of authors to watch. Everything was right about this book... from the storyline, to the characters, tone of the story, and the beginning and ending of the book.
The Harvest Man is one creepy, sinister man. I would never want to meet him as his victims do not fare well. They end up with new facial makeovers. Inspector Day is a complex character. I like this about him. He was human and not perfect yet he is committed to his job and does a really good job of figuring out all of the pieces of the puzzle to get the whole picture. The Harvest Man will either keep you up with lack of sleep or give you nightmares!
The Harvest Man is one creepy, sinister man. I would never want to meet him as his victims do not fare well. They end up with new facial makeovers. Inspector Day is a complex character. I like this about him. He was human and not perfect yet he is committed to his job and does a really good job of figuring out all of the pieces of the puzzle to get the whole picture. The Harvest Man will either keep you up with lack of sleep or give you nightmares!
June 28, 2015
This has become one of my favorite historical fiction murder mystery series. In this book there isn't just one killer on the loose, there are three and one of them is cutting people's faces off. Also, Jack the Ripper is still out there and he wants Inspector Walter Day. Jack feels he has a connection with Walter. Alex Grecian does a great job of pulling the reader into the lives of the characters living in 1885. You wish they could pick up a cell phone and call for help instead of looking for a young boy to give a penny to so they can run a message to someone. Can't wait for the next installment to find out what happens with Jack and Walter.
August 20, 2015
I just couldn't get into this book. There was no suspense build up and the constant shift in characters between chapters got a bit confusing. I kept losing track of who was who and, although I don't mind reading about blood and gore, the descriptions in this novel were overkill. It just didn't hold my interest so I couldn't finish reading this book (but I did read just over 50%).
August 17, 2016
Wonderful tension throughout the series, great characters and a few storylines that hold your interest from one book to another. This one ends with such a cliffhanger that I moved on immediately to the next one in the series. Simply a fantastic read.
March 19, 2015
The Harvest Man by Alex Grecian is the fourth in his Scotland Yard’s Murder Squad series and the fourth I have read, each one improves upon the last, and yet I do feel the books can be read independent from each other, however I recommend reading them in order for the maximum effect. The Harvest Man takes place in 1890s London and picks up where The Devil’s Workshop left off, for the most part, Ripper is back, but a second murder is on the loose who is worse than Jack the Ripper, known as the Harvest Man. Inspector Day and his ex-partner Sergeant Hammersmith are currently living very different lives. Inspector Day has new twin babies, in-laws that will not leave, and has been assigned desk duty while his leg injury heals. As for Day’s ex-partner, Hammersmith, he was let go from the Yard, but has not given up his pursuit of Ripper and free from the Yard’s restrictions he strays further outside of the law to find Ripper. As for Inspector Day, he is finally allowed into the field when couples are found dead with their faces carved off by a murderer, dubbed the Harvest Man, he becomes the Yard’s central focus, meanwhile Ripper is playing a cat and mouse game with both Day and Hammersmith and the stakes have never been higher. Of the four books in the series, The Harvest Man is by far my favorite, it is the most suspenseful and the most enjoyable, even with rather grotesque murder scenes, the reader is given a deeper insight into the lives of Day and Hammersmith. Grecian’s writing is in top form, the deeply atmospheric book is rich in historical detail as well as filled with intense plotlines, deplorable murders, intriguing characters, family situations interspersed throughout the book, and the thrill level will keep the reader turning the pages. I would recommend The Harvest Man to anyone who enjoys historical thrillers and especially fans of Grecian’s previous books.
July 14, 2016
Policeman, Walter Day, and his recently sacked former partner, Nevil Hammersmith, are on the trail of two killers in Victorian London; the resurfaced Jack the Ripper, and the Harvest Man. There were lots of twists and turns in the story and it kept my attention pretty well. I like the 'Victorian CSI' aspects of these books with snippets about the very beginning of forensic science, but unfortunately there was less of that in this one and more about Walter Day's family. I hope that is not going to be a regular thing. Rating 3.5 stars.
February 11, 2019
Fourth in the Scotland Yard's Murder Squad historical mystery thriller series revolving around the newly formed Murder Squad with the focus is on Detective Inspector Walter Day and his former partner, Sergeant Nevil Hammersmith. The story is set in London in the spring of 1890.
My Take
There's plenty of action for everyone in The Harvest Man what with hunting down surviving children, Jack the Ripper inserting himself and threatening Day's family, another serial killer murdering families, and compatriots being led astray.
The Harvest Man uses third person global subjective point-of-view, which means we learn the thoughts and emotions of a variety of characters, including a scary look inside the mind of an insane murderer, trapped in his parental fantasies. The people who died...the families destroyed... The way he decides a family is his or not is chance. Do they have an attic or not. It's too easy to imagine how other serial killers could have lived the same "dreams".
And poor Walter. It's hard enough to have twin newborns to cope with, but Walter has his hostile in-laws making waves, hiring staff, and expressing their disdain for their son-in-law. Their judgments and interference are driving Walter crazy. It doesn't help when Carlyle is so disrespectful of Walter when he suggests Walter leave his wife and babies. And Claire is haunted by her memories of Constable Rupert Winthrop's murder in her home.
Poor Fiona has no clue how to behave properly in society, and now that her father has refused to allow her to help him, she's at loose ends.
Ooh, ouch, Kingsley lets Tiffany know what he thinks of him. Kingsley also introduces new methods and tools for assessing a crime scene, including rubber gloves, no interference with a crime scene, and envelopes for clues providing a record of everything. He is quite the generous man, treating the murdered prostitutes like people and paying for their funerals. He sure does impress Blackleg!
And then that ending. Geez. Horror with a soupçon of hope for Nevil.
The Story
It's that murder that pulls Day away from his desk. Children who escaped the slaughter. Slaughter that will continue as the Harvest Man continues his search for his parents, removing their masks only to find he was wrong.
He's not the only active killer, for Saucy Jack has an admirer. One that Jack coopts for his own purposes, but only one of them, for Jack is quite busy with a myriad of plans, all intended to terrify.
And Fiona gifts Hammersmith with twenty calling cards.
The Characters
The tortured and injured Detective Inspector (DI) Walter Day, the son of a valet, is one of the new detectives on the Murder Squad. He's married to Claire Carlyle who just gave birth to twins — Winifred and Henrietta — and who loves to write nursery rhymes. Miss Harris is the new head of housekeeping. She, along with the new governess/nanny Miss Powell; cook; and, scullery maid have severely stretched Walter's budget. Leland and Eleanor Carlyle are Claire's wealthy, judgmental, interfering parents. Retired Inspector Augustus McKraken has volunteered for guard duty on the Day household.
Former Sergeant Nevil Hammersmith, who lives above a confectionary shop, has been fired from Scotland Yard. Nevil has an uncle Bamford who brought chaos wherever he went. Blackleg is a criminal who has aided Nevil in the past.
Scotland Yard is...
...about to move to new quarters on the Victoria Embankment. Sir Edward Bradford is the commissioner of police who insists on Day keeping to his desk. Other DIs include the jokey Blacker, the close-minded Jimmy Tiffany, and Wiggins. Sergeant Kett, one of the middlemen in the police force, liaising between constables and inspectors, and Constables John Jones and Bentley are in on the hunt. Inspector Gerard had arrested Ridgway. Molly is one of the police horses. Sarah works the Exchange. Gregory Little is a young message runner.
Dr Bernard Kingsley is the forensic examiner at the Yard. Henry Mayhew, a former street person, is Kingsley's assistant..who's learning. Oliver is his magpie ( The Black Country , 2). Fiona Kingsley, an artist who had been helping Claire, has been sent back to her father's home. Dr Halsted at Johns Hopkins sent Kingsley some rubber gloves.
Her Majesty's Prison Bridewell
Bill Pycroft is a warder on the take. Adrian March, Day's mentor, had lost his way in The Devil's Workshop , 3; now he's a prisoner.
The Harvest Man was but one of the prisoners who escaped in The Devil's Workshop . Everyone but Day, March, McKraken, and Hammersmith believe Jack the Ripper, a.k.a., Saucy Jack, is dead.
Simon and Robert, an eight- and ten-year-old, are the only survivors. Seventeen-year-old Hatty and John Charles Pitt (a real jerk) are newlyweds. The Merrilows are fascinated by theatre. Their daughter, Eugenia, who used to see John Charles is now seeing Frederick who works at the museum. Their son, George, also participates in the nude tableaus. Lucy Hebron is another participant. Pritchard is their butler. George Bristol designs their sets.
