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London Crime #3
Deviance
Who is the sinner and who is the saint?
Jamie Brooke is working as a private investigator in the London Borough of Southwark when the body of a priest is found in the ruins of Winchester Palace, his tattooed arms flayed, his mouth stuffed with feathers.
Jamie begins the hunt for the skin collector with the help of museum researcher, Blake Daniel, who is haunted by visions of a terrifying past.
As violence erupts, leaving a trail of bodies in its wake, Jamie and Blake must find the murderer before those they love are taken down in the chaos.
A psychological thriller with an edge of the supernatural, Deviance is the story of a struggle for power and a fight for freedom against the backdrop of modern-day London.
The Brooke and Daniel Psychological Thrillers:
Desecration #1
Delirium #2
Deviance #3
Jamie Brooke is working as a private investigator in the London Borough of Southwark when the body of a priest is found in the ruins of Winchester Palace, his tattooed arms flayed, his mouth stuffed with feathers.
Jamie begins the hunt for the skin collector with the help of museum researcher, Blake Daniel, who is haunted by visions of a terrifying past.
As violence erupts, leaving a trail of bodies in its wake, Jamie and Blake must find the murderer before those they love are taken down in the chaos.
A psychological thriller with an edge of the supernatural, Deviance is the story of a struggle for power and a fight for freedom against the backdrop of modern-day London.
The Brooke and Daniel Psychological Thrillers:
Desecration #1
Delirium #2
Deviance #3
234 pages, Hardcover
First published July 31, 2015
28 people are currently reading
437 people want to read
About the author
J.F. Penn
56 books2,233 followersI'm the award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thrillers, crime, dark fantasy, horror, short stories, and travel memoir.
Reading order: https://jfpennbooks.com/pages/reading...
The fast-paced ARKANE thrillers weave together historical artifacts, global locations, a kick-ass protagonist and a hint of the supernatural. Described by readers as "Dan Brown meets Lara Croft."
The Brooke & Daniel Crime Thriller Series features British detective Jamie Brooke alongside museum researcher Blake Daniel, as they solve dark crimes around London.
The Mapwalker fantasy adventure trilogy is set between Bath, England and the Borderlands in a split world fantasy where Sienna and the Mapwalker team travel through maps to adventure ...
A Thousand Fiendish Angels is a collection of 3 short stories bound together by a book of human skin. Inspired by Dante's Inferno.
You can buy books directly from me https://jfpennbooks.com/
I have a blog and podcast at http://www.BooksAndTravel.page
I'm passionate about writing and I love reading. My favorite authors include James Rollins, Jonathan Maberry, John Connolly, Daniel Silva, and I also read a lot of travel books.
Reading order: https://jfpennbooks.com/pages/reading...
The fast-paced ARKANE thrillers weave together historical artifacts, global locations, a kick-ass protagonist and a hint of the supernatural. Described by readers as "Dan Brown meets Lara Croft."
The Brooke & Daniel Crime Thriller Series features British detective Jamie Brooke alongside museum researcher Blake Daniel, as they solve dark crimes around London.
The Mapwalker fantasy adventure trilogy is set between Bath, England and the Borderlands in a split world fantasy where Sienna and the Mapwalker team travel through maps to adventure ...
A Thousand Fiendish Angels is a collection of 3 short stories bound together by a book of human skin. Inspired by Dante's Inferno.
You can buy books directly from me https://jfpennbooks.com/
I have a blog and podcast at http://www.BooksAndTravel.page
I'm passionate about writing and I love reading. My favorite authors include James Rollins, Jonathan Maberry, John Connolly, Daniel Silva, and I also read a lot of travel books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
August 7, 2015
Modern-day society versus corporate determination mixed with supernatural evil
You will not want to be interrupted once you start this book. Exciting third adventure with our now ex-cop and our psychic. Author weaves into the story the social ills of modern society, the determination of a greedy land developer, and, of course, horrible serial killings, all mixed in with a mesmerizing evil politician, street people, and marching "clean up our streets" groups. All the ingredients for a thriller that takes our heroes right to the edge. Would like to see a fourth in this series.
You will not want to be interrupted once you start this book. Exciting third adventure with our now ex-cop and our psychic. Author weaves into the story the social ills of modern society, the determination of a greedy land developer, and, of course, horrible serial killings, all mixed in with a mesmerizing evil politician, street people, and marching "clean up our streets" groups. All the ingredients for a thriller that takes our heroes right to the edge. Would like to see a fourth in this series.
February 21, 2016
Book 3, in the London Psychic trilogy
Tattoo is the theme explored in “Deviance” and with extensive research on the history of body modification Ms. Penn has created another very captivating episode for us to enjoy.
Jami Brooke and Blake Daniel are the two protagonists at the heart of this latest saga.
This is a great story that wraps up this wonderful trilogy. The author colourfully weaves suspense with supernatural/ paranormal and dives into the darkness of humanity. In the shady area of town, Jami and Blake meet sex trade workers, homeless people and folks with little to live for and are drawn into a series of brutal murders and disappearance. All the victims have one thing in common: they have elaborate tattoos and the skin of the murder victims has been carefully removed.
Yes, indeed a gruesome topic but also a fascinating look into life, death and sex. No explicit description and not as dark as the previous installment although some may be uncomfortable reading some parts, I simply loved every moment. This fast-paced action thriller is not only well-written and well researched it is filled with intrigue and peppered with spectacular twists and turns. The author is a master in blending unusual historical fact into a modern setting and has an exceptional talent for capturing the essence of good and evil and melting everything together to give us a very entertaining thriller to savour. The characterization is mesmerizing from the main players to the evil politician from street people to the officials all of them have the proper tone to act out their roles to a tee. First rate writing: bold, beautiful and horrific all together in living colours…..( I’m pushing :)).
I received this book from MS Penn in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. This is the Way I see it.
Tattoo is the theme explored in “Deviance” and with extensive research on the history of body modification Ms. Penn has created another very captivating episode for us to enjoy.
Jami Brooke and Blake Daniel are the two protagonists at the heart of this latest saga.
This is a great story that wraps up this wonderful trilogy. The author colourfully weaves suspense with supernatural/ paranormal and dives into the darkness of humanity. In the shady area of town, Jami and Blake meet sex trade workers, homeless people and folks with little to live for and are drawn into a series of brutal murders and disappearance. All the victims have one thing in common: they have elaborate tattoos and the skin of the murder victims has been carefully removed.
Yes, indeed a gruesome topic but also a fascinating look into life, death and sex. No explicit description and not as dark as the previous installment although some may be uncomfortable reading some parts, I simply loved every moment. This fast-paced action thriller is not only well-written and well researched it is filled with intrigue and peppered with spectacular twists and turns. The author is a master in blending unusual historical fact into a modern setting and has an exceptional talent for capturing the essence of good and evil and melting everything together to give us a very entertaining thriller to savour. The characterization is mesmerizing from the main players to the evil politician from street people to the officials all of them have the proper tone to act out their roles to a tee. First rate writing: bold, beautiful and horrific all together in living colours…..( I’m pushing :)).
I received this book from MS Penn in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. This is the Way I see it.
February 4, 2018
This is the third in the London Psychic Book, and having bought them as a box set, I have read all three of them in one go, which may have been a mistake as it's tempting to continually compare the three stories as you go along. There's a lot of great things in this one once again. The two main characters, Jamie and Blake, continue to be well-rounded and their professional and personal relationship is developing satisfactorily. The story line is very relevant with social justice very much to the fore. We meet an old adversary who is getting more evil by the day.
My only criticism is with the denouement which I found was slightly weaker than the previous two books. But nevertheless, a good read and the conclusion to a brilliant series of books, highly recommended.
My only criticism is with the denouement which I found was slightly weaker than the previous two books. But nevertheless, a good read and the conclusion to a brilliant series of books, highly recommended.
May 10, 2018
In the first book Jamie was kidnapped and in the second book Blake was… now it’s book 3, will it be both?
Uh huh… thanks, Missinghall, her old Sergeant.
There’s a lot of talk about social issues here. But I hate gentrification, too. Acres of Sydney’s history has been sold recently including a purpose built museum constructed inside a historic building. Sold to developers. Whole blocks of social welfare driven out because they had harbour views. Why shouldn’t poor people have views? I agree with the politics so, this is hard for me to say.
Breathes.
This book just didn’t work for me.
2 stars
"There's also been a rise in reported missing persons around here," he said. "Prostitutes, illegal immigrants, homeless addicts. You know we don't have the resources to pursue all the cases in detail, especially with people who move on so quickly. But it's worrying, so stay out of trouble, Jamie."
Uh huh… thanks, Missinghall, her old Sergeant.
There’s a lot of talk about social issues here. But I hate gentrification, too. Acres of Sydney’s history has been sold recently including a purpose built museum constructed inside a historic building. Sold to developers. Whole blocks of social welfare driven out because they had harbour views. Why shouldn’t poor people have views? I agree with the politics so, this is hard for me to say.
Breathes.
This book just didn’t work for me.
2 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2015
Disappointing. At about 30% I considered giving up. Up till then it felt it was just the author talking herself, about her own interest in and wanting of a tattoo, and not reading like a story. I have read all but 2 of the author's fiction books and this was the weakest. It was surprise after the previous two in the trilogy being strong with more defined story line. From the beginning we are told who the baddie is. And their reason for committing the murders was too general, too weak. At one point a new character comes out of the blue. The love interest Blake is visited by an Uncle he never knew he had. This is all happens in one chapter and he is then gone. I cannot see what point the whole chapter had on the story. It seems to serve as a link to a possible new series of books. The ending felt too cosy and comfy, with how things all got better and lacked a hard edge. Overall the book came across as the author was desperate and/or rushing to get it written. I really like the author, what she does and stands for as a writer. I listen to her podcasts and support her financially via the Patreon website. But this book was a real disappointment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2016
One word: disappointing. I really enjoyed the first book in this series, didn't particularly like the second but struggled on to this one. I wish I had never have bothered. The whole thing seemed rushed, after the first exciting instalment. I did consider not even bothering with this one, but I needed to see how the perpetrator would be brought to justice. I staggered to the end to an absolutely implausible denouncement and realised I'd wasted a couple of weeks of my life, that's all I can say really.
I really did want to like these as I just loved the brilliant Jamie and Blake and feel it could have been an absolute gem of a trilogy.
I really did want to like these as I just loved the brilliant Jamie and Blake and feel it could have been an absolute gem of a trilogy.
December 23, 2016
As with the previous books in the series, Deviance follows a central theme. In this case, those who stand outside the norm. So we have sex workers honouring a graveyard for prostitutes, tattoo conventions, and a dastardly villain seeking to sweep away anyone who deviates from his idea of 'the right sort'. Ms Penn's writing is as lush and descriptive as the previous London Psychic books. The psychic in question, Blake Daniel, grows ever more lovable, especially as he begins to delve into his personal family history.
London forms a perfect backdrop for the book, with its history woven into the narrative, adding this story to the existing legends of the capital. Masterfully done.
London forms a perfect backdrop for the book, with its history woven into the narrative, adding this story to the existing legends of the capital. Masterfully done.
February 16, 2024
Deviance is the third and last book in this London Crime series featuring Jamie Brooke and Blake Daniel. This time in the borough of Southwark in south London a man is murdered and his skin flayed removing a tattoo. Jamie hears the screams and runs to help.
I enjoyed reading Deviance and found it on a par with the previous novel Delirium. More of the same with tonnes of research making this an intelligent adult read.
I liked how the sense of community was explored and how the characters, some from the previous novels, were fully developed. It was lovely how this book highlights the diversity of the population within London and how people on the fringes of society were included.
It is far better that you read this series in the order they were published otherwise your possible enjoyment would be ruined. I do not feel this book would work as a stand-alone as although there is back story, this works as a refresher for existing readers and not for newbies.
I think Deviance is a GOOD 4 star read and I can’t give it a higher score because of the supernatural elements woven into the tale. Ravens responding like that? Get real as this should be a realistic adult book and not indulge in childish fantasies.
Of course once you read something, it can’t be unread and this quote from Deviance is very hard to forget!
She shuffled through them so Blake could read the texts: Maiden Lane, Love Lane, Codpiece Lane, Gropecunt Lane. He put a hand up to stop her, laughing a little. “I think that last one would bring in a raft of complaints,” he said. “It became Grape Street and then Grub Street over time,” Catherine said. “But I quite like the original name. At least you knew what you were going to get there.”
I enjoyed reading Deviance and found it on a par with the previous novel Delirium. More of the same with tonnes of research making this an intelligent adult read.
I liked how the sense of community was explored and how the characters, some from the previous novels, were fully developed. It was lovely how this book highlights the diversity of the population within London and how people on the fringes of society were included.
It is far better that you read this series in the order they were published otherwise your possible enjoyment would be ruined. I do not feel this book would work as a stand-alone as although there is back story, this works as a refresher for existing readers and not for newbies.
I think Deviance is a GOOD 4 star read and I can’t give it a higher score because of the supernatural elements woven into the tale. Ravens responding like that? Get real as this should be a realistic adult book and not indulge in childish fantasies.
Of course once you read something, it can’t be unread and this quote from Deviance is very hard to forget!
She shuffled through them so Blake could read the texts: Maiden Lane, Love Lane, Codpiece Lane, Gropecunt Lane. He put a hand up to stop her, laughing a little. “I think that last one would bring in a raft of complaints,” he said. “It became Grape Street and then Grub Street over time,” Catherine said. “But I quite like the original name. At least you knew what you were going to get there.”
June 27, 2018
I believe this is the final book (so far) from Penn's London Crime series. Jamie Brooke is no longer part of law enforcement -- she is now a private investigator. Then her new community gets targeted by the people who want to "clean" London so she decides to do something about it. And Jamie connects with Blake and asks him to help.
I am rather bummed that there's no exact confirmation whether Jamie and Blake will pursue their attraction towards one another. Instead, at the end of this book, Blake seems to heading in order to learn to control his gift better with his father's side of the family *sad face*. I really like the two of them together, but let's face it, so far their interaction always relate to a case that Jamie is handling. I also wish that we have better conclusion with Blake's drinking problem.
As for the mystery, it's more straightforward than the previous two books. Penn finally writes chapter from and it's clear that is the bad guy from the beginning. We get the confirmation of his role in murders and other crimes, which in previous books only come as Jamie's suspicion.
I enjoy these three books a lot (I was lucky to buy the boxset for 99 cents!). I may check out Penn's other works.
I am rather bummed that there's no exact confirmation whether Jamie and Blake will pursue their attraction towards one another. Instead, at the end of this book, Blake seems to heading in order to learn to control his gift better with his father's side of the family *sad face*. I really like the two of them together, but let's face it, so far their interaction always relate to a case that Jamie is handling. I also wish that we have better conclusion with Blake's drinking problem.
As for the mystery, it's more straightforward than the previous two books. Penn finally writes chapter from and it's clear that is the bad guy from the beginning. We get the confirmation of his role in murders and other crimes, which in previous books only come as Jamie's suspicion.
I enjoy these three books a lot (I was lucky to buy the boxset for 99 cents!). I may check out Penn's other works.
April 14, 2022
An interesting premise, but without the historical detail and emotional punch of the previous books.
The Masquerade Ball and all it entailed was the best part of the book. The end, with all the climbing, reminded me a bit of the film “Annie” where she climbed the train rails pursued by Tim Curry – all the fear included.
