A new series introducing CID Detective Sergeant Morgan Davies and Scene of Crime officer Calum West and set in Cornwall.
An archaeological team unearths the remains of a child at the Iron Age site they have been investigating. The remains are not ancient, however; they are those of a child that has been missing for a year.
Although I liked the main characters Davies and West, the most interesting characters were actually secondary characters: Tamsin, the village witch (or wise woman); Tegan, her young assistant, and PC Teresa Bates.
The supernatural element is present and important, but doesn't overtake the police procedural elements. Yet it is the supernatural element that adds the dash of spice, and if North doesn't include Tamsin and Tegan in future books, he should give them a series of their own.
The prologue, from Tegan's perspective, through me off a bit; it reads as if you are beginning a children's mystery/fantasy. Although unexpected, I was captivated by Tegan's voice and quite willing to continue. However, Chapter One is third person, quite different, and follows DS Morgan Davies' arrival at the crime scene at the top of Dewes Tor. The result is a change in perspective and style with each switch.
I enjoyed Harm None and allowed myself to set aside a few nit pics, as it is a debut series. There are plenty of back-stories hinted at for several characters that should be developed in future books, but I certainly hope Tamsin and Tegan are not abandoned.
"An ye harm none,Do what ye will."(from the Wiccan Rede)
NetGalley/Booktrope
Police Procedural. 2014. Print length: 262 pages.
Hmmm...I'll think about this one. At first it sounded like the Ruth Galloway series. Love the names.
ReplyDeleteI liked it, but as the first in a series, I imagine the next one will have more to offer. :)
DeleteOh you have my interest! I don't prefer first-person narrative but you have me intrigued and you also said it switches narrative to third-person. I'm putting this on my wishlist. Hadn't heard of either the title nor the author, but glad you called my attention to it.
ReplyDeleteIt is on NetGalley--another introduction to an author I've never read before. I am hoping for more from Tamsin and Tegan. P.C. Teresa Bailey will definitely make another appearance and there will be more about the back-stories of Morgan Davies and Calum West. I love the possibilities of the Cornwall setting!
DeleteThis is something that I might like. I like books with a supernatural/paranormal twist, and it sounds like this one has a strong mystery too. Thank you for introducing me to this one. :-)
ReplyDeleteJust what you needed--another title to consider! :)
DeleteLove that it's set in Cornwall. The premise reminded me a little of one of Elly Griffiths' mysteries. Have you ever read her?
ReplyDeleteI read one of Griffiths' novels a long time ago, but need to read more!
DeleteYou had me with "Harm None"!!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, it does sound like Ruth Galloway. And I love Ruth Galloway. So I have to try this one!
Thank you!!!!!
Tessa
Ruth Galloway seems to be on everyone's mind! :)
DeleteI may consider this since it has interesting characters plus a bit of supernatural element. Thanks for sharing this with us, Jenclair!
ReplyDeleteI don't know if North has written a follow-up novel yet, but I will be sure to read it if/when he does just to know more about his characters.
DeleteI really like the sound of this one so I may have to go check out NetGalley and see if they still have it available! Great review, Jenclair!
ReplyDeleteNetGalley is the best for finding new authors. It is always hit or miss, but the "hits" are always interesting!
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