What an introduction to Detective Inspector Ian Hamilton! I got a Kindle edition for free via Amazon Reading and dug straight in because none of my libraries had this book. In my opinion, not purchasing it was a big mistake. Edinburgh Twilight had all the promise of being a likeable novel, and I was not disappointed. With an intelligent, lonesome, tragic (did I mention handsome?) hero out to seek justice for those who cannot, this book appealed to me in all the right ways.
Detective Inspector Ian Hamilton has recently been promoted to his new position, and he hasn’t been in charge of his own case until the Holyrood Strangler comes along. After determining that a suicide was actually murder, Hamilton follows lead after lead – and body after body – tirelessly to find a ruthless killer. His most substantial clues are the playing cards found in the victims’ pockets. With the help of Detective Sergeant Dickerson, his artistic aunt, a pickpocket, and a librarian, Hamilton leverages every resource he has at finding the man behind the calling cards.
I was sincerely impressed by Edinburgh Twilight – I had moderate expectations because lately the descriptions of the novels I’ve picked up have not matched the content or my expectations – it was everything it promised and more. Ian Hamilton is a troubled man with a disturbing past, who’s independent and ready to work to the bone to protect the citizens of Edinburgh. He’s calculated, patient, reasonable, witty, and full of secret fighting skills, the combination of which make him a well-rounded and likeable hero.
Although he’s independent, Hamilton does get some assistance on this case from unlikely sources, including his older aunt, a street urchin, and an undervalued sergeant. This ragtag group provides Hamilton with a sounding board for his thoughts and theories and with valuable clues, occasionally – their help is definitely warranted as there was a surprising amount of bodies turning up in this novel! I think I calculated about seven people that died, which was a pretty high number, compared to most mysteries that I read.
As the bodies pile up, the stakes get higher, which creates a palpable sense of suspense throughout the novel. Hamilton puts a lot of pressure on himself to do a thorough investigation and catch the killer, in addition to pressure from the public and his superiors. This novel was also darker than a cozy mystery; it might be too much for some who like general cozy mysteries, but it made me want to keep reading. There were a few flashes inside of the killer’s mind, although most of the novel focused on Hamilton, which gave readers an interesting perspective on the case.
Even though readers could see into the killer’s head, it didn’t diminish the mystery at all. I found it to be riveting finding out who the killer was, how Hamilton confronted personal and professional demons, and how all of the secondary characters played into the story as well. I found this to be an intriguing book with a great mystery, and am looking forward to reading the next one.