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Devouring Time: A Race Against the Clock to Expose Shocking Secrets, Shameless Greed, and Murder
Marcus Tate doesn’t understand the odd leave London to deliver a small, carefully-wrapped box to a family in Canada? But his mentor, mother figure, and friend, Cathy Edwards, insists that Marcus is precisely the right person to deliver the important package that she has held onto for many long years.
Little does Marcus realize that his world is about to be turned upside down. In less than one day, Marcus learns not only the shocking truth about his mother, but also the real reason Cathy forged such a strong bond with him. And despite Marcus’s attempt to make a quick delivery and leave, the eccentric Blackbourne family insists that he stay to learn more about the contents of the mysterious box.
The Blackbournes can’t wait for Lillian, the family matriarch, to peel the brown paper wrapping from the package. To each family member, the package represents the promise of an even richer life. More money. Financial independence. Power. Freedom to travel the world.
But to the family’s surprise, the package is only one small piece of a much larger labyrinth of lies and betrayal, leading to the discovery of family secrets . . . and murder.
Time ticks away as the family attempts to solve the mystery of Lillian’s murder, all while trying to make sense of their past. Through it all, the Blackbournes and Marcus can’t help but wonder if the murderer is still lurking among them.
Join Marcus and the entire Blackbourne family on a whirlwind twenty-four hour adventure, through a world of insatiable greed, family secrets, forbidden love, and murder!
Little does Marcus realize that his world is about to be turned upside down. In less than one day, Marcus learns not only the shocking truth about his mother, but also the real reason Cathy forged such a strong bond with him. And despite Marcus’s attempt to make a quick delivery and leave, the eccentric Blackbourne family insists that he stay to learn more about the contents of the mysterious box.
The Blackbournes can’t wait for Lillian, the family matriarch, to peel the brown paper wrapping from the package. To each family member, the package represents the promise of an even richer life. More money. Financial independence. Power. Freedom to travel the world.
But to the family’s surprise, the package is only one small piece of a much larger labyrinth of lies and betrayal, leading to the discovery of family secrets . . . and murder.
Time ticks away as the family attempts to solve the mystery of Lillian’s murder, all while trying to make sense of their past. Through it all, the Blackbournes and Marcus can’t help but wonder if the murderer is still lurking among them.
Join Marcus and the entire Blackbourne family on a whirlwind twenty-four hour adventure, through a world of insatiable greed, family secrets, forbidden love, and murder!
202 pages, Paperback
Published June 5, 2021
1 person is currently reading
4 people want to read
About the author
Patty Lesser
17 books17 followersAfter living around the world, Patty Lesser returned to Hamilton area, Ontario where she grew up. She has been writing all her life, starting with poems as a child. A few years ago, she began writing novels. She now has several titles to her credit, including the new Coma Kids YA/MG Sci-fi Series.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 16, 2016
This is a classic who done it. When Marcus Tate, from London, is asked by an elderly friend to deliver a precious package to Canada, he accepts. First Marcus goes to a law office, where he is told to go to see Lillian Albright, Arriving at Lillian's home, Marcus is in for surprises, suspense and a big mystery.He is also going to meet a strange family and learn a lot of interesting things about his own life along the way. The author did a great job with the crazy characters in the family who Marcus meets and in the fun mystery they all have to solve.
March 1, 2016
Our Big Secret – A review of the novel ‘Devouring Time’
“That is how heavy a secret can become. It can make blood flow easier than ink.” – Patrick Rothfuss
Author Patty Lesser’s novel ‘Devouring Time’ narrates the happenings inside an old English country-house in Canada. Marcus, a solicitor from London has been entrusted with delivering a special package to the heiress of an old mansion. What happens thereafter includes the revelation of a secret treasure, relatives clamoring for their share in the riches and an unexpected death in the family. When an investigation is launched to identify the murderer, more secrets and the true nature of the family members gets revealed.
The narration in Devouring Time has a laidback approach to it, and is very much reminiscent of the posh, aristocratic mansion the story is set in. Though it’s touted as a mystery book, the novel isn’t in a hurry to introduce you to all the characters and then reveal the big mystery within the story. Art plays a major part in the narrative, what with almost all the characters being connoisseurs of classical and modern paintings. And just like how you would go about painting a fine picture; the author has taken her time in constructing the scenes and in applying the right shades and tones.
Although Marcus Tate is introduced as a core protagonist in the narration, the book actually has a bevy of colorful characters that keeps the plot moving forward. There’s nothing special about his character, but it is fun to see his life unravel and dissimilate as he interacts more with the family members of the mansion. Margaret plays the love interest to Marcus; she is also the sole character with integrity amidst her greedy relatives. Other notable characters that make an impression with their characteristics and their dialogues include Richard, Lillian, Marilyn, Victor and the stone faced but loyal butler Howard.
