Review of A third is darkness
Posted: 19 Apr 2024, 11:51
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "A third is darkness" by Murray Bailey.]
In A Third is Darkness, the third installment of the BlackJack thriller series by Murray Bailey, readers are taken on a thrilling journey through the vibrant yet treacherous streets of 1950s colonial Hong Kong. Bailey expertly continues the story from previous books, delving into the intricate social and moral challenges of the time. As readers navigate the affluent areas of Hong Kong and the sinister, barbaric parts of the city, they are drawn into a world of entitlement, corruption, and grittiness.
Charles Balcombe faces a daunting challenge: his alter ego, BlackJack, is on a rampage, leaving a trail of bodies in Hong Kong's criminal underworld. Desperate to contain BlackJack's violence, Dectective Inspector Munro urges Balcombe to seek help from therapist Georgina Swift. Meanwhile, Munro enlists Balcombe's help in a covert, off-the-books investigation involving the disappearance of the governor's aide-de-camp's daughter. As they delve deeper, they uncover a disturbing conspiracy. With tensions mounting and danger lurking at every turn, Munro grapples with conflicting emotions towards Balcombe, torn between using his skills and fearing his dark side. In the shadows of 1950s colonial Hong Kong, trust becomes a scarce commodity, and secrets threaten to shatter lives. Amidst it all, Garrett remains skeptical of Balcombe, still viewing him as a suspect in the ongoing investigation into the Squeezed-Heart murderer.
One of the most captivating aspects of the story is the insight we gain into Charles Balcombe's psyche through his sessions with psychoanalyst Georgina Swift. Despite Balcombe's reluctance to fully disclose the depths of his inner turmoil, these encounters offer a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a killer. We witness the intricate workings of his thoughts and emotions, gaining a deeper understanding of the complex factors that shaped him into the tormented individual he perceives himself to be.
Murray Bailey skillfully spins a tale that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. With its twists and turns, the story keeps you guessing until the very end. Bailey's vivid descriptions bring the bustling streets of Hong Kong to life, immersing you in the city's vibrant yet gritty atmosphere.
What sets this book apart is the depth of its characters. Each character feels real and relatable, thanks to Bailey's careful development. In particular, the protagonist, Charles Balcombe, undergoes a compelling journey of internal struggle and redemption. As you follow his story, you can't help but empathise with his struggles and root for his eventual redemption.
I couldn't find anything to criticize in this book. Murray Bailey's storytelling is flawless, keeping readers hooked from start to finish. Additionally, I didn't spot a single grammatical error, highlighting the author's meticulous writing. For the best experience, I strongly suggest reading the first two novels in the BlackJack series beforehand. It enhances the overall enjoyment and understanding of the characters and storyline.
I would rate the book a solid 5 out of 5 stars without hesitation. Murray Bailey's masterful storytelling, combined with intricate character development and a gripping plot, make it an exceptional read.
I would highly recommend this book to fans of suspenseful thrillers who enjoy intricate plots, well-developed characters, and immersive settings. Additionally, readers who appreciate stories that delve into the darker aspects of human nature and explore psychological depth will find this book particularly compelling. Furthermore, those who have read and enjoyed the previous novels in the BlackJack series by Murray Bailey will undoubtedly appreciate this thrilling installment.
******
A third is darkness
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
In A Third is Darkness, the third installment of the BlackJack thriller series by Murray Bailey, readers are taken on a thrilling journey through the vibrant yet treacherous streets of 1950s colonial Hong Kong. Bailey expertly continues the story from previous books, delving into the intricate social and moral challenges of the time. As readers navigate the affluent areas of Hong Kong and the sinister, barbaric parts of the city, they are drawn into a world of entitlement, corruption, and grittiness.
Charles Balcombe faces a daunting challenge: his alter ego, BlackJack, is on a rampage, leaving a trail of bodies in Hong Kong's criminal underworld. Desperate to contain BlackJack's violence, Dectective Inspector Munro urges Balcombe to seek help from therapist Georgina Swift. Meanwhile, Munro enlists Balcombe's help in a covert, off-the-books investigation involving the disappearance of the governor's aide-de-camp's daughter. As they delve deeper, they uncover a disturbing conspiracy. With tensions mounting and danger lurking at every turn, Munro grapples with conflicting emotions towards Balcombe, torn between using his skills and fearing his dark side. In the shadows of 1950s colonial Hong Kong, trust becomes a scarce commodity, and secrets threaten to shatter lives. Amidst it all, Garrett remains skeptical of Balcombe, still viewing him as a suspect in the ongoing investigation into the Squeezed-Heart murderer.
One of the most captivating aspects of the story is the insight we gain into Charles Balcombe's psyche through his sessions with psychoanalyst Georgina Swift. Despite Balcombe's reluctance to fully disclose the depths of his inner turmoil, these encounters offer a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a killer. We witness the intricate workings of his thoughts and emotions, gaining a deeper understanding of the complex factors that shaped him into the tormented individual he perceives himself to be.
Murray Bailey skillfully spins a tale that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. With its twists and turns, the story keeps you guessing until the very end. Bailey's vivid descriptions bring the bustling streets of Hong Kong to life, immersing you in the city's vibrant yet gritty atmosphere.
What sets this book apart is the depth of its characters. Each character feels real and relatable, thanks to Bailey's careful development. In particular, the protagonist, Charles Balcombe, undergoes a compelling journey of internal struggle and redemption. As you follow his story, you can't help but empathise with his struggles and root for his eventual redemption.
I couldn't find anything to criticize in this book. Murray Bailey's storytelling is flawless, keeping readers hooked from start to finish. Additionally, I didn't spot a single grammatical error, highlighting the author's meticulous writing. For the best experience, I strongly suggest reading the first two novels in the BlackJack series beforehand. It enhances the overall enjoyment and understanding of the characters and storyline.
I would rate the book a solid 5 out of 5 stars without hesitation. Murray Bailey's masterful storytelling, combined with intricate character development and a gripping plot, make it an exceptional read.
I would highly recommend this book to fans of suspenseful thrillers who enjoy intricate plots, well-developed characters, and immersive settings. Additionally, readers who appreciate stories that delve into the darker aspects of human nature and explore psychological depth will find this book particularly compelling. Furthermore, those who have read and enjoyed the previous novels in the BlackJack series by Murray Bailey will undoubtedly appreciate this thrilling installment.
******
A third is darkness
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