A bit more about Blake and his job and how the current museum exhibition correlated with where Jamie now lived and worked and what that loon Cameron wanted would have added a bit more colour. There was room to mirror Jack the Ripper and the modern-day skin stealer along with others who persecuted prostitutes and those with tattoos; could have added that zing of secret societies and sanctioned torture the previous books had. I think it goes back to my initial assessment.
Still, a thrilling tale. I’d like to know more about Blake’s family…
The Masquerade Ball and all it entailed was the best part of the book. The end, with all the climbing, reminded me a bit of the film “Annie” where she climbed the train rails pursued by Tim Curry – all the fear included.
A bit more about Blake and his job and how the current museum exhibition correlated with where Jamie now lived and worked and what that loon Cameron wanted would have added a bit more colour. There was room to mirror Jack the Ripper and the modern-day skin stealer along with others who persecuted prostitutes and those with tattoos; could have added that zing of secret societies and sanctioned torture the previous books had. I think it goes back to my initial assessment.
Still, a thrilling tale. I’d like to know more about Blake’s family…
August 23, 2024
No longer a Police officer Jamie seemed to miss some of the excitement, being a private investigator dealing with some very low pressure cases.
However, she also started making friends...amongst people that the more narrow minded may raise an eyebrow or two.
Yet, it is here she got to notice the way sex workers and poor people are getting targeted violently, even explosively so, in an effort to drive them out of Southwark.
But when a new friend got abducted and another's livelyhood gets destroyed, it becomes imperative to do something.
Who could have guessed how close she would come to getting killed in the process?
Deviance is another breathtaking exploration of prejudices going out of control in the hands of mastermind.
Another excellent dark thriller by author J.F. Penn
Enjoy
However, she also started making friends...amongst people that the more narrow minded may raise an eyebrow or two.
Yet, it is here she got to notice the way sex workers and poor people are getting targeted violently, even explosively so, in an effort to drive them out of Southwark.
But when a new friend got abducted and another's livelyhood gets destroyed, it becomes imperative to do something.
Who could have guessed how close she would come to getting killed in the process?
Deviance is another breathtaking exploration of prejudices going out of control in the hands of mastermind.
Another excellent dark thriller by author J.F. Penn
Enjoy
March 30, 2020
I have finished Deviance after reading Desecration and Delirium, all three together, one after the other. All this has done is wish for more books featuring Magda, O, Blake and especially Jamie. I hav Ed not read and of Ms Penn’s Arkane novels but might have to jump in after this. This police procedural dips into the dark, steamy side of humanity and gives hope for us all but depicts what some see as deviance as a choice to live true to themselves. The main characters are all quite likable and I developed a real interest in their past as well as what was happening in the story. I hope to read more about each of them-together or separate.
March 30, 2025
The story follows Jamie Brooke, now working as a private investigator, as she investigates the murder of a priest found in the ruins of Winchester Palace. His body is marked with disturbing details: tattooed arms flayed and feathers stuffed in his mouth. Jamie teams up with Blake Daniel, a museum researcher haunted by visions of a terrifying past, to hunt down the elusive "skin collector."
As violence escalates and more bodies are discovered, Jamie and Blake must unravel the mystery before those they care about are caught in the chaos. The book blends psychological thriller elements with a touch of the supernatural, set against the backdrop of modern-day London.
As violence escalates and more bodies are discovered, Jamie and Blake must unravel the mystery before those they care about are caught in the chaos. The book blends psychological thriller elements with a touch of the supernatural, set against the backdrop of modern-day London.
December 2, 2020
Although I received the book for free from JF Penn, the thoughts expressed here are my own. This is the 3rd book in this series and what a story it is! Jamie and Blake have their work cut out for them once again, as they become embroiled in a plot to dismantle a whole neighbourhood - with all kinds of unpleasant events taking place, including grisly murders and tattoos being taken from human skin after people die - enough to make your skin crawl! Read at your own risk.
July 4, 2018
A mystery framed around the police, London, and horrific ideas. These ideas include who is good and bad, and also redemption. There are also some psychic overtones. A very dark read. Not a mystery with clues, and procedures, but plenty of good and evil. This is as far as I know the final book in the series. There are seeds in the story that are worth continuing and exploring.
September 15, 2019
Jamie Brooke is now living in Southwark and working as a private investigator. One evening she joins a march only for a body to be discovered. Although the the police investigate Jamie also decidees to search for the truth.
Unfortunately we know the name of the guilty party straightaway which distracts from the story for me
Unfortunately we know the name of the guilty party straightaway which distracts from the story for me
May 18, 2018
I don't usually read books about the supernatural, however, in this series (I've read all three books this month) Penn does a good job of suspending my disbelief as DS Jamie Brooke (now a private investigator) enlists the help of Blake Daniel (reluctant psychic) to solve grisly crimes.
May 10, 2019
This trilogy sustains its entertainment throughout. The characterisation is excellent and I feel we have only scratched the surface with Blake's journey.
I was not too keen on the ending but that is because I favour a melancholic ending.
I was not too keen on the ending but that is because I favour a melancholic ending.
June 3, 2020
On to the next Penn series
This is the second J.F.Penn series that I've read, so obviously she's doing something right. What I enjoy the most is the historical facts that she weaves in the stories. Good job!
This is the second J.F.Penn series that I've read, so obviously she's doing something right. What I enjoy the most is the historical facts that she weaves in the stories. Good job!
October 18, 2018
This was my favorite of the three London crime stories. She write such visually compelling characters, I love that.
February 13, 2019
Excellent story completes the series and kept me reading till the end.
September 3, 2019
I loved this one so much, I read it in a day - something near impossible to do with two toddlers running around.
March 1, 2021
Found a new author to love, I loved this thriller, the descriptions of London and especially the Tatoo Convention were just great, will definitely read more by this author.
May 4, 2022
I've enjoyed this series, and this last novel in the series is a strong finish. It is not as dark as I remember the first and second novels, but it is a great finish.
October 1, 2023
I couldn’t get into this book. It starts off so slow with too much detailed descriptions. I liked the first book in this series, but book 3 just has me losing interest. You know … life’s short.
August 25, 2024
Definitely a step up from the second book, concluding the series with satisfactory resolution of plot points raised in the first book!
January 26, 2021
This trilogy earns solid threes across the board. Shakey editing and a reliance on cliches (and cartoonish, one dimensional villains), but still entertaining. This one was focused on the rights of marginalized populations.
The series was wrapped up tidily, sorting out the overarching villain and bringing some closure to the personal stories of the two protagonists.
The series was wrapped up tidily, sorting out the overarching villain and bringing some closure to the personal stories of the two protagonists.
January 13, 2017
This book was amazing and wrapped up a story arc from the other three books that you didn't actually realize existed until the first third of this book. Jamie Brooke and Blake Daniels are back and skating around the fact that they have a mutual attraction but are very broken individuals.
Jamie is setting up her life after it was so derailed in her daughters death and loss of her job and she realizes she has no community to support her. While she begins to stretch out and make connections someone once very close to her begins to attempt to unravel this community. This book made me really stop and consider what society thinks of as "outcasts" and are they really outcasts or are they just living a different life of their own choosing than others are?
Jamie is setting up her life after it was so derailed in her daughters death and loss of her job and she realizes she has no community to support her. While she begins to stretch out and make connections someone once very close to her begins to attempt to unravel this community. This book made me really stop and consider what society thinks of as "outcasts" and are they really outcasts or are they just living a different life of their own choosing than others are?
August 1, 2015
I didn't think it was possible, but J.F. Penn has outdone herself with Deviance, the third installment of the London Psychic series. The book is one of the most sensual books I've yet read, but it never once dips into the lewd or even depict graphic sex. The book smolders on the embers of darkness and sensuality.
