Review of An Unlamented Death

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "An Unlamented Death" by Mary Adler.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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During WWII in Point Richmond, a Marine shows up dead, propped in the jungle gym of a playground. Lieutenant Oliver Wright and his loyal canine companion, Harley, will try to untangle the web of the Marine's death. One of the last persons to see said Marine is Father Jack, who's causing quite a stir in the community with his idea of forgiving German soldiers. Is the Marine connected to the priest? And how are they connected to a runaway fascist POW? Are some things just beyond forgiveness? Does everyone deserve to be mourned? Do all crimes deserve punishment?

An Unlamented Death by Mary Adler is a prismatic reflection of the multiple experiences Americans had during the Second World War. For example, Lucy, who only wanted her sons to be safe; Sofia, who was actively fighting for the resistance; Rosie, who was growing up in a world of uncertainties; and our main character, coping with PTSD after Guam and the physical and psychological consequences of war. It's also a depiction that other horrors, the everyday evils, so to speak, didn't stop just because a war was raging through Europe and beyond.

An Unlamented Death proves that family comes in all shapes and forms. Family can be a black man even when one's not black, or a smart-mouthed girl, or a clever, loyal, and courageous dog.

Given the high-stakes plot, one would have expected a fast-paced and action-packed story. Still, Adler opted for a steady pace and tidbits of normalcy in between investigative scenes. The story takes place during Christmastime. This, added to Oliver's close relationship with a family of Italian immigrants, paves the way for many vivid portraits of food and conversation. These details reminded me of Spanish costumbrismo. Adler perfectly captured the colors and nuances of a time when the Golden Gate Bridge was still considered "a recently built obstacle." The amount of research that must have gone into building this story without making it a history textbook can go over the readers' heads —and that's the magic— but I want to take a moment to applaud it here. Furthermore, for a book dealing with a grim subject during one of history's darkest times, An Unlamented Death is sprinkled with charming bits of humor.

The above does not mean the mystery isn't exciting. Through a technique resembling a matryoshka, Adler weaved a mystery within a mystery that kept me guessing—and I'm quite the seasoned thriller reader, if I may say so myself.

On the downside, some connections and backstories are lost for those of us who haven't read the first two installments of the "Oliver Wright WWII Mystery" series. For example, though I enjoyed the romance subplot, I know there's a story behind it, and knowing it would have made it more endearing. This is not a flaw per se; it's just a recommendation for readers to opt for reading this series in order.

Because of its thought-provoking narrative, vivid depictions of the past, organic dialogues, and endearing characters, I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. Considering that what I mentioned above is a recommendation and not a flaw, there was nothing I disliked about this novel.

I find it appropriate to warn that the book discusses child sexual abuse. Fans of the "rogue detective" trope, animal lovers, and anyone interested in history will love following Oliver and Harley's adventures.

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An Unlamented Death
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[NetMassimo]

A mystery mixed with historical fiction seems interesting, though some parts of this novel are really dark and violent. Overall, the story is sophisticated with twists and relevations that keep the reader's attention until the end. Thank you for your great review!

[Sandre Lamar]

This book intricately weaves history, mystery, and poignant human stories during WWII. Oliver Wright's investigation unfolds with depth amidst vivid historical details and rich character development.

[Bro Jonah Kiraithe]

Mary Adler's review of "An Unlamented Death" provides a thorough and analytical assessment of the book, highlighting its many merits and offering helpful background information for prospective readers. The review introduces the captivating plot of the novel, which follows Lieutenant Oliver Wright and his dog Harley as they look into a Marine's death during World War II. The mention of main characters like Father Jack and the connection to fascist POW hints at a complex and engaging mystery.
Overall, the review effectively conveys the book's strengths, providing a balanced and detailed analysis highlighting its appeal to a large audience. It offers a compelling endorsement for "An Unlamented Death" and suggests it is a well-crafted and engaging addition to the WWII mystery genre.

[Stephanie Runyon]

HIstorical fiction with a focus on a unconventional family sounds intriguing. The mystery addition ups the appeal. However, i tend to avoid books showing soldiers suffering from PTSD.

[Bertha Jackson]

This sounds like a book I would enjoy reading.

[Alice Heritage]

I was interested to learn that this has alternative perspectives on war and World War II in particular. It is all about killing in the end, and who gets to decide that fate really? This seems to be more about the mystery than the war, but it's clearly a multi-layered novel. Thank you for your comprehensive and interesting review.