Actually, all the characters in this novel can be the subjects in a compelling case study about human nature. Their behavior and antics even in the midst of a tragedy shows that sometimes human beings can value personal richness and comfort over other moralistic compulsions like truth and justice. This is an interesting reveal into the human psyche and is something that the author has attempted in her earlier book A Discerning Heart as well. While the latter was set in the fantasy genre, Devouring Time has a more modern and real-life feel to it.
The book can’t be classified as just another Whodunit fiction; although the novel has all the elements of a mystery book - a huge mansion filled with a diverse array of characters, a secret room with a precious treasure, conniving characters that stand to benefit from the death of the matriarch and even a mysterious butler to boot. Devouring Time is primarily a character driven story and an introspection into the worldly compulsions that prompts us to behave in a certain manner. The mystery element merely binds the story together and keeps the reader engaged till the end.
Patty Lesser has spun a different tale based on the mold of classic mystery stories, and regular readers of hers will appreciate the different voice she has employed here.
“That is how heavy a secret can become. It can make blood flow easier than ink.” – Patrick Rothfuss
Author Patty Lesser’s novel ‘Devouring Time’ narrates the happenings inside an old English country-house in Canada. Marcus, a solicitor from London has been entrusted with delivering a special package to the heiress of an old mansion. What happens thereafter includes the revelation of a secret treasure, relatives clamoring for their share in the riches and an unexpected death in the family. When an investigation is launched to identify the murderer, more secrets and the true nature of the family members gets revealed.
The narration in Devouring Time has a laidback approach to it, and is very much reminiscent of the posh, aristocratic mansion the story is set in. Though it’s touted as a mystery book, the novel isn’t in a hurry to introduce you to all the characters and then reveal the big mystery within the story. Art plays a major part in the narrative, what with almost all the characters being connoisseurs of classical and modern paintings. And just like how you would go about painting a fine picture; the author has taken her time in constructing the scenes and in applying the right shades and tones.
Although Marcus Tate is introduced as a core protagonist in the narration, the book actually has a bevy of colorful characters that keeps the plot moving forward. There’s nothing special about his character, but it is fun to see his life unravel and dissimilate as he interacts more with the family members of the mansion. Margaret plays the love interest to Marcus; she is also the sole character with integrity amidst her greedy relatives. Other notable characters that make an impression with their characteristics and their dialogues include Richard, Lillian, Marilyn, Victor and the stone faced but loyal butler Howard.
Actually, all the characters in this novel can be the subjects in a compelling case study about human nature. Their behavior and antics even in the midst of a tragedy shows that sometimes human beings can value personal richness and comfort over other moralistic compulsions like truth and justice. This is an interesting reveal into the human psyche and is something that the author has attempted in her earlier book A Discerning Heart as well. While the latter was set in the fantasy genre, Devouring Time has a more modern and real-life feel to it.
The book can’t be classified as just another Whodunit fiction; although the novel has all the elements of a mystery book - a huge mansion filled with a diverse array of characters, a secret room with a precious treasure, conniving characters that stand to benefit from the death of the matriarch and even a mysterious butler to boot. Devouring Time is primarily a character driven story and an introspection into the worldly compulsions that prompts us to behave in a certain manner. The mystery element merely binds the story together and keeps the reader engaged till the end.
Patty Lesser has spun a different tale based on the mold of classic mystery stories, and regular readers of hers will appreciate the different voice she has employed here.
July 11, 2021
The is supposed to be a murder mystery with a love story thrown in.
I found the story to be wishy washy and didn’t always make sense. The murder mystery was too predictable and Marcus’s secrets were nothing new! Add in the usual family feuding, adultery, money and a “the most beautiful” woman he has ever seen - obviously not his usual type - predictable.
I didn’t like the way he was portrayed- a professional person and grown man “blushing” because a woman talks to him!!! Seriously. He’s a solicitor not a mouse!
Most of the characters were boring and not very likeable. The murder was vague and was not fully explained even at the end. Why did Marilyn do it ?????
I did finish the book and I kept hoping it would get more intense or that there would be a great twist at the end ........ I was sadly disappointed with the whole book.
To get more stars the whole story needs to be punchier, it needs a much stronger storyline. A few very usual/exciting twists and Marcus as a main character needs to have more about himself - he is too dull & vague.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I found the story to be wishy washy and didn’t always make sense. The murder mystery was too predictable and Marcus’s secrets were nothing new! Add in the usual family feuding, adultery, money and a “the most beautiful” woman he has ever seen - obviously not his usual type - predictable.
