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Relentless Melt
Stranger Things meets the Golden Age of Detective fiction in a rollicking supernatural detective thriller that introduces Artie Quick, a sales assistant at Filene’s in Boston, who moonlights as a amateur detective.
The year is 1909, and Artie Quick—an ambitious, unorthodox and inquisitive young Bostonian—wants to learn about crime. By day she holds down a job as a salesgirl in women’s accessories at Filene’s; by night she disguises herself as a man to pursue studies in Criminal Investigation at the YMCA's Evening Institute for Younger Men.
Eager to put theory into practice, Artie sets out in search of something to investigate. She's joined by her pal Theodore, an upper-crust young bachelor whose interest in Boston's occult counterculture has drawn him into the study of magic. Together, their journey into mystery begins on Boston Common—where the tramps and the groundskeepers swap rumors about unearthly screams and other unsettling anomalies—but soon Artie and Theodore uncover a series of violent abductions that take them on an adventure from the highest corridors of power to the depths of an abandoned mass transit tunnel, its excavation suspiciously never completed.
Will Theodore ever manage to pull off a successful spell? Is Artie really wearing that men's suit just for disguise or is there something more to it? And what chance do two mixed-up young people stand up against the greatest horror Boston has ever known, an ancient, deranged evil that feeds on society's most vulnerable?
The year is 1909, and Artie Quick—an ambitious, unorthodox and inquisitive young Bostonian—wants to learn about crime. By day she holds down a job as a salesgirl in women’s accessories at Filene’s; by night she disguises herself as a man to pursue studies in Criminal Investigation at the YMCA's Evening Institute for Younger Men.
Eager to put theory into practice, Artie sets out in search of something to investigate. She's joined by her pal Theodore, an upper-crust young bachelor whose interest in Boston's occult counterculture has drawn him into the study of magic. Together, their journey into mystery begins on Boston Common—where the tramps and the groundskeepers swap rumors about unearthly screams and other unsettling anomalies—but soon Artie and Theodore uncover a series of violent abductions that take them on an adventure from the highest corridors of power to the depths of an abandoned mass transit tunnel, its excavation suspiciously never completed.
Will Theodore ever manage to pull off a successful spell? Is Artie really wearing that men's suit just for disguise or is there something more to it? And what chance do two mixed-up young people stand up against the greatest horror Boston has ever known, an ancient, deranged evil that feeds on society's most vulnerable?
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 6, 2023
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3232 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
April 3, 2023
I was such a fan of Bushnell's previous two novels, books full of the unexpected. This is more subdued and surprisingly minimal on plot. I wished it was either more fleshed out or more stripped down and the length of a novella.
There are still many things to like. Our protagonist, Artie, is a young woman who doesn't really fit in anywhere. She wants to be a detective and you can tell from early on that being a detective means something slightly different in her world. There are lots of these subtle little things until eventually they are not so subtle and we get to see how the world of 1909 Boston in this novel is not exactly the 1909 Boston from our history. This gradual ramping up of the speculative elements worked really well for me, and if it never quite becomes a fully cohesive whole that didn't bother me. I like having some rough around the edges rather than everything being too neat and tidy.
Artie is roped into a seemingly pointless investigation by her only friend Theodore, a rich and aimless fellow who doesn't have to claw his way through life the way Artie does. Their friendship is sometimes hard to explain, sometimes completely in sync, sometimes not much of a friendship at all.
There is some really lovely consideration of gender here, Artie wears her hair quite short and when we first encounter her she is in disguise in her brother's old suit. She becomes quite attached to this suit and slowly starts to only feel like herself when she is in it. This was a lot of what I liked best about the book, there's an especially poignant scene at the end that finally takes it from subtext to text that worked really well.
There is a mishmash of a lot of different things here: historical, mystery, speculative, and a coming of age story all mixed together. Make it 50 pages shorter and I think it would have been a pretty fantastic work but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
There are still many things to like. Our protagonist, Artie, is a young woman who doesn't really fit in anywhere. She wants to be a detective and you can tell from early on that being a detective means something slightly different in her world. There are lots of these subtle little things until eventually they are not so subtle and we get to see how the world of 1909 Boston in this novel is not exactly the 1909 Boston from our history. This gradual ramping up of the speculative elements worked really well for me, and if it never quite becomes a fully cohesive whole that didn't bother me. I like having some rough around the edges rather than everything being too neat and tidy.
Artie is roped into a seemingly pointless investigation by her only friend Theodore, a rich and aimless fellow who doesn't have to claw his way through life the way Artie does. Their friendship is sometimes hard to explain, sometimes completely in sync, sometimes not much of a friendship at all.
There is some really lovely consideration of gender here, Artie wears her hair quite short and when we first encounter her she is in disguise in her brother's old suit. She becomes quite attached to this suit and slowly starts to only feel like herself when she is in it. This was a lot of what I liked best about the book, there's an especially poignant scene at the end that finally takes it from subtext to text that worked really well.
There is a mishmash of a lot of different things here: historical, mystery, speculative, and a coming of age story all mixed together. Make it 50 pages shorter and I think it would have been a pretty fantastic work but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
July 14, 2024
"What happens? The same thing that always happens, young lady: time advances." (16)
June 30, 2023
The back cover of my copy of Relentless Melt describes it as 'Stranger Things meets the Golden Age of Fiction' and I wouldn't disagree with that but Artie Quick is no Miss Marple and if I could throw another comparison into the mix, I'd add that she reminded me of Enola Holmes. The result is a cracking historical mystery/urban horror with spirited protagonists who courageously push against the constraints of the day.
Artie Quick is a shop girl at Filene's Department store in Boston in 1909 by day but she wants more and for reasons which soon become clear, she wants to understand the system of crime. As a result she signs up for a Criminal Investigation class at the Evening Institute for Young Men, wearing her brother's suit and slicking down her short hair with pomade to disguise herself. Despite her cover not fooling Professor Winchell, he is impressed enough by her abilities to encourage her to continue. Armed with her copy of the course text and eager to practise Chapter Three, 'Inspection of Localities', she is intrigued when her friend, Theodore informs her that an unsolved crime has come to his attention.
The friendship between Artie and Theodore gives the novel its heart and is stronger because there is no romantic tension. On paper, Theo could have been a caricature of privilege; he's the son of wealthy parents, doesn't have to work and collects interesting people as a sort of hobby. However, his ungainly frame, eccentric manner and sincere sense of curiosity means he is a hugely engaging character who ably aids Artie. He is attending classes of his own, having recently begun learning magic at the Boston School of Magic but isn't sure if his instructor's claim that he has enormous promise is genuine or just pretty words to prevent him from becoming discouraged since he hasn't yet accomplished anything.
With both keen to work on their skills, they begin to investigate reports of a 'sustained, distressed, wordless scream' on Boston Common. As they discover unexplainable phenomena occurring on the Common and are confronted with direct evidence of a terrifying crime, Artie and Theo are drawn into a dangerous world of conspiracies and dark magic. The disappearance of young women appears to be a conventional mystery but the motive turns out to be anything but and as they learn of the malice which lurks in an unfinished underground tunnel in the heart of the city, they have to face distressing and perilous situations which go way beyond anything either could have imagined.
Although the terror underground is almost too awful to contemplate, the true horror, of course, comes from the actions of other people. Relentless Melt never feels too heavy but it does feature some truly disturbing topics and is a shrewd portrait of the imbalances of society at that time. Magic is shown to be accepted as real and a force for both good and more nefarious deeds, and as such is woven into a plot which asks its readers to suspend their disbelief but helpfully creates a world in which all that takes place is plausible. Meanwhile the examination of gender boundaries for young women is particularly fascinating, with Artie frustrated by society's expectations and limitations of her while she gradually begins to explore her own identity.
The concluding chapters become increasingly tense with Boston's streets, alleys and wharf a fittingly sinister backdrop to this atmospheric thriller. There are some shocking moments before Artie and Theo have to risk everything to save the city. What occurs here may irritate those more used to straightforward denouements but I thoroughly enjoyed it and found this to be a fresh and entertaining genre-blending read throughout. Relentless Melt will be one of the most memorable books I read this year; I was left hoping for more and highly recommend it
Artie Quick is a shop girl at Filene's Department store in Boston in 1909 by day but she wants more and for reasons which soon become clear, she wants to understand the system of crime. As a result she signs up for a Criminal Investigation class at the Evening Institute for Young Men, wearing her brother's suit and slicking down her short hair with pomade to disguise herself. Despite her cover not fooling Professor Winchell, he is impressed enough by her abilities to encourage her to continue. Armed with her copy of the course text and eager to practise Chapter Three, 'Inspection of Localities', she is intrigued when her friend, Theodore informs her that an unsolved crime has come to his attention.
The friendship between Artie and Theodore gives the novel its heart and is stronger because there is no romantic tension. On paper, Theo could have been a caricature of privilege; he's the son of wealthy parents, doesn't have to work and collects interesting people as a sort of hobby. However, his ungainly frame, eccentric manner and sincere sense of curiosity means he is a hugely engaging character who ably aids Artie. He is attending classes of his own, having recently begun learning magic at the Boston School of Magic but isn't sure if his instructor's claim that he has enormous promise is genuine or just pretty words to prevent him from becoming discouraged since he hasn't yet accomplished anything.
With both keen to work on their skills, they begin to investigate reports of a 'sustained, distressed, wordless scream' on Boston Common. As they discover unexplainable phenomena occurring on the Common and are confronted with direct evidence of a terrifying crime, Artie and Theo are drawn into a dangerous world of conspiracies and dark magic. The disappearance of young women appears to be a conventional mystery but the motive turns out to be anything but and as they learn of the malice which lurks in an unfinished underground tunnel in the heart of the city, they have to face distressing and perilous situations which go way beyond anything either could have imagined.
Although the terror underground is almost too awful to contemplate, the true horror, of course, comes from the actions of other people. Relentless Melt never feels too heavy but it does feature some truly disturbing topics and is a shrewd portrait of the imbalances of society at that time. Magic is shown to be accepted as real and a force for both good and more nefarious deeds, and as such is woven into a plot which asks its readers to suspend their disbelief but helpfully creates a world in which all that takes place is plausible. Meanwhile the examination of gender boundaries for young women is particularly fascinating, with Artie frustrated by society's expectations and limitations of her while she gradually begins to explore her own identity.
The concluding chapters become increasingly tense with Boston's streets, alleys and wharf a fittingly sinister backdrop to this atmospheric thriller. There are some shocking moments before Artie and Theo have to risk everything to save the city. What occurs here may irritate those more used to straightforward denouements but I thoroughly enjoyed it and found this to be a fresh and entertaining genre-blending read throughout. Relentless Melt will be one of the most memorable books I read this year; I was left hoping for more and highly recommend it
July 17, 2023
I have a new favourite fictional character - and she goes by the name of Artie Quick. Eagerly awaiting the sequel now!
November 3, 2024
fun ! ! was gooped at the end of act 2 but act 3 fell a lil bit flat - unless there’s plans for a sequel ?
August 26, 2024
Couldn’t put it down! Very fun characters and a compelling but fairly simple mystery with some exciting elements of fantasy and sci-fi!
January 6, 2024
Rec. by: MCL
Rec. for: Would-be practitioners
Although its title could be from a Jeff VanderMeer story, Relentless Melt contains a very different sort of tale. As Jeremy P. Bushnell's novel begins, the year is 1909—but not exactly our version of that year. The differences are subtle, especially at first, but Bushnell builds on them skillfully, sidestepping historical accuracy while maintaining verisimilitude. Before very long we know that this early 20th Century is rather more magical than the one in our history books. Magic—and not just stage magic—actually works... although spellcasting is complicated, poorly understood, and really not very common.
Which means that this Boston's history hasn't changed too much from our own timeline—at least, on the surface.
We see this version of Boston through the eyes of Artie Quick, an eager and observant young student (quick, indeed), who is just seventeen years old—the perfect age to enroll in Professor Winchell's night course on Criminal Investigation at the Evening Institute for Young Men, sessions held weekly on the second floor of the Young Men's Christian Association building not far from where Artie works in Filene's Bargain Basement (a discount department store then just one year past its opening).
There's just one problem... well, more than one, really, but one specific issue that's quickly (heh) apparent to Winchell's own keenly observant eyes from the first time that Artie refrains from answering one of his questions to the class: Artie isn't exactly a young man.
Artie Quick's a great character, though, who is one of the best features of Bushnell's book. And, .
I don't think it's easy to portray keen observations without being observant oneself. Fortunately, Jeremy P. Bushnell is up to the task.
Relentless Melt asks: do people matter? That is, do individual people matter, even if they're poor, even if they're different, even if they are worth less to a society that judges them based on class and income and race and gender and sexuality? (The answer is yes, of course, but Bushnell does a fine and subtle job of showing these things rather than just telling us, through Artie's thoughts and actions, and those of Artie's best friend Theodore, and their allies and antagonists.)
Relentless Melt was very well-paced, balancing successive revelations about magic and about Boston's underbelly with Artie's growing self-understanding. It wasn't exactly relentless, or at least I didn't think so, but my final read for 2023 turned out to be a very good one, indeed.
Rec. for: Would-be practitioners
"If there's one thing a watchman can't stand, it's being watched,"
—p.308
Although its title could be from a Jeff VanderMeer story, Relentless Melt contains a very different sort of tale. As Jeremy P. Bushnell's novel begins, the year is 1909—but not exactly our version of that year. The differences are subtle, especially at first, but Bushnell builds on them skillfully, sidestepping historical accuracy while maintaining verisimilitude. Before very long we know that this early 20th Century is rather more magical than the one in our history books. Magic—and not just stage magic—actually works... although spellcasting is complicated, poorly understood, and really not very common.
Which means that this Boston's history hasn't changed too much from our own timeline—at least, on the surface.
We see this version of Boston through the eyes of Artie Quick, an eager and observant young student (quick, indeed), who is just seventeen years old—the perfect age to enroll in Professor Winchell's night course on Criminal Investigation at the Evening Institute for Young Men, sessions held weekly on the second floor of the Young Men's Christian Association building not far from where Artie works in Filene's Bargain Basement (a discount department store then just one year past its opening).
There's just one problem... well, more than one, really, but one specific issue that's quickly (heh) apparent to Winchell's own keenly observant eyes from the first time that Artie refrains from answering one of his questions to the class: Artie isn't exactly a young man.
Artie Quick's a great character, though, who is one of the best features of Bushnell's book. And, .
I don't think it's easy to portray keen observations without being observant oneself. Fortunately, Jeremy P. Bushnell is up to the task.
Relentless Melt asks: do people matter? That is, do individual people matter, even if they're poor, even if they're different, even if they are worth less to a society that judges them based on class and income and race and gender and sexuality? (The answer is yes, of course, but Bushnell does a fine and subtle job of showing these things rather than just telling us, through Artie's thoughts and actions, and those of Artie's best friend Theodore, and their allies and antagonists.)
Relentless Melt was very well-paced, balancing successive revelations about magic and about Boston's underbelly with Artie's growing self-understanding. It wasn't exactly relentless, or at least I didn't think so, but my final read for 2023 turned out to be a very good one, indeed.
June 14, 2023
I think that this is going to be one of the strangest books I review this year. It is an odd and quirky blending of genres that will delight some and frustrate others.
The novel is divided into three sections being in approximate thirds, with each one having a distinctive style and clear purpose.
In the first section, ‘The Evening Institute for Young Men’ we are introduced to the principal character Artie who has enrolled on a course of instruction, one of criminal investigation. The first surprise (if you ignore the blurb) is that Artie is not actually a young man but a young woman. This ruse is rumbled by the instructor in the first lesson, he is a respected detective. Her disguise was to dress as a man as the course is not open to young ladies. It is 1909 there are so many restrictions on the activities of women, but Artie finds a modicum of freedom when she dresses as a man and continues to do so. She wants to investigate mysteries and enlists the help of her friend the wealthy and slightly foppish Theodore. A slightly odd friendship, but an enduring one that forms the spine of the novel. Together they embark on a quest to discover the source of some disturbing screaming.
In the middle section, ‘The Boston School of Magic’ it transpires that Theodore has been studying magic under the master magician W.D. Gannett, who appears to be like a modern illusionist, but later we discover that he can cast magic spells. Theodore introduces Artie to him and later they discover that Gannett’s daughter Dorothy, a skilled magician in her own right, is no longer his assistant. There is no trace of her. The deeper that Theodore and Artie dig, the more magic seems to play a part in their mystery.
The final part of the story is, ‘The Excavated Prison’ is what crime readers might think of as the ‘reveal’ but in essence is a confrontation of good against evil.
The writing style is fun and upbeat, I found it engaging throughout even though I’ve read very little fantasy (not even Harry Potter). The danger with mashing up styles and genres is that you end up disappointing everyone, but I think this has been skilfully avoided here, as the story morphs from crime into fantasy and then the supernatural. Through it all it remains light-hearted.
Artie is the central character, and a delightful one at that. She is a young woman who is determined to avoid the constraints of society but is still a little naive to the ways of the world. Theodore provides great support and the scenes where they are together having a strange chemistry, that is non-sexual, that just seems to work. He is an Edwardian version of a modern rich boy slacker albeit one who is considerably more dapper. The leftfield character is Artie’s brother Zeb. He is four years older and got involved with juvenile gangs and petty mischief, which led to shop lifting and then into full blown robbery. Once an important part of Artie’s home life, they start to drift apart until one day he leaves and doesn’t return. It is one of his suits that he left behind that Artie starts to wear. As the case develops, she realises she needs his help and once they start talking it becomes clear that there is more to Zeb and his reasons than we were led to believe.
Some of the themes are clear such as women being denied rights and opportunities, and consequently the victims being girls no one would miss. Others are deftly hidden until you get a gradual dawning realisation as you progress.
The novel is divided into three sections being in approximate thirds, with each one having a distinctive style and clear purpose.
In the first section, ‘The Evening Institute for Young Men’ we are introduced to the principal character Artie who has enrolled on a course of instruction, one of criminal investigation. The first surprise (if you ignore the blurb) is that Artie is not actually a young man but a young woman. This ruse is rumbled by the instructor in the first lesson, he is a respected detective. Her disguise was to dress as a man as the course is not open to young ladies. It is 1909 there are so many restrictions on the activities of women, but Artie finds a modicum of freedom when she dresses as a man and continues to do so. She wants to investigate mysteries and enlists the help of her friend the wealthy and slightly foppish Theodore. A slightly odd friendship, but an enduring one that forms the spine of the novel. Together they embark on a quest to discover the source of some disturbing screaming.
In the middle section, ‘The Boston School of Magic’ it transpires that Theodore has been studying magic under the master magician W.D. Gannett, who appears to be like a modern illusionist, but later we discover that he can cast magic spells. Theodore introduces Artie to him and later they discover that Gannett’s daughter Dorothy, a skilled magician in her own right, is no longer his assistant. There is no trace of her. The deeper that Theodore and Artie dig, the more magic seems to play a part in their mystery.
The final part of the story is, ‘The Excavated Prison’ is what crime readers might think of as the ‘reveal’ but in essence is a confrontation of good against evil.
The writing style is fun and upbeat, I found it engaging throughout even though I’ve read very little fantasy (not even Harry Potter). The danger with mashing up styles and genres is that you end up disappointing everyone, but I think this has been skilfully avoided here, as the story morphs from crime into fantasy and then the supernatural. Through it all it remains light-hearted.
Artie is the central character, and a delightful one at that. She is a young woman who is determined to avoid the constraints of society but is still a little naive to the ways of the world. Theodore provides great support and the scenes where they are together having a strange chemistry, that is non-sexual, that just seems to work. He is an Edwardian version of a modern rich boy slacker albeit one who is considerably more dapper. The leftfield character is Artie’s brother Zeb. He is four years older and got involved with juvenile gangs and petty mischief, which led to shop lifting and then into full blown robbery. Once an important part of Artie’s home life, they start to drift apart until one day he leaves and doesn’t return. It is one of his suits that he left behind that Artie starts to wear. As the case develops, she realises she needs his help and once they start talking it becomes clear that there is more to Zeb and his reasons than we were led to believe.
Some of the themes are clear such as women being denied rights and opportunities, and consequently the victims being girls no one would miss. Others are deftly hidden until you get a gradual dawning realisation as you progress.
May 11, 2023
My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Melville House Publishing for an advanced copy of this book of horror and of discovery, both of what a person truly is, and how bad the world can be.
Cities are large and impersonal. Streets don't care about people, their well being, who they are, nor what they do. A person can use this form of indifference to an advantage, though. One can almost make a life, one that is far different than the current one. Where a young man, who might not that young or a man, can seek to embetter themselves, to learn a new way of looking at the world, in a way of solving a mystery in their past. However with new skills, come new ways of looking at things, and an understanding that maybe impersonal cities prey on those who are never seen, and and an evil that is ancient is still as deadly. Relentless Melt by Jeremy P. Bushnell is a story about a person testing investigatory skills, and finding a world just under the surface, that is far darker than they ever expected.
Artie Quick is a young woman on the go, living in the year of 1909 in Boston with her alcoholic father, her damaged mother, and the spectre of her missing brother. By day Artie works at the women's accessories table at Filene's whose magnificant Basement has been a hit, giving her lots to do during the day. Retail is not that fulfilling to her mind, and Artie in an effort to find her brother and to do something with her life, puts on her brother's clothes, and begins attending classes on Criminal Investigation at the local YMCA. Artie's friend Theodore is the scion of a Boston family that has more money than duties. Theodore dabbles in art, photography and magic, and has a suggestion for Artie. There was a scream in the park. Let us investigate. Soon Artie and her friend are gifted a tooth, stop a kidnapping, find a tree that is growing wrong and more mysteries. And this only the start of the strange that puts their lives in danger.
A mystery, horror story, historical fiction urban romance, and a story about a young girl finding out about herself, in a time were conformity wasn't just a rule, it was. Bushnell has a very good feel for the times, comments about dance halls, Filene's the park, clothing, retail environments, all seem real and give a great sense of feeling to the story. There is a lot of plot and a lot of ideas, but it is the characters that really make the story. Artie is fun, different, sad, scared, brave and discovering things about herself and the world that never would have occurred or even crossed her mind. There are scenes that are scary, but scenes that are just beautiful, and rewarding. The Lovecraft feeling is strong, the weirdness of trees, magic and other things add well to the story also. A very fun story that aims very high and delivers on everything.
Recommended for people who enjoy strong women characters, a bit of ghoulishness, a tad of gross, and like historical fiction stories. Again Bushnell really captures the time, and the place, which is rare in stories like this. I can't wait to read more by Jeremy P. Bushnell.
Cities are large and impersonal. Streets don't care about people, their well being, who they are, nor what they do. A person can use this form of indifference to an advantage, though. One can almost make a life, one that is far different than the current one. Where a young man, who might not that young or a man, can seek to embetter themselves, to learn a new way of looking at the world, in a way of solving a mystery in their past. However with new skills, come new ways of looking at things, and an understanding that maybe impersonal cities prey on those who are never seen, and and an evil that is ancient is still as deadly. Relentless Melt by Jeremy P. Bushnell is a story about a person testing investigatory skills, and finding a world just under the surface, that is far darker than they ever expected.
Artie Quick is a young woman on the go, living in the year of 1909 in Boston with her alcoholic father, her damaged mother, and the spectre of her missing brother. By day Artie works at the women's accessories table at Filene's whose magnificant Basement has been a hit, giving her lots to do during the day. Retail is not that fulfilling to her mind, and Artie in an effort to find her brother and to do something with her life, puts on her brother's clothes, and begins attending classes on Criminal Investigation at the local YMCA. Artie's friend Theodore is the scion of a Boston family that has more money than duties. Theodore dabbles in art, photography and magic, and has a suggestion for Artie. There was a scream in the park. Let us investigate. Soon Artie and her friend are gifted a tooth, stop a kidnapping, find a tree that is growing wrong and more mysteries. And this only the start of the strange that puts their lives in danger.
A mystery, horror story, historical fiction urban romance, and a story about a young girl finding out about herself, in a time were conformity wasn't just a rule, it was. Bushnell has a very good feel for the times, comments about dance halls, Filene's the park, clothing, retail environments, all seem real and give a great sense of feeling to the story. There is a lot of plot and a lot of ideas, but it is the characters that really make the story. Artie is fun, different, sad, scared, brave and discovering things about herself and the world that never would have occurred or even crossed her mind. There are scenes that are scary, but scenes that are just beautiful, and rewarding. The Lovecraft feeling is strong, the weirdness of trees, magic and other things add well to the story also. A very fun story that aims very high and delivers on everything.
Recommended for people who enjoy strong women characters, a bit of ghoulishness, a tad of gross, and like historical fiction stories. Again Bushnell really captures the time, and the place, which is rare in stories like this. I can't wait to read more by Jeremy P. Bushnell.
January 17, 2023
"The desire to learn...is nothing more than a desire to observe...footprints found in the dust of the highway...the wheels of carriages...pressure on the grass where someone has sat...little pieces of paper...displaced stones...marks or injuries on trees. Everything will afford opportunity for drawing conclusions...The most familiar environments contain a host of detail from which we have become estranged...once again become reconciled...explaining what must previously have taken place."
Artie Quick, salesgirl in women's accessories in Filene's Basement, had a "keen, inquisitive mind." Determined to learn about criminal investigation, she enrolled in a 13 week course run by a retired policeman. Outfitted in a man's suit, she hoped this ruse would allow her to attend class. In the year 1909, change was in the air as evidenced by the electric street lights recently installed, however, the changes did not include women being hired by the Boston PD. The sudden cancellation of the CI course meant Artie must be extra alert and extra observant when a mysterious, unearthly scream was heard on the Boston Common. All it took was one class to pique her interest and here was the opportunity to practice what she had learned.
Theodore Reed, an eccentric bachelor, "a collector of interesting people", lived in a townhouse. He enjoyed capturing ghostly images through the double exposure of film using his Brownie camera. His interest in the occult had led him to pursue magic. He hoped to learn spells and enchantments.
Artie and Theo, two odd people, "each of them realized that together they could navigate the world better than either of them could alone." They met at night on the Boston Commons, setting out to find something to investigate. Their starting point was "a sustained, distressed, wordless scream...Every object and every shadow in the [Public Garden] begins to take on a menacing charge...They walk the paths of the Commons, senses heightened...What kind of evidence gets left behind by a scream?"
"Relentless Melt" by Jeremy Bushnell is a supernatural thriller set during the Golden Age of Detective Fiction. A twenty-something duo, newbies to the workings of criminal investigation and magic spells, will bolster each other's ideas and try to dispel each other's hesitancies while they try to solve an eerie crime. The criminal act includes murder, abduction, high level corruption and an excavated, but abandoned mass transit tunnel. What about the red maple tree in the Boston Commons, a tree planted along with other red maples? In the last week, this one tree had doubled in size and age. Why was an abandoned tunnel surrounded by fencing and guarded by a policeman? The tension and body count mounts, the screams continue. Can Artie and Theo untangle the web that seems to hold Boston in its grasp? Highly recommended.
Thank you Melville House Publishing and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Artie Quick, salesgirl in women's accessories in Filene's Basement, had a "keen, inquisitive mind." Determined to learn about criminal investigation, she enrolled in a 13 week course run by a retired policeman. Outfitted in a man's suit, she hoped this ruse would allow her to attend class. In the year 1909, change was in the air as evidenced by the electric street lights recently installed, however, the changes did not include women being hired by the Boston PD. The sudden cancellation of the CI course meant Artie must be extra alert and extra observant when a mysterious, unearthly scream was heard on the Boston Common. All it took was one class to pique her interest and here was the opportunity to practice what she had learned.
Theodore Reed, an eccentric bachelor, "a collector of interesting people", lived in a townhouse. He enjoyed capturing ghostly images through the double exposure of film using his Brownie camera. His interest in the occult had led him to pursue magic. He hoped to learn spells and enchantments.
Artie and Theo, two odd people, "each of them realized that together they could navigate the world better than either of them could alone." They met at night on the Boston Commons, setting out to find something to investigate. Their starting point was "a sustained, distressed, wordless scream...Every object and every shadow in the [Public Garden] begins to take on a menacing charge...They walk the paths of the Commons, senses heightened...What kind of evidence gets left behind by a scream?"
"Relentless Melt" by Jeremy Bushnell is a supernatural thriller set during the Golden Age of Detective Fiction. A twenty-something duo, newbies to the workings of criminal investigation and magic spells, will bolster each other's ideas and try to dispel each other's hesitancies while they try to solve an eerie crime. The criminal act includes murder, abduction, high level corruption and an excavated, but abandoned mass transit tunnel. What about the red maple tree in the Boston Commons, a tree planted along with other red maples? In the last week, this one tree had doubled in size and age. Why was an abandoned tunnel surrounded by fencing and guarded by a policeman? The tension and body count mounts, the screams continue. Can Artie and Theo untangle the web that seems to hold Boston in its grasp? Highly recommended.
Thank you Melville House Publishing and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 17, 2023
I confess to not being at all familiar with author Jeremy P. Bushnell or his prior work, but the description of his latest novel RELENTLESS MELT was so interesting I was drawn to it. I have a penchant for good horror, supernaturally-based tales that have more going on than just blood and guts. To say that this novel met that need would be an understatement as RELENTLESS MELT is horror with a good bit of historical and speculative fiction thrown in for good measure.
The year is 1909 in the city of Boston, but as the novel goes on readers will find that it is not the same Boston we know. It is this original take on things that make this such a dynamic novel. Our primary protagonist is Artie Quick and we first see Artie sitting in the first class at a local college on Criminal Investigation. It is being taught by someone she respects that is well-known in the area for a career as a top-notch Detective. He puts those detection skills to play when he speaks with Artie after the class and lets on that he is aware ‘she’ is a female posing as a male for the sake of blending into this course.
We then see Artie in her everyday life as a sales clerk at the legendary Filene’s Basement Department store in the heart of Boston. She was using her recently gained Criminal Detection skills to play from her course by being extra alert and studying all her customers closely. She will get a much bigger chance to use her love of detection when her best friend and fellow misfit Theodore comes into the store and tells her about a potential mystery they can investigate. It will involve a scream that was reported at a local park and this shuttles them on their way to speak with both the homeless residents as well as some employees of the park to try and learn more about this alleged scream.
Little do Arie and Theodore know that this scream is just one small piece in a much larger puzzle that they are about to become imbedded in. During their self-run investigation, they are attacked by a man brandishing a knife who they found accosting a young female. They have no idea just how more dangerous things are going to get for them. It gets so serious that Artie reaches out to her Criminal Investigation teacher, Winchell, and persuade him to help them in their Scooby-Doo adventure that was turning more into a tale penned by Edgar Allan Poe.
Theodore fancies himself a novice magician, and this is where the other-worldly version of Boston comes in to play. We begin to see a Boston in the year 1909 beset by powerful magicians, both good and evil, and when his mentor turns up at a suspicious location in an alley that they are investigating the disappearance of some young women, the connection is made. The conundrum for our junior sleuth and her magical friend is why was this master magician at a place that was filled with elderly and infirmed women surrounded by a handful of nurses? It resembles a sort of weird hospice and the answer, once it is uncovered, is a thing of brilliance.
Murder, dark magic, and an evil presence beneath the streets of Boston that threatens the life of every inhabitant living on the surface. RELENTLESS MELT is a quirky title that remains true to its’ namesake. This is a relentless read expertly crafted by Jeremy P. Bushnell that creates some great chills and unforgettable plot twists that show off his talents in the best of ways.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
The year is 1909 in the city of Boston, but as the novel goes on readers will find that it is not the same Boston we know. It is this original take on things that make this such a dynamic novel. Our primary protagonist is Artie Quick and we first see Artie sitting in the first class at a local college on Criminal Investigation. It is being taught by someone she respects that is well-known in the area for a career as a top-notch Detective. He puts those detection skills to play when he speaks with Artie after the class and lets on that he is aware ‘she’ is a female posing as a male for the sake of blending into this course.
We then see Artie in her everyday life as a sales clerk at the legendary Filene’s Basement Department store in the heart of Boston. She was using her recently gained Criminal Detection skills to play from her course by being extra alert and studying all her customers closely. She will get a much bigger chance to use her love of detection when her best friend and fellow misfit Theodore comes into the store and tells her about a potential mystery they can investigate. It will involve a scream that was reported at a local park and this shuttles them on their way to speak with both the homeless residents as well as some employees of the park to try and learn more about this alleged scream.
Little do Arie and Theodore know that this scream is just one small piece in a much larger puzzle that they are about to become imbedded in. During their self-run investigation, they are attacked by a man brandishing a knife who they found accosting a young female. They have no idea just how more dangerous things are going to get for them. It gets so serious that Artie reaches out to her Criminal Investigation teacher, Winchell, and persuade him to help them in their Scooby-Doo adventure that was turning more into a tale penned by Edgar Allan Poe.
Theodore fancies himself a novice magician, and this is where the other-worldly version of Boston comes in to play. We begin to see a Boston in the year 1909 beset by powerful magicians, both good and evil, and when his mentor turns up at a suspicious location in an alley that they are investigating the disappearance of some young women, the connection is made. The conundrum for our junior sleuth and her magical friend is why was this master magician at a place that was filled with elderly and infirmed women surrounded by a handful of nurses? It resembles a sort of weird hospice and the answer, once it is uncovered, is a thing of brilliance.
Murder, dark magic, and an evil presence beneath the streets of Boston that threatens the life of every inhabitant living on the surface. RELENTLESS MELT is a quirky title that remains true to its’ namesake. This is a relentless read expertly crafted by Jeremy P. Bushnell that creates some great chills and unforgettable plot twists that show off his talents in the best of ways.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
June 19, 2023
I confess to not being familiar with Jeremy P. Bushnell or his prior work, but the description of his latest novel was so interesting that I was immediately drawn to it. I have a penchant for good horror, supernaturally based tales that have more going on than just blood and guts. To say that this book met that need would be an understatement. RELENTLESS MELT is horror with a healthy dose of historical and speculative fiction thrown in for good measure.
The year is 1909, and the setting is Boston. But this is not the same Boston we know, and it’s this original take that makes the book so dynamic. When we meet Artie Quick, she is at the YMCA's Evening Institute for Younger Men studying Criminal Investigation. Her teacher, Professor Winchell, is a top-notch detective whom she respects. After class, he makes her aware that he knows she’s a woman posing as a man for the sake of blending into the course, but he allows her to stay.
We then see Artie in her day job as a sales clerk at the legendary Filene’s Department Store in the heart of Boston. She puts her recently acquired detection skills to good use by being extra alert and studying her customers closely. Theodore, her best friend and fellow misfit, comes into the store and tells her about a potential mystery they can investigate involving a scream that was reported at a local park.
Little do Artie and Theodore know that this scream is just a small piece in a much larger puzzle in which they are about to become embroiled. During their self-run investigation, they are attacked by a man brandishing a knife who they find accosting a young woman. They have no idea what kind of danger they’re getting themselves into. It gets so serious, in fact, that Artie reaches out to Professor Winchell and persuades him to help them in their Scooby-Doo adventure, which is now starting to resemble a tale penned by Edgar Allan Poe.
Theodore fancies himself a novice magician, and this is where the otherworldly version of Boston comes into play. The city is beset by powerful magicians, both good and evil. When Theodore’s mentor turns up at a suspicious location in an alley where they’re investigating the disappearances of young ladies, the connection is made. Why is this master magician at a place populated with elderly and infirm women surrounded by a handful of nurses? It’s akin to a sort of weird hospice. That’s the conundrum for our junior sleuth and her magical friend. The answer, once uncovered, is a thing of brilliance.
In RELENTLESS MELT, you will find murder, dark magic and an evil presence beneath the streets of Boston that threatens the life of every inhabitant living on the surface. Expertly crafted by Bushnell, this relentless read creates some great chills and unforgettable plot twists that show off his talents in the best of ways.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
The year is 1909, and the setting is Boston. But this is not the same Boston we know, and it’s this original take that makes the book so dynamic. When we meet Artie Quick, she is at the YMCA's Evening Institute for Younger Men studying Criminal Investigation. Her teacher, Professor Winchell, is a top-notch detective whom she respects. After class, he makes her aware that he knows she’s a woman posing as a man for the sake of blending into the course, but he allows her to stay.
We then see Artie in her day job as a sales clerk at the legendary Filene’s Department Store in the heart of Boston. She puts her recently acquired detection skills to good use by being extra alert and studying her customers closely. Theodore, her best friend and fellow misfit, comes into the store and tells her about a potential mystery they can investigate involving a scream that was reported at a local park.
Little do Artie and Theodore know that this scream is just a small piece in a much larger puzzle in which they are about to become embroiled. During their self-run investigation, they are attacked by a man brandishing a knife who they find accosting a young woman. They have no idea what kind of danger they’re getting themselves into. It gets so serious, in fact, that Artie reaches out to Professor Winchell and persuades him to help them in their Scooby-Doo adventure, which is now starting to resemble a tale penned by Edgar Allan Poe.
Theodore fancies himself a novice magician, and this is where the otherworldly version of Boston comes into play. The city is beset by powerful magicians, both good and evil. When Theodore’s mentor turns up at a suspicious location in an alley where they’re investigating the disappearances of young ladies, the connection is made. Why is this master magician at a place populated with elderly and infirm women surrounded by a handful of nurses? It’s akin to a sort of weird hospice. That’s the conundrum for our junior sleuth and her magical friend. The answer, once uncovered, is a thing of brilliance.
In RELENTLESS MELT, you will find murder, dark magic and an evil presence beneath the streets of Boston that threatens the life of every inhabitant living on the surface. Expertly crafted by Bushnell, this relentless read creates some great chills and unforgettable plot twists that show off his talents in the best of ways.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
June 19, 2023
I confess to not being familiar with Jeremy P. Bushnell or his prior work, but the description of his latest novel was so interesting that I was immediately drawn to it. I have a penchant for good horror, supernaturally based tales that have more going on than just blood and guts. To say that this book met that need would be an understatement. RELENTLESS MELT is horror with a healthy dose of historical and speculative fiction thrown in for good measure.
The year is 1909, and the setting is Boston. But this is not the same Boston we know, and it’s this original take that makes the book so dynamic. When we meet Artie Quick, she is at the YMCA's Evening Institute for Younger Men studying Criminal Investigation. Her teacher, Professor Winchell, is a top-notch detective whom she respects. After class, he makes her aware that he knows she’s a woman posing as a man for the sake of blending into the course, but he allows her to stay.
We then see Artie in her day job as a sales clerk at the legendary Filene’s Department Store in the heart of Boston. She puts her recently acquired detection skills to good use by being extra alert and studying her customers closely. Theodore, her best friend and fellow misfit, comes into the store and tells her about a potential mystery they can investigate involving a scream that was reported at a local park.
Little do Artie and Theodore know that this scream is just a small piece in a much larger puzzle in which they are about to become embroiled. During their self-run investigation, they are attacked by a man brandishing a knife who they find accosting a young woman. They have no idea what kind of danger they’re getting themselves into. It gets so serious, in fact, that Artie reaches out to Professor Winchell and persuades him to help them in their Scooby-Doo adventure, which is now starting to resemble a tale penned by Edgar Allan Poe.
Theodore fancies himself a novice magician, and this is where the otherworldly version of Boston comes into play. The city is beset by powerful magicians, both good and evil. When Theodore’s mentor turns up at a suspicious location in an alley where they’re investigating the disappearances of young ladies, the connection is made. Why is this master magician at a place populated with elderly and infirm women surrounded by a handful of nurses? It’s akin to a sort of weird hospice. That’s the conundrum for our junior sleuth and her magical friend. The answer, once uncovered, is a thing of brilliance.
In RELENTLESS MELT, you will find murder, dark magic and an evil presence beneath the streets of Boston that threatens the life of every inhabitant living on the surface. Expertly crafted by Bushnell, this relentless read creates some great chills and unforgettable plot twists that show off his talents in the best of ways.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
The year is 1909, and the setting is Boston. But this is not the same Boston we know, and it’s this original take that makes the book so dynamic. When we meet Artie Quick, she is at the YMCA's Evening Institute for Younger Men studying Criminal Investigation. Her teacher, Professor Winchell, is a top-notch detective whom she respects. After class, he makes her aware that he knows she’s a woman posing as a man for the sake of blending into the course, but he allows her to stay.
We then see Artie in her day job as a sales clerk at the legendary Filene’s Department Store in the heart of Boston. She puts her recently acquired detection skills to good use by being extra alert and studying her customers closely. Theodore, her best friend and fellow misfit, comes into the store and tells her about a potential mystery they can investigate involving a scream that was reported at a local park.
Little do Artie and Theodore know that this scream is just a small piece in a much larger puzzle in which they are about to become embroiled. During their self-run investigation, they are attacked by a man brandishing a knife who they find accosting a young woman. They have no idea what kind of danger they’re getting themselves into. It gets so serious, in fact, that Artie reaches out to Professor Winchell and persuades him to help them in their Scooby-Doo adventure, which is now starting to resemble a tale penned by Edgar Allan Poe.
Theodore fancies himself a novice magician, and this is where the otherworldly version of Boston comes into play. The city is beset by powerful magicians, both good and evil. When Theodore’s mentor turns up at a suspicious location in an alley where they’re investigating the disappearances of young ladies, the connection is made. Why is this master magician at a place populated with elderly and infirm women surrounded by a handful of nurses? It’s akin to a sort of weird hospice. That’s the conundrum for our junior sleuth and her magical friend. The answer, once uncovered, is a thing of brilliance.
In RELENTLESS MELT, you will find murder, dark magic and an evil presence beneath the streets of Boston that threatens the life of every inhabitant living on the surface. Expertly crafted by Bushnell, this relentless read creates some great chills and unforgettable plot twists that show off his talents in the best of ways.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
November 8, 2023
I would have liked this book a lot as a kid. Masc AFAB lead who's just smarter than everyone and everyone likes and is never harmed, even in dangerous scenarios. Excited lil kids running around and finding clues and relatively easily unearthing a corruption plot in their local government, just casual things. Cute incorporation of magic whenever real life is too difficult to write around. Honestly pretty interesting villain type character, very "Omelas"-ian. Absolutely no exposition around the magical elements, because who needs that boring shit?
Maybe this is a good YA book, but I'm not even sure. I'm not even sure if it's supposed to be YA, but it's written with a lack of sophistication that indicates to me that it might be aimed at children. MC is 17, which is a child, but also is employed and does grown-up shit. So it's some confusing new-adult mishmash.
Some of the good things - I thought it was cute that there was an attempt made at gender representation in the early 20th century. We tend to think that trans and gender-non-conforming people didn't exist in those times, but it's nice to have some representation in Artie. I also thought that their interactions with men and their friends tended to be quite positive, which isn't what I expected, but maybe it's good if this is targeted at a younger audience (but more on that later). Finally, I liked the arc of Artie realizing the importance of a person who would typically be overlooked by society. It all happened very easily and conveniently, but it was still a nice sentiment.
Some of the bad things - It felt like this was a story written with a modern brain, then transposed into 1909 by doing a few Google searches. The fact that Theodore has a camera is absolutely bonkers, and the fact that he thinks about taking pictures of suspects in the moment is such a modern idea that it's kinda crazy. The riding of cabs doesn't feel quite right. The casual friendship between Theodore and Artie doesn't feel quite right. Perhaps I don't have a great understanding of the early 20th century, but I'd be willing to bet that the author doesn't either.
I'm also disappointed by the fact that it feels like Artie's gender is shoehorned into the story. Maybe that was the point, to write a fun cute little story about a lil masc kid who likes solving crimes, but I feel like there's a lot to be said about what womanhood/the expectations of womanhood feel like that isn't expressed in the story. It basically boils down to - I like wearing pants. Artie doesn't ever think about the danger that they put themselves in when interacting intimately with Prof. Willard and idolizing him in the weird way that they do. I was waiting for a shoe to drop there, but (spoiler) it never did. It was a real "non-man written by a man" characterization, which I did not love.
Maybe this is a good YA book, but I'm not even sure. I'm not even sure if it's supposed to be YA, but it's written with a lack of sophistication that indicates to me that it might be aimed at children. MC is 17, which is a child, but also is employed and does grown-up shit. So it's some confusing new-adult mishmash.
Some of the good things - I thought it was cute that there was an attempt made at gender representation in the early 20th century. We tend to think that trans and gender-non-conforming people didn't exist in those times, but it's nice to have some representation in Artie. I also thought that their interactions with men and their friends tended to be quite positive, which isn't what I expected, but maybe it's good if this is targeted at a younger audience (but more on that later). Finally, I liked the arc of Artie realizing the importance of a person who would typically be overlooked by society. It all happened very easily and conveniently, but it was still a nice sentiment.
Some of the bad things - It felt like this was a story written with a modern brain, then transposed into 1909 by doing a few Google searches. The fact that Theodore has a camera is absolutely bonkers, and the fact that he thinks about taking pictures of suspects in the moment is such a modern idea that it's kinda crazy. The riding of cabs doesn't feel quite right. The casual friendship between Theodore and Artie doesn't feel quite right. Perhaps I don't have a great understanding of the early 20th century, but I'd be willing to bet that the author doesn't either.
I'm also disappointed by the fact that it feels like Artie's gender is shoehorned into the story. Maybe that was the point, to write a fun cute little story about a lil masc kid who likes solving crimes, but I feel like there's a lot to be said about what womanhood/the expectations of womanhood feel like that isn't expressed in the story. It basically boils down to - I like wearing pants. Artie doesn't ever think about the danger that they put themselves in when interacting intimately with Prof. Willard and idolizing him in the weird way that they do. I was waiting for a shoe to drop there, but (spoiler) it never did. It was a real "non-man written by a man" characterization, which I did not love.
June 15, 2023
The story:
Boston, 1909: 17-year-old Artie Quick is keen to understand the world of crime. So much so, she’s prepared to dress herself as a boy to attend classes in criminal investigation at the Evening Institute for Young Men (at least, that’s what she tells herself is the reason for the disguise…).
Her good friend Theodore is keen to help, and puts her on the trail of a possible case — a mysterious scream heard on Boston Common.
From these vague beginnings, Artie and Theodore are led on an increasingly twisting path, from investigating mysterious abductions on the street, to the Boston School of Magic and even City Hall. Will they be able to unravel the strange events surrounding them, before something truly horrifying is set loose on Boston?
My thoughts:
The blurb for “Relentless Melt” by Jeremy P Bushnell describes it as “Stranger Things meets the Golden Age of Detective Fiction”. Either one of those would be enough to tempt me, and the combination seemed too intriguing to miss!
This is a great description for a book that crosses multiple genres (mystery, adventure, magical realism, to name a few) and also has real heart. The central character Artie Quick — shop girl by day, fledgling criminal investigator by night — is determined and intelligent, and her friendship with upper-class bachelor Theodore is endearing. Both are lonely, and together they provide each other with the support they don’t get at home.
Artie’s reasons for wanting to study crime become clear as the book progresses, and lead her to study under Professor Winchell. I was a bit sad that her classes at the Institute didn’t continue for longer — it sounded like a great course! Theodore also has his own studies, at the Boston School of Magic (although he has been struggling for several months to master even one spell!).
It slowly dawned on me as I was reading that this isn’t quite the world as we know it, and the magic being referred to is more than just parlour tricks. This becomes more prominent as the plot progresses, and the duo uncover the truly horrifying reason behind the disappearance of young women in the city…
I particularly enjoyed seeing Artie discover themself as the story progressed, and the intriguing plot and complex characters has made this one of my favourite reads of the year so far — well worth a read for all mystery fans!
Boston, 1909: 17-year-old Artie Quick is keen to understand the world of crime. So much so, she’s prepared to dress herself as a boy to attend classes in criminal investigation at the Evening Institute for Young Men (at least, that’s what she tells herself is the reason for the disguise…).
Her good friend Theodore is keen to help, and puts her on the trail of a possible case — a mysterious scream heard on Boston Common.
From these vague beginnings, Artie and Theodore are led on an increasingly twisting path, from investigating mysterious abductions on the street, to the Boston School of Magic and even City Hall. Will they be able to unravel the strange events surrounding them, before something truly horrifying is set loose on Boston?
My thoughts:
The blurb for “Relentless Melt” by Jeremy P Bushnell describes it as “Stranger Things meets the Golden Age of Detective Fiction”. Either one of those would be enough to tempt me, and the combination seemed too intriguing to miss!
This is a great description for a book that crosses multiple genres (mystery, adventure, magical realism, to name a few) and also has real heart. The central character Artie Quick — shop girl by day, fledgling criminal investigator by night — is determined and intelligent, and her friendship with upper-class bachelor Theodore is endearing. Both are lonely, and together they provide each other with the support they don’t get at home.
Artie’s reasons for wanting to study crime become clear as the book progresses, and lead her to study under Professor Winchell. I was a bit sad that her classes at the Institute didn’t continue for longer — it sounded like a great course! Theodore also has his own studies, at the Boston School of Magic (although he has been struggling for several months to master even one spell!).
It slowly dawned on me as I was reading that this isn’t quite the world as we know it, and the magic being referred to is more than just parlour tricks. This becomes more prominent as the plot progresses, and the duo uncover the truly horrifying reason behind the disappearance of young women in the city…
I particularly enjoyed seeing Artie discover themself as the story progressed, and the intriguing plot and complex characters has made this one of my favourite reads of the year so far — well worth a read for all mystery fans!
June 21, 2023
In RELENTLESS MELT, by Jeremy P. Bushnell, we find Artie Quick, an eager young Bostonian who wants to learn everything they can about criminal investigation. In 1909, however, the only classes available in criminal studies are for men, so Artie dresses in a suit and begins a course where the teacher, who immediately can identify Artie's truth, is also impressed with Artie's attention to detail and keen observation skills. Artie, along with her close friend Theodore, discover rumors of disappearances and Artie is quick to start using her newly acquired knowledge. She and Theodore uncover a much larger conspiracy than they thought and the supernatural reality they find is shockingly scary. Artie and Theodore enlist some unlikely allies and try to end this otherworldly terror for good, but will they succeed?
Bushnell does a good job of taking the reader to 1909/1910 Boston by how clear the physical descriptions are and atmospheric tone is of the time. Artie is a fascinating character, she is trying to find out who she wants to be with not only the wardrobe changes, but in finding what inspires her. The things she is exposed to in the novel really change her and help her to grow as person and what she becomes in the end is so much more than what she was when the book began. The book slows down in the middle and the reader could begin to lose interest, but the end of the book, with a surprising supernatural twist, really takes the reader on a ride and leaves the door open for future books involving Artie.
RELENTLESS MELT is a really fun story the poses some interesting questions about loyalty, family and gender acceptance, I suggest that fans of period detectives novels, science fictions fans, and anyone wanting to read a well plotted, entertaining, and unpredictable book should pick this on up.
Thank you to Melville House Publishing, Jeremy P Bushnell, and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Bushnell does a good job of taking the reader to 1909/1910 Boston by how clear the physical descriptions are and atmospheric tone is of the time. Artie is a fascinating character, she is trying to find out who she wants to be with not only the wardrobe changes, but in finding what inspires her. The things she is exposed to in the novel really change her and help her to grow as person and what she becomes in the end is so much more than what she was when the book began. The book slows down in the middle and the reader could begin to lose interest, but the end of the book, with a surprising supernatural twist, really takes the reader on a ride and leaves the door open for future books involving Artie.
RELENTLESS MELT is a really fun story the poses some interesting questions about loyalty, family and gender acceptance, I suggest that fans of period detectives novels, science fictions fans, and anyone wanting to read a well plotted, entertaining, and unpredictable book should pick this on up.
Thank you to Melville House Publishing, Jeremy P Bushnell, and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
September 4, 2023
My review first appeared on Reviewingtheevidene.com in June. Here are the concluding paragraphs:
In short, the narrative moves confidently from a convincing representation of Boston in the early years of the last century to a climax involving a confrontation with a terrifying paranormal presence. Along the way, Artie and Theodore are confronted by evidence of truly horrifying crimes involving the abduction of girls, crimes in which both police and elected officials appear to be complicit.
Bushnell is able to conduct the reader on the journey from the ordinary to the extraordinary through the voice of the narrator. This is the calm, not quite detached commentary that we all recognize as the voice-over of a solid film documentary. It is the attitude if not the accent of a classic BBC informative film and it encourages readers to accept what might otherwise be seen as an unwise foray into an improbable universe.
But RELENTLESS MELT also derives in a way from still photography as well. Drawn from Susan Sontag's On Photography and used as an epigraph, it reminds us that the moment in time frozen in a photo does not negate the relentless melt of time itself. What is true of a photo is also true of this novel. Within the solid ordinariness of the opening chapters there are seeds of change, though not necessarily of the change the characters (or the reader) anticipate. Like the narrator, readers will develop a soft spot for the several Arties we meet in the course of the book and wish them well. This is not to suggest that this is intended as the first book in a series. It could be, and I would certainly read the sequel, but a series is a confinement of sorts. As it stands, RELENTLESS MELT is the most inventive, appealing, and entertaining piece of fiction I've read in some time and that is good enough for now.
The full review appears on http://www.reviewingtheevidence.com/r...
In short, the narrative moves confidently from a convincing representation of Boston in the early years of the last century to a climax involving a confrontation with a terrifying paranormal presence. Along the way, Artie and Theodore are confronted by evidence of truly horrifying crimes involving the abduction of girls, crimes in which both police and elected officials appear to be complicit.
Bushnell is able to conduct the reader on the journey from the ordinary to the extraordinary through the voice of the narrator. This is the calm, not quite detached commentary that we all recognize as the voice-over of a solid film documentary. It is the attitude if not the accent of a classic BBC informative film and it encourages readers to accept what might otherwise be seen as an unwise foray into an improbable universe.
But RELENTLESS MELT also derives in a way from still photography as well. Drawn from Susan Sontag's On Photography and used as an epigraph, it reminds us that the moment in time frozen in a photo does not negate the relentless melt of time itself. What is true of a photo is also true of this novel. Within the solid ordinariness of the opening chapters there are seeds of change, though not necessarily of the change the characters (or the reader) anticipate. Like the narrator, readers will develop a soft spot for the several Arties we meet in the course of the book and wish them well. This is not to suggest that this is intended as the first book in a series. It could be, and I would certainly read the sequel, but a series is a confinement of sorts. As it stands, RELENTLESS MELT is the most inventive, appealing, and entertaining piece of fiction I've read in some time and that is good enough for now.
The full review appears on http://www.reviewingtheevidence.com/r...
March 11, 2023
Reviews of average books are always difficult to write. This is a slightly above average novel. Some of the writing shows great promise and emotional investment, However, as a whole, this novel just didn’t resinate with me,
Artie Quick, the protagonist, is a young girl of lower-class means working in the newly opened Filene’s basement as a shopgirl. However, she longs to learn about the Criminal Element, This leads her to impersonate a man to attend a criminology class only offered at the YMCA. Her best friend and sidekick is Theodore, who is upper class and seems to be independently wealthy.
What starts out as a turn of the century detective novel turns into a supernatural adventure about two thirds through. Artie and Theodore uncover a conspiracy of female kidnappings where the only girls taken are those that “wouldn’t be missed”.
It is billed as part detective and part “Stranger Things”. The last portion of the novel definitely seems like the latter. The writing here is descriptive and powerful. But it also doesn’t seem to gel with the tone of the rest of the novel.
The novel touches on many cliched themes, but doesn’t really explore any of them in great detail. Class discrepancies, gender identity, female empowerment and gender inequality are all present, But they seem to be just brushed on, not truly ingrained into the characters. However, there are certain parts of the novel that are written well. There was clear research into historical data and I did learn some things. Certain sentences I notated because they were excellent, Unfortunately there aren’t nearly enough of them.
I can also see that this could be yet another unnecessary franchise, given the way that it ended, Unfortunately it needs to add more weight and dimension. There is foundation here, I just think it could use some polish.
Artie Quick, the protagonist, is a young girl of lower-class means working in the newly opened Filene’s basement as a shopgirl. However, she longs to learn about the Criminal Element, This leads her to impersonate a man to attend a criminology class only offered at the YMCA. Her best friend and sidekick is Theodore, who is upper class and seems to be independently wealthy.
What starts out as a turn of the century detective novel turns into a supernatural adventure about two thirds through. Artie and Theodore uncover a conspiracy of female kidnappings where the only girls taken are those that “wouldn’t be missed”.
It is billed as part detective and part “Stranger Things”. The last portion of the novel definitely seems like the latter. The writing here is descriptive and powerful. But it also doesn’t seem to gel with the tone of the rest of the novel.
The novel touches on many cliched themes, but doesn’t really explore any of them in great detail. Class discrepancies, gender identity, female empowerment and gender inequality are all present, But they seem to be just brushed on, not truly ingrained into the characters. However, there are certain parts of the novel that are written well. There was clear research into historical data and I did learn some things. Certain sentences I notated because they were excellent, Unfortunately there aren’t nearly enough of them.
I can also see that this could be yet another unnecessary franchise, given the way that it ended, Unfortunately it needs to add more weight and dimension. There is foundation here, I just think it could use some polish.
September 4, 2025
This novel begins in 1909 with Artie Quick attending the first class of a Criminal Investigation course at the Evening Institute at the Boston YMCA. The instructor, Professor Winchell, quickly deduces that Artie is a perceptive student but also that she's a woman in disguise. Before Artie can immerse herself in the course, she finds herself involved in a mystery involving the abduction of young women and girls, including Winchell's daughter. With her eccentric friend Theodore, a young man from a prosperous family who is an amateur magician, Artie uncovers a conspiracy involving the highest members of Boston's government. Worse, it all is in service to a Lovecraftian horror within the tunnel excavated for Boston's new subway!
The paranormal aspect caught me off guard since I was expecting a more straightforward mystery, so I'll mention it hear in case anyone else enters this book unaware. I think the book starts strong establishing the setting and characters but over time if becomes more rushed and overly complicated. Artie is a great character and I enjoy her process of learning criminal investigation while also her growing awareness of gender identity. The chemistry of Artie and Theodore's friendship is well done. I feel this book had the potential to be great but ended up merely good, but it also sets up a promising sequel.
The paranormal aspect caught me off guard since I was expecting a more straightforward mystery, so I'll mention it hear in case anyone else enters this book unaware. I think the book starts strong establishing the setting and characters but over time if becomes more rushed and overly complicated. Artie is a great character and I enjoy her process of learning criminal investigation while also her growing awareness of gender identity. The chemistry of Artie and Theodore's friendship is well done. I feel this book had the potential to be great but ended up merely good, but it also sets up a promising sequel.
December 29, 2023
Ahoy there mateys! This be one of those books where the blurb is extremely misleading and led to some dissatisfaction. It describes the book as "Stranger Things meets the Golden Age of Detective fiction in a rollicking supernatural detective thriller that introduces Artie Quick, a sales assistant at Filene’s in Boston, who moonlights as a amateur detective." I did really like Artie Quick, however, she never really feels like a detective of any kind. She signs up for a criminal investigative class that she does not complete. She hears a scream in the park that she wonders about. Artie half-heartedly seems to want to investigate to make herself feel useful. The majority of the book felt like a description of Artie's friendship with Theodore, which I liked. Maybe the three parts were the problem. Part one is ‘The Evening Institute for Young Men’ which details the class and friendship. Part two is ‘The Boston School of Magic’ which discusses Theodore's magic studies and his professor's life. Part three ‘The Excavated Prison’ is where the mystery is explained and dealt with. I personally felt that the first two parts were great and the third part felt like a completely different book. Lots of folks loved this. Wish I would have. Arrrr!
August 19, 2023
I really enjoyed this strange little thriller. Our protagonist Artie is a queer 17 yo old girl from a working class family in 1910 Boston, not sure how she fits in the world but drawn to investigations, partly because she wants to solve the mystery of her brother's disappearance and partly, it sees, because she's got a talent for it, a leaning that way anyhow.
The first part of the book is practically a cozy, with the threat level sort of low and indistinct, but in the second it becomes a fully realized nasty piece of weird fiction, and I wasn't ready.... The queer stuff is handled in an interesting way; the book doesn't have Artie state outright that she's a lesbian or trans, or really even agonize over it in a historically accurate way, as much as it just rests there close to the surface, unnamed and uncomplicated. And then there's a pronoun shift in the last chapter that maybe gives the game away, but which was also so interesting, it really worked for me.
This isn't really a deep book, and it's not a master class in plotting or any of the other superlatives. But it is a really engaging read that didn't make me feel stupid for enjoying it.
The first part of the book is practically a cozy, with the threat level sort of low and indistinct, but in the second it becomes a fully realized nasty piece of weird fiction, and I wasn't ready.... The queer stuff is handled in an interesting way; the book doesn't have Artie state outright that she's a lesbian or trans, or really even agonize over it in a historically accurate way, as much as it just rests there close to the surface, unnamed and uncomplicated. And then there's a pronoun shift in the last chapter that maybe gives the game away, but which was also so interesting, it really worked for me.
This isn't really a deep book, and it's not a master class in plotting or any of the other superlatives. But it is a really engaging read that didn't make me feel stupid for enjoying it.
June 30, 2023
I admit I was drawn in by the pretty cover and the title, and some short online reviews that praised the novel for being a unique cosmic horror read. Well, without spoiling anything vital of the plot (that final showdown in the tunnel is just perfection), this actually IS a great horror novel.
The main heroine (Artie) and her best friend (Theodore) are a great investigating duo. The two stumble onto a mystery, which evolves from investigating mere kidnappings of young women all the way to a great conspiracy that involves the city's 'powers that be'. The author drops subtle clues here and there, and they all slowly build on each other, to create a very creepy puzzle that the main characters eventually solve. The characters feel real, and every time there is a loss or a death, it holds weight.
I think the last chapter was kind of unnecessary and had too much info dumping (it was kind of obviously setting up further adventures for Artie). It's like when you watch a really great film, and the grand finale is still processing in your head when you realize there is apparently more after the end credits. If the book ended after the climactic battle in the tunnel, it would have made for a stronger ending. Still, I'm not going to lie, I would absolutely LOVE if there are more Artie adventures coming.
The main heroine (Artie) and her best friend (Theodore) are a great investigating duo. The two stumble onto a mystery, which evolves from investigating mere kidnappings of young women all the way to a great conspiracy that involves the city's 'powers that be'. The author drops subtle clues here and there, and they all slowly build on each other, to create a very creepy puzzle that the main characters eventually solve. The characters feel real, and every time there is a loss or a death, it holds weight.
I think the last chapter was kind of unnecessary and had too much info dumping (it was kind of obviously setting up further adventures for Artie). It's like when you watch a really great film, and the grand finale is still processing in your head when you realize there is apparently more after the end credits. If the book ended after the climactic battle in the tunnel, it would have made for a stronger ending. Still, I'm not going to lie, I would absolutely LOVE if there are more Artie adventures coming.
August 3, 2023
meh. the plot spins around in circles for two thirds of the book, and then a whole other (not strictly speaking other, but it sure feels like) plot drops onto your lap from nowhere only to be resolved swiftly, with not much input from the main character.
for a book this disorganized with the main narrative, you'd hope there was at least atmosphere or character or any tension/sense of urgency, but there is hardly anything unfortunately. for a mystery, there is a severe lack of set-up. this world has magic, but it takes a while for the reader to find this out in the first place because the main character isn't much interested in the concept. an interesting approach, sure, but it isn't helping the flow of the story in the least. beyond there being no attempt at all to establish what all magic is capable of doing here, this choice is also throwing a real spanner into some agency for the leads, they mostly stumble through everything without much of a personal reason to be doing the plot.
for a book this disorganized with the main narrative, you'd hope there was at least atmosphere or character or any tension/sense of urgency, but there is hardly anything unfortunately. for a mystery, there is a severe lack of set-up. this world has magic, but it takes a while for the reader to find this out in the first place because the main character isn't much interested in the concept. an interesting approach, sure, but it isn't helping the flow of the story in the least. beyond there being no attempt at all to establish what all magic is capable of doing here, this choice is also throwing a real spanner into some agency for the leads, they mostly stumble through everything without much of a personal reason to be doing the plot.
May 25, 2024
After an awkward beginning in which the book struggles to find its footing as a period piece, Bushnell throws his first plot twists and reveals at the reader and unleashes Relentless Melt as the page-turner it was always destined to be.
Bushnell comes up a little short for me in Artie's character arc. After establishing her as a young woman who wants to pursue "men's work" in what is decidedly a man's world, his plot mechanics — and again, it's a thrilling plot — leave little space for a deeper interior examination of Artie's wants and motives, which seem to reveal, resolve and explain themselves a little too abruptly at the end. It reads like the A-to-B arc of a protagonist in the first novel of a series. And while I wouldn't be opposed to following the further adventures of Artie Quick, I would have preferred the more A-B-C-D-E arc of the stand-alone novel I suspect Relentless Melt to be.
Bushnell comes up a little short for me in Artie's character arc. After establishing her as a young woman who wants to pursue "men's work" in what is decidedly a man's world, his plot mechanics — and again, it's a thrilling plot — leave little space for a deeper interior examination of Artie's wants and motives, which seem to reveal, resolve and explain themselves a little too abruptly at the end. It reads like the A-to-B arc of a protagonist in the first novel of a series. And while I wouldn't be opposed to following the further adventures of Artie Quick, I would have preferred the more A-B-C-D-E arc of the stand-alone novel I suspect Relentless Melt to be.
August 26, 2024
Pros: It was a good read and that’s about it. The plot twists were quite predictable but nevertheless, I was quite entertained. This was my first book I completed in years so it was a great way to introduce myself back into reading. I would recommend this book to someone in their late years of high school or someone that’s wanting a quick and entertaining read.
Cons: It wasn’t historically accurate in the time period it was set in terms of social interactions. There would’ve been societal constraints in how Artie (protagonist) interacts with men (her best friend, her professor, her brother, her father and other men in the book) but it felt the conversations she was having with them were just way too causal and inappropriate (what people then would’ve considered inappropriate- like speaking in private, turning up unannounced to a man’s place of work or house etc ). This made the whole mystery a bit easier to solve than it would’ve been REALISTICALLY.
Cons: It wasn’t historically accurate in the time period it was set in terms of social interactions. There would’ve been societal constraints in how Artie (protagonist) interacts with men (her best friend, her professor, her brother, her father and other men in the book) but it felt the conversations she was having with them were just way too causal and inappropriate (what people then would’ve considered inappropriate- like speaking in private, turning up unannounced to a man’s place of work or house etc ). This made the whole mystery a bit easier to solve than it would’ve been REALISTICALLY.
October 1, 2023
I wanted to like this more than I did -- I had high expectations based on Bushnell's first novel. It was quirkier and had more of a magical realism vibe (if I recall correctly).
I enjoyed this -- 3.5 stars -- but I was a bit bored 2/3 of the way in. So the pacing of the mystery was perhaps a bit slow, and the way it was unfolding was perhaps a bit obvious. I knew what was coming next. It felt like a short story that was very nicely built out to become a novella. There's a typical story arc that one usually expects, where things hit a pace by about halfway through with some action or revelation that drives the last half of a novel -- Bushnell doesn't do this. And that's maybe okay, bold even, to just write the story and not force it into a formula. But, then the reader who expects a that formulaic pacing may be disappointed.
I enjoyed this -- 3.5 stars -- but I was a bit bored 2/3 of the way in. So the pacing of the mystery was perhaps a bit slow, and the way it was unfolding was perhaps a bit obvious. I knew what was coming next. It felt like a short story that was very nicely built out to become a novella. There's a typical story arc that one usually expects, where things hit a pace by about halfway through with some action or revelation that drives the last half of a novel -- Bushnell doesn't do this. And that's maybe okay, bold even, to just write the story and not force it into a formula. But, then the reader who expects a that formulaic pacing may be disappointed.
April 24, 2023
Relentless Melt is a brilliant novel set in early 1900s Boston. Science fiction meets crime noir with a superb cast of characters featuring Artie Quick, a young woman interested in learning criminal investigation. Artie must disguise herself as a man to attend her classes, and soon finds herself amidst her very own criminal investigation when young girls start going missing. Donning her suit and enlisting her best friend Theodore, an aspiring magician, Artie sets out to put her investigative skills to the test against Boston’s most evil minds. But as she digs deeper into the missing girls, Artie discovers not only secrets about Boston, but also herself.
Relentless Melt is my final reading group guide for Melville House! Make sure to check both out in June 2023.
Relentless Melt is my final reading group guide for Melville House! Make sure to check both out in June 2023.
September 14, 2023
I really liked this novel, which takes place in Boston in the 1910's. It is written with very straightforward prose and builds very interesting characters in a very interesting time frame. The protagonist is a young woman named Artie Quick whose brother has left home for a life of crime and whose parents have fallen down on their parental tasks. She decides to enroll in a Criminology class while pretending to be a man. Her teacher encourages her and she begins to practice her investigation skills out in the real world. While doing so she uncovers a set of events that involve the supernatural. Her friend Theodore introduces here to a Magician (in the occult arts sense) who later also becomes critical to the events that unfold.
It is a short but delightful book.
It is a short but delightful book.
September 29, 2023
Heckkkk yes. This is THE Boston book.
Artie works for Filene's, but crossdresses so as to take an investigation course. When the course is canceled just one class in, she discovers that it's because the instructor's daughter has been abducted. And thus begins our adventure as Artie works with her best friend Theo, who is an amateur magician. There's time travel, god-like beasts, real magic, and police cover-ups. I mean, what's not to love about this book?
I'm just obsessed with the way Bushnell wove all of these plotlines together to make a book that is both coherent and totally mind-blowing. What an absolute talent.
Artie works for Filene's, but crossdresses so as to take an investigation course. When the course is canceled just one class in, she discovers that it's because the instructor's daughter has been abducted. And thus begins our adventure as Artie works with her best friend Theo, who is an amateur magician. There's time travel, god-like beasts, real magic, and police cover-ups. I mean, what's not to love about this book?
I'm just obsessed with the way Bushnell wove all of these plotlines together to make a book that is both coherent and totally mind-blowing. What an absolute talent.
October 31, 2023
3.75
This starts pretty slow. It certainly picks up, but it takes time to get to a satisfying payoff. Artie is such an interesting and relatable character to me. Their journey of self discovery was a joy to follow. I also loved that they didn't necessarily take care of the big bad in a traditional way. Sometimes you just want to follow normal people in messed up situations doing the best they can in the moment, even if the solution isn't always the most ideal.
The reason this isnt rated higher mostly boils down to pacing. Also i tend to rely on a book sucking me in to get me motivated to keep reading and that didnt really happen here, but i enjoyed it a lot nonetheless
This starts pretty slow. It certainly picks up, but it takes time to get to a satisfying payoff. Artie is such an interesting and relatable character to me. Their journey of self discovery was a joy to follow. I also loved that they didn't necessarily take care of the big bad in a traditional way. Sometimes you just want to follow normal people in messed up situations doing the best they can in the moment, even if the solution isn't always the most ideal.
The reason this isnt rated higher mostly boils down to pacing. Also i tend to rely on a book sucking me in to get me motivated to keep reading and that didnt really happen here, but i enjoyed it a lot nonetheless
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