Alistair Goodpenny has hearing issues and sells stationery and jewelry. He partners up with Andrew Parks of Parks and Sons, Hatters, at times for those trips to Cornwall. Hannah Parks works with her father.
Haun, Moore, and Peck are the solicitors with whom Day has been meeting at the Chalk Farm Tavern. Liz is a whore with a baby, Michael. Some of the dead hookers include Little Betty, Betty, and Alice. The Kartsphanomen is a secret society of men who don't believe criminals can be rehabilitated. Alan Ridgway, who lives in a boardinghouse, is attempting to emulate Saucy Jack.
The Cover and Title
The cover is DARK with a fainter blackish gray of a bricked walkway heading into blackness. At the top is an info blurb in white followed by the author's name in red. Spanning most of the cover is the title in a chalky white while at the bottom — thank you, God — we learn that this is a novel (in white) with the series information in red. Um, don't mind those flies on the edges, they won't brush off...
The title is the escaped, insane killer, The Harvest Man.
My Take
There's plenty of action for everyone in The Harvest Man what with hunting down surviving children, Jack the Ripper inserting himself and threatening Day's family, another serial killer murdering families, and compatriots being led astray.
The Harvest Man uses third person global subjective point-of-view, which means we learn the thoughts and emotions of a variety of characters, including a scary look inside the mind of an insane murderer, trapped in his parental fantasies. The people who died...the families destroyed... The way he decides a family is his or not is chance. Do they have an attic or not. It's too easy to imagine how other serial killers could have lived the same "dreams".
And poor Walter. It's hard enough to have twin newborns to cope with, but Walter has his hostile in-laws making waves, hiring staff, and expressing their disdain for their son-in-law. Their judgments and interference are driving Walter crazy. It doesn't help when Carlyle is so disrespectful of Walter when he suggests Walter leave his wife and babies. And Claire is haunted by her memories of Constable Rupert Winthrop's murder in her home.
Poor Fiona has no clue how to behave properly in society, and now that her father has refused to allow her to help him, she's at loose ends.
Ooh, ouch, Kingsley lets Tiffany know what he thinks of him. Kingsley also introduces new methods and tools for assessing a crime scene, including rubber gloves, no interference with a crime scene, and envelopes for clues providing a record of everything. He is quite the generous man, treating the murdered prostitutes like people and paying for their funerals. He sure does impress Blackleg!
And then that ending. Geez. Horror with a soupçon of hope for Nevil.
The Story
It's that murder that pulls Day away from his desk. Children who escaped the slaughter. Slaughter that will continue as the Harvest Man continues his search for his parents, removing their masks only to find he was wrong.
He's not the only active killer, for Saucy Jack has an admirer. One that Jack coopts for his own purposes, but only one of them, for Jack is quite busy with a myriad of plans, all intended to terrify.
And Fiona gifts Hammersmith with twenty calling cards.
The Characters
The tortured and injured Detective Inspector (DI) Walter Day, the son of a valet, is one of the new detectives on the Murder Squad. He's married to Claire Carlyle who just gave birth to twins — Winifred and Henrietta — and who loves to write nursery rhymes. Miss Harris is the new head of housekeeping. She, along with the new governess/nanny Miss Powell; cook; and, scullery maid have severely stretched Walter's budget. Leland and Eleanor Carlyle are Claire's wealthy, judgmental, interfering parents. Retired Inspector Augustus McKraken has volunteered for guard duty on the Day household.
Former Sergeant Nevil Hammersmith, who lives above a confectionary shop, has been fired from Scotland Yard. Nevil has an uncle Bamford who brought chaos wherever he went. Blackleg is a criminal who has aided Nevil in the past.
Scotland Yard is...
...about to move to new quarters on the Victoria Embankment. Sir Edward Bradford is the commissioner of police who insists on Day keeping to his desk. Other DIs include the jokey Blacker, the close-minded Jimmy Tiffany, and Wiggins. Sergeant Kett, one of the middlemen in the police force, liaising between constables and inspectors, and Constables John Jones and Bentley are in on the hunt. Inspector Gerard had arrested Ridgway. Molly is one of the police horses. Sarah works the Exchange. Gregory Little is a young message runner.