I didn’t like the way he was portrayed- a professional person and grown man “blushing” because a woman talks to him!!! Seriously. He’s a solicitor not a mouse!
Most of the characters were boring and not very likeable. The murder was vague and was not fully explained even at the end. Why did Marilyn do it ?????
I did finish the book and I kept hoping it would get more intense or that there would be a great twist at the end ........ I was sadly disappointed with the whole book.
To get more stars the whole story needs to be punchier, it needs a much stronger storyline. A few very usual/exciting twists and Marcus as a main character needs to have more about himself - he is too dull & vague.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2022
I was given a review copy of this book and I found it to be a good look into human behaviour.
Marcus is tasked with delivering a package to a place in Canada, but it doesn’t end there. He’s plunged into an array of dysfunctional entitled people whose only thoughts are money and art.
As one character plays against the other, we are introduced to an array of entitled behaviour. I thought the descriptions and insights were well done.
There is mystery and murder, but the tale delves into the interactions between people so to bring to life the story as a whole. I liked the writing style because it suited the subject matter.
Worth a look.
Marcus is tasked with delivering a package to a place in Canada, but it doesn’t end there. He’s plunged into an array of dysfunctional entitled people whose only thoughts are money and art.
As one character plays against the other, we are introduced to an array of entitled behaviour. I thought the descriptions and insights were well done.
There is mystery and murder, but the tale delves into the interactions between people so to bring to life the story as a whole. I liked the writing style because it suited the subject matter.
Worth a look.
May 19, 2016
The Missing Link- A review of novel Devouring Time by Patty Lesser.
Reviewer, Holly Sisson, MA
Depth Psychologist
Devouring Time steeps its readers right from liftoff in the delightful dilemma of nuanced character development between the regular Joe Schmoe and the sophisticated gentleman during a conversation had out of convenience and social politeness. The juxtaposition Patty has woven between these two becomes a question for the reader of what personality feels more relatable. A brilliant way to bring the reader right into the psyche and a story that unfolds with a few unexpected twists.
In fact, this novel spends a great deal of its prose on the development of the characters as they all become suspects in the mystery that unravels just predictably enough to keep the reader both engaged and on the edge of his or her seat.
In a pleasantly unexpected twist the central protagonist who is also the sophisticated gentleman is revealed to have some basic humanity himself as his relationship with women turns from a smug flirting to a more soft genuine love. Patty has a real knack for transforming relationships with heart and loyalty through the protagonist and into all of the characters in the story. Character development is 4 stars!
Patty Lesser’s focus on character development is joined by descriptions, for which the willing reader can almost taste and surely feel as imaginal textures, give the story a particular inviting warmth. A quick read. So cozy up with your best animal companion or that favorite lounge spot and expect love, mystery and suspense in the span of an afternoon teatime. You will devour this one right up!
As a woman author with a disability, Patty has really found a talent- a gift that really will keep on giving. I have seen her writing improve and her zest for it expand like a spring blossom. Enjoy! And keep on the lookout for her other books both here on Goodreads and Amazon.
Reviewer, Holly Sisson, MA
Depth Psychologist
Devouring Time steeps its readers right from liftoff in the delightful dilemma of nuanced character development between the regular Joe Schmoe and the sophisticated gentleman during a conversation had out of convenience and social politeness. The juxtaposition Patty has woven between these two becomes a question for the reader of what personality feels more relatable. A brilliant way to bring the reader right into the psyche and a story that unfolds with a few unexpected twists.
In fact, this novel spends a great deal of its prose on the development of the characters as they all become suspects in the mystery that unravels just predictably enough to keep the reader both engaged and on the edge of his or her seat.
In a pleasantly unexpected twist the central protagonist who is also the sophisticated gentleman is revealed to have some basic humanity himself as his relationship with women turns from a smug flirting to a more soft genuine love. Patty has a real knack for transforming relationships with heart and loyalty through the protagonist and into all of the characters in the story. Character development is 4 stars!
Patty Lesser’s focus on character development is joined by descriptions, for which the willing reader can almost taste and surely feel as imaginal textures, give the story a particular inviting warmth. A quick read. So cozy up with your best animal companion or that favorite lounge spot and expect love, mystery and suspense in the span of an afternoon teatime. You will devour this one right up!
As a woman author with a disability, Patty has really found a talent- a gift that really will keep on giving. I have seen her writing improve and her zest for it expand like a spring blossom. Enjoy! And keep on the lookout for her other books both here on Goodreads and Amazon.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews