4 out of 5 stars
And now for something completely different. I love Elly Griffiths’ books. When I heard that she was writing a new series about a cold case investigator, I got quite excited. “This will be great!” I thought. Then I realized that this cold case unit time travels to the time of the crime to solve their cases. “Weird,” I thought. “Doesn't sound like the Elly Griffiths I know.” But once I got started, the story drew me right in and fascinated me. When I think about it, what cold case investigator wouldn't want this ability?
Ali is such a modern woman that she is an unlikely time traveler. She has a great deal of trouble acting like anything but a feminist police officer, and draws a bit of attention as a result. Of course, there wouldn't be much drama if things ran as intended. Ali finds herself marooned in Victorian London and spending time with Cain Templeton, the man she's been sent to investigate. There's also a missing murderer, Thomas Creek—did he take Ali's place, traveling forward to the 21st century?
Meanwhile, in modern London, her son Finn finds himself accused of the murder of a descendant of Cain. Is this a coincidence or are the events of past and future connected? Like any of us, when he's faced with adversity, he wants his mother. Her cold case unit sends officer John Cole to take her place, so Finn gets his wish.
Bottom line: Griffiths is a talented writer and she need not be limited to the mystery genre. I am thrilled to see that this book is the first of a new series. I will be watching for volume two!