Dr Bernard Kingsley is the forensic examiner at the Yard. Henry Mayhew, a former street person, is Kingsley's assistant..who's learning. Oliver is his magpie ( The Black Country , 2). Fiona Kingsley, an artist who had been helping Claire, has been sent back to her father's home. Dr Halsted at Johns Hopkins sent Kingsley some rubber gloves.
Her Majesty's Prison Bridewell
Bill Pycroft is a warder on the take. Adrian March, Day's mentor, had lost his way in The Devil's Workshop , 3; now he's a prisoner.
The Harvest Man was but one of the prisoners who escaped in The Devil's Workshop . Everyone but Day, March, McKraken, and Hammersmith believe Jack the Ripper, a.k.a., Saucy Jack, is dead.
Simon and Robert, an eight- and ten-year-old, are the only survivors. Seventeen-year-old Hatty and John Charles Pitt (a real jerk) are newlyweds. The Merrilows are fascinated by theatre. Their daughter, Eugenia, who used to see John Charles is now seeing Frederick who works at the museum. Their son, George, also participates in the nude tableaus. Lucy Hebron is another participant. Pritchard is their butler. George Bristol designs their sets.
Alistair Goodpenny has hearing issues and sells stationery and jewelry. He partners up with Andrew Parks of Parks and Sons, Hatters, at times for those trips to Cornwall. Hannah Parks works with her father.
Haun, Moore, and Peck are the solicitors with whom Day has been meeting at the Chalk Farm Tavern. Liz is a whore with a baby, Michael. Some of the dead hookers include Little Betty, Betty, and Alice. The Kartsphanomen is a secret society of men who don't believe criminals can be rehabilitated. Alan Ridgway, who lives in a boardinghouse, is attempting to emulate Saucy Jack.
The Cover and Title
The cover is DARK with a fainter blackish gray of a bricked walkway heading into blackness. At the top is an info blurb in white followed by the author's name in red. Spanning most of the cover is the title in a chalky white while at the bottom — thank you, God — we learn that this is a novel (in white) with the series information in red. Um, don't mind those flies on the edges, they won't brush off...
The title is the escaped, insane killer, The Harvest Man.
February 6, 2020
I feel that after the brilliant chaos of book 3, this was always going to be a disappointment. So considering that, this was a great read. If anything it was a bit too simple. That ending though... wow.
That is not to say this book is for the faint of heart. It has got the tense situations we have grown to love from this series, and is certainly not lacking in gore and violence either.
Our main bad guy in this story is the Harvest Man, an escaped prisoner who is looking for his parents by taking 'the masks' of semi random couples. And by that I mean he cuts up and rearranges their faces. Like I said, gore and violence. We get chapters from the point of view of this guy, but also of his victims. This really highlights how mentally unstable and creepy this villain is. I would have somehow liked to learn more of his background though. Why is he looking for his parents, why does he hide in attics? He has certain well established habits and I would have liked to know where they originated from.
Not only do we have this creepy villain, Jack also enters the scene. As do Mr and Mrs Day, Hammersmith (even though he isn't a sergeant anymore, he is still very present), Tiffany, Fiona, Dr Kingsley and Henry. So all the greats really. Jeey. They all get some good page time and space to be well-rounded characters.
Overall, yet another solid historical crime thriller and a great addition to the series.
That is not to say this book is for the faint of heart. It has got the tense situations we have grown to love from this series, and is certainly not lacking in gore and violence either.
Our main bad guy in this story is the Harvest Man, an escaped prisoner who is looking for his parents by taking 'the masks' of semi random couples. And by that I mean he cuts up and rearranges their faces. Like I said, gore and violence. We get chapters from the point of view of this guy, but also of his victims. This really highlights how mentally unstable and creepy this villain is. I would have somehow liked to learn more of his background though. Why is he looking for his parents, why does he hide in attics? He has certain well established habits and I would have liked to know where they originated from.
Not only do we have this creepy villain, Jack also enters the scene. As do Mr and Mrs Day, Hammersmith (even though he isn't a sergeant anymore, he is still very present), Tiffany, Fiona, Dr Kingsley and Henry. So all the greats really. Jeey. They all get some good page time and space to be well-rounded characters.
Overall, yet another solid historical crime thriller and a great addition to the series.
