Among the Mad
by Jacqueline Winspear
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (February 17, 2009)
Rated 4 stars of 5 possible.
Among the Mad is like reading three books in one. First, it's an intriguing mystery that begins with an investigation into a mad-bomber/suicide which occurs on Christmas eve, 1931. That investigation ultimately leads to a related investigation - into the threatening letters recieved by Britian's Prime Minister over the Christmas holiday. When clues begin pointing to a potential suspect, the investigation takes on a new and more dangerous dimension.
While some readers may think that reading the perpetrator's diary entries - and thus his point of view - detracts from the mystery a bit, I don't believe that information detracts very much from the story; indeed it adds another, deeper dimension to the tale which more than makes up for any detraction from the mystery.
Secondly, Among the Mad delves into the reaction of men and women suffering from shell-shock, which occurred during their war-time military service. This is what we describe today as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD. In this examination of an often over-looked psycological disturbance, one can see a relationship to the author's carefully chosen title. These parts of the tale provide an insight to the psychological and emotional abyss into which the collateral victims of war often fall.
Last, but certainly not least, Among the Mad gives us a marvelous picture of London and the surrounding countryside between the big wars. Kudos to Ms. Winspear for a wonderful, if somewhat darkly themed novel that I can recommend to mystery fans ages 14 and up with a single caviat. The violence described in some portions of the novel is slightly graphic and may not be suitable for some readers.
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