Jamie Brooke, once Detective Sergeant Jamie Brooke, is now on her own after resigning from the police force at the end of the previous book. Her daughter Polly's death and the phantasmagoria she's endured on her last few cases have been too much. She walked away and into the dull world of keeping tabs on cheating husbands as a private detective. But perhaps her biggest case is solving who she is, where she belongs, which people she feels the greatest connection to and what she values most. Her journey begins as she weaves her way through a celebration of London's deviants at the Cross Bones Cemetery in honor of the Outcast Dead, where she recognizes a waif of a young woman named O, her body beneath her clothing extensive covered in body art of an octopus erotically cloaking her body. Jamie meets an urban shaman named Magda Raven (Morgan LeFey? Mary Magdalene?), witnesses the sex trade that built London, and the evil others can bring down on those who dare live outside the strict boundaries of polite London society.
The villains in this book are the bright side of the penny with charisma, standing on the moral high ground; the heroes are those labeled deviants who feed the hungry, protect the vulnerable, and have released their pain in the beauty of body art. Look twice. Those we shun because they're not like us may not have buried their secrets of truly deviant childhoods to fester and boil over into greed and gore and the torture of others. Look yet again. The upstanding citizens may not be who they seem.
Blake is here, too, his gloved hands protecting him from his gift as he works his safe and predictable job, walking a slender thread of losing his safety and a freefall into the that which he fears most--himself. There is a bond between Blake and Jamie that pulls him further out of his isolation and towards acceptance of himself. With his help, Jamie is able to risk it all and bring down, for the moment, the evil that threatens the destruction of London's history and macabre beauty.
Throbbing beneath this story is the author's love of London. I've been to London several times and done quite a bit of wandering (OK, I was lost, but it still counts as wandering), only to find myself in places I couldn't understand and was tempted not to fear. But I ran, asked for directions, and retreated to the façade that felt safe but robbed me, and other tourists, of the depths the city holds. Now I want to go back. And when I do, my eyes will be to the skies in search of swarming ravens. And I will follow.
Jamie Brooke, once Detective Sergeant Jamie Brooke, is now on her own after resigning from the police force at the end of the previous book. Her daughter Polly's death and the phantasmagoria she's endured on her last few cases have been too much. She walked away and into the dull world of keeping tabs on cheating husbands as a private detective. But perhaps her biggest case is solving who she is, where she belongs, which people she feels the greatest connection to and what she values most. Her journey begins as she weaves her way through a celebration of London's deviants at the Cross Bones Cemetery in honor of the Outcast Dead, where she recognizes a waif of a young woman named O, her body beneath her clothing extensive covered in body art of an octopus erotically cloaking her body. Jamie meets an urban shaman named Magda Raven (Morgan LeFey? Mary Magdalene?), witnesses the sex trade that built London, and the evil others can bring down on those who dare live outside the strict boundaries of polite London society.
The villains in this book are the bright side of the penny with charisma, standing on the moral high ground; the heroes are those labeled deviants who feed the hungry, protect the vulnerable, and have released their pain in the beauty of body art. Look twice. Those we shun because they're not like us may not have buried their secrets of truly deviant childhoods to fester and boil over into greed and gore and the torture of others. Look yet again. The upstanding citizens may not be who they seem.
Blake is here, too, his gloved hands protecting him from his gift as he works his safe and predictable job, walking a slender thread of losing his safety and a freefall into the that which he fears most--himself. There is a bond between Blake and Jamie that pulls him further out of his isolation and towards acceptance of himself. With his help, Jamie is able to risk it all and bring down, for the moment, the evil that threatens the destruction of London's history and macabre beauty.
Throbbing beneath this story is the author's love of London. I've been to London several times and done quite a bit of wandering (OK, I was lost, but it still counts as wandering), only to find myself in places I couldn't understand and was tempted not to fear. But I ran, asked for directions, and retreated to the façade that felt safe but robbed me, and other tourists, of the depths the city holds. Now I want to go back. And when I do, my eyes will be to the skies in search of swarming ravens. And I will follow.