April 27, 2023
I have been looking for a copy of Alex Grecian’s The Harvest Man “in the wild” for years but I’ve never found one. I finally broke down and bought a copy and I’m glad I did. I really enjoy Grecian’s novels about Scotland Yard’s Murder Squad, of which this is the fourth-they are suspenseful and sinister, and feature a memorable cast of characters. It has been years since I read the third installment but I was able to pick things up as if I just saw it yesterday. The action takes place in post-Ripper London. Scotland Yard has gotten a large black eye for failing to catch Jack the Ripper. But is Jack really gone? And he is not the only killer out there…Four stars.
January 30, 2019
The Scotland Yard Murder Squad.
I'm just totally blown away with this series and I'm hoping audible will bring the others in the series out.
So Jacks still going strong and now the Harvest Mans also giving Walter Day a run for his money. It's dark, gory, fun and splendidly written and narrated.
This book really does keep you hooked and I'm afraid I gorged on it in one sitting....better go and do the back load of dishes, washing, hoovering etc now....ho hum...
I'm just totally blown away with this series and I'm hoping audible will bring the others in the series out.
So Jacks still going strong and now the Harvest Mans also giving Walter Day a run for his money. It's dark, gory, fun and splendidly written and narrated.
This book really does keep you hooked and I'm afraid I gorged on it in one sitting....better go and do the back load of dishes, washing, hoovering etc now....ho hum...
March 18, 2019
The fourth installment in the Scotland Yard Murder Squad series (and I think my favorite so far). Harvest Man picks up where the Devil's Workshop left off. Fast moving story with great characters and a real cliff hanger ending that leaves the reader ready for the next Inspector Day adventure. Parallel murders kept the action moving and had me on the edge of my seat. Very atmospheric!
December 28, 2024
This has been the toughest one to get through yet (for someone a bit faint of heart like me). There are so many things happening and wow, this one sure ends in a cliffhanger! On to the next with trepidation...
March 10, 2017
Each book in this series just gets better and better. Beware the cliffhanger... Inspector Day and company face several villains in this book, some carry on in the next.
July 13, 2017
Intriguing and keeps you on the edge of your seat.
October 26, 2019
Audio version of this book 📚- Loved this book , this series just gets better and better, narrator really brought the characters to life
March 7, 2020
Very intriguing.
January 4, 2022
Amazing as always. I cannot wait to get the next book started to see what happens.
March 3, 2019
I just love this series, but that end!!!!!
May 21, 2015
Rosette's Review
A copy of The Harvest Man
was provided for purposes of an honest review.
I am new to the works of Alex Grecian and I was intrigued by the book description when I was offered to read a copy of The Harvest Man. So intrigued was I, that I did not bother to see that it wasn't the first book of the series. In fact, it is the fourth book. Oops.
This however did not deter me from reading. There were a few areas that I could not follow so I highly recommend reading The Yard (Scotland Yard's Murder Squad which is the first book, followed by The Black Country (The Murder Squad #2), and then the short story The Blue Girl (Murder Squad, #2.5), followed by The Devil's Workshop (The Murder Squad, #3)
I absolutely loved this suspenseful novel. Alex Grecian is certainly a master storyteller in my eyes and it did not take long for me to become invested in these characters and their fate. The Harvest Man is a gruesome villain, a deranged nutter that goes around cutting people's faces off. Walter Day and Nevil Hammersmith are investigating these crimes but they are also distracted with a much more intelligent criminal-Jack The Ripper. I do admit that Jack is an overused felon in both the written and screen form. But since the author does not exclusively center around him and his crimes, this version makes for a very entertaining and chilling read.
The various POVs with each chapter kept a fluid pace and I was delighted that the author took many twists and turns, never leading the reader to the obvious. The book does focus around The Harvest Man and of course Jack The Ripper, so it's safe to say that there will be grisly crime scenes. Dr. Kingsley is an endearing character, he is father to Fiona who has a gift for drawing. She utilizes these talents to help assist in the investigation. Dr. Kingsley reminds me a bit of Quincy, for those of you old enough to have watched him. Kingsley is a medical examiner that is active on the field and engages often to help his friends. His tool kit was a nice little introduction to the origins of forensic science and the ways of keeping the sight "clean". But is also prompted me to learn more about the history of Forensics, which is one of the main reason I love historical novels. It had to all start somewhere, so why not here? (fiction, though it may be)
Alex Grecian has a talent for bringing all the characters in this book to life and when things get exciting one gets tempted to skip pages just to make sure that everything turns out ok. But I managed to restrain myself. Some parts did turn out ok and others did not. But that's what makes an excellent book I suppose, the ambiguity of it all. He gives voice to all the characters it seems, giving me insight to their wants and needs, their pursuits, and what is most important to them. Their is even a hint of a love story if only Nevil Hammersmith didn't have such tunnel vision. This to me gave the book some lightness, because a book that is completely dark can sometimes ruin a story for me.
The only issue I take with this novel is the Why? Why did he do what he did? What happened to The Harvest Man and his past that made him the way he was? But that leaves it open to many interesting discussions with reading clubs I guess, and it leaves his past to our imagination.
And so came the end. I was a bit upset with it, and you'll see what I mean. I just don't fare well with cliffhangers. But from this will come another great adventure. I guess I will just bite my nails until the next book. For now I will have to be satisfied with reading backwards.
Thanks Mr. Grecian, you have a new fan!
A copy of The Harvest Man
was provided for purposes of an honest review.I am new to the works of Alex Grecian and I was intrigued by the book description when I was offered to read a copy of The Harvest Man. So intrigued was I, that I did not bother to see that it wasn't the first book of the series. In fact, it is the fourth book. Oops.
This however did not deter me from reading. There were a few areas that I could not follow so I highly recommend reading The Yard (Scotland Yard's Murder Squad which is the first book, followed by The Black Country (The Murder Squad #2), and then the short story The Blue Girl (Murder Squad, #2.5), followed by The Devil's Workshop (The Murder Squad, #3)
I absolutely loved this suspenseful novel. Alex Grecian is certainly a master storyteller in my eyes and it did not take long for me to become invested in these characters and their fate. The Harvest Man is a gruesome villain, a deranged nutter that goes around cutting people's faces off. Walter Day and Nevil Hammersmith are investigating these crimes but they are also distracted with a much more intelligent criminal-Jack The Ripper. I do admit that Jack is an overused felon in both the written and screen form. But since the author does not exclusively center around him and his crimes, this version makes for a very entertaining and chilling read.
The various POVs with each chapter kept a fluid pace and I was delighted that the author took many twists and turns, never leading the reader to the obvious. The book does focus around The Harvest Man and of course Jack The Ripper, so it's safe to say that there will be grisly crime scenes. Dr. Kingsley is an endearing character, he is father to Fiona who has a gift for drawing. She utilizes these talents to help assist in the investigation. Dr. Kingsley reminds me a bit of Quincy, for those of you old enough to have watched him. Kingsley is a medical examiner that is active on the field and engages often to help his friends. His tool kit was a nice little introduction to the origins of forensic science and the ways of keeping the sight "clean". But is also prompted me to learn more about the history of Forensics, which is one of the main reason I love historical novels. It had to all start somewhere, so why not here? (fiction, though it may be)
Alex Grecian has a talent for bringing all the characters in this book to life and when things get exciting one gets tempted to skip pages just to make sure that everything turns out ok. But I managed to restrain myself. Some parts did turn out ok and others did not. But that's what makes an excellent book I suppose, the ambiguity of it all. He gives voice to all the characters it seems, giving me insight to their wants and needs, their pursuits, and what is most important to them. Their is even a hint of a love story if only Nevil Hammersmith didn't have such tunnel vision. This to me gave the book some lightness, because a book that is completely dark can sometimes ruin a story for me.
The only issue I take with this novel is the Why? Why did he do what he did? What happened to The Harvest Man and his past that made him the way he was? But that leaves it open to many interesting discussions with reading clubs I guess, and it leaves his past to our imagination.
And so came the end. I was a bit upset with it, and you'll see what I mean. I just don't fare well with cliffhangers. But from this will come another great adventure. I guess I will just bite my nails until the next book. For now I will have to be satisfied with reading backwards.
Thanks Mr. Grecian, you have a new fan!
Click here to read a Preview of The Harvest Man
April 29, 2020
Very good it is the 4th book in the Scotland Yard Murder Squad series.
June 26, 2020
I doubt I would have ever picked this up on my own, but I'm glad I was asked to. While this isn't my new favorite book it was definitely an enjoyable experience. Glad I stepped outside of my norm for this.
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