December 6, 2015
Deviance begins with the murder of a priest found in the ruins of Winchester Palace. His tattooed skin has been flayed. The residents of Southwark, are wary and scared. They knew that some of the artists and outcasts have disappeared without any reasons or taken any of their belongings.
The leaders of the Southwark hired Jaime Brooke, a former Detective Sergeant turned Private Investigator, begins the hunt for a murderer. She turned to Blake Daniel, a psychic and museum curator for help. As her investigator proceeded, she realized that there are more to these murders.
Blake Daniel has his own demons to face. After being abused by his father for inheriting the ability to read the past of inanimate objects and the passing of his father, Blake has gone to liquor to drown his demons.
Jaime and Blake do have chemistry between them but they hold themselves from expressing their feeling to each other. Each believed that they are broken and wondered if they make sense to be together.
What I like about Deviance is that the social and political factors in this book are so accurate reflected from our reality. The outcasts (tattoos, struggling artists, actors/actresses, musicians, the poor, and the homeless) are reflected very well in Southwark. Each person are trying to make their way in the world but politics blamed the outcasts as the blight to society.
Each of the secondary characters and villains are reflected so well in the story. Each are given circumstances and trials in their past and their choices in defining them of who they are. In some ways, the readers can't really hate them but feels some sadness of their current actions in the story.
There are some paranormal scenes. One is with Blake. Another is in the confrontation between the hero and the villain. As with any unorthodox procedure, science has to show proof of the crimes committed by the villain. Jaime is the heroine who can bring justice for the victims.
As for Jaime and Blake, I would like to see another book or two if they can find some solace and some way of helping each other to heal. They are damaged characters but they do put their pains aside in saving their community.
I knew Blake Morgan from Day of the Vikings, ARKANE series. I was wondering if he would appears in a spin-off from the ARKANE series. There is enough materials to find out who is Blake and his abilities. I also wonder if Blake will make another appearance in the ARKANE series. Readers will definitely follow Blake to find out more about his past.
I was given this audiobook by the author in exchange of an honest review. I was not compensated or influenced in any way for writing this review.
The leaders of the Southwark hired Jaime Brooke, a former Detective Sergeant turned Private Investigator, begins the hunt for a murderer. She turned to Blake Daniel, a psychic and museum curator for help. As her investigator proceeded, she realized that there are more to these murders.
Blake Daniel has his own demons to face. After being abused by his father for inheriting the ability to read the past of inanimate objects and the passing of his father, Blake has gone to liquor to drown his demons.
Jaime and Blake do have chemistry between them but they hold themselves from expressing their feeling to each other. Each believed that they are broken and wondered if they make sense to be together.
What I like about Deviance is that the social and political factors in this book are so accurate reflected from our reality. The outcasts (tattoos, struggling artists, actors/actresses, musicians, the poor, and the homeless) are reflected very well in Southwark. Each person are trying to make their way in the world but politics blamed the outcasts as the blight to society.
Each of the secondary characters and villains are reflected so well in the story. Each are given circumstances and trials in their past and their choices in defining them of who they are. In some ways, the readers can't really hate them but feels some sadness of their current actions in the story.
There are some paranormal scenes. One is with Blake. Another is in the confrontation between the hero and the villain. As with any unorthodox procedure, science has to show proof of the crimes committed by the villain. Jaime is the heroine who can bring justice for the victims.
As for Jaime and Blake, I would like to see another book or two if they can find some solace and some way of helping each other to heal. They are damaged characters but they do put their pains aside in saving their community.
I knew Blake Morgan from Day of the Vikings, ARKANE series. I was wondering if he would appears in a spin-off from the ARKANE series. There is enough materials to find out who is Blake and his abilities. I also wonder if Blake will make another appearance in the ARKANE series. Readers will definitely follow Blake to find out more about his past.
I was given this audiobook by the author in exchange of an honest review. I was not compensated or influenced in any way for writing this review.
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