Book Review: A Mourning in Autumn

Reviewed By: Luke Croll - RAM

A Mourning in Autumn     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Harker Moore
Class/Genre:   Mystery
Mysterious press, 2004, 336 pages

In his second novel, Harker Moore returns to his characters from 'A Cruel Season For Dying'. This time, Lieutenant James Sakura from the NYPD is up against another serial killer, one who has kidnapped and murdered several women, with no signs of stopping. As the investigation continues, Sakura once again finds the madman bringing the attack to his doorstep.

'A Cruel Season For Dying' was guilty of falling into the trap of using very stereotypical situations. Despite the very literary style of writing, Moore did not add much to an already crowded genre. 'A Mourning In Autumn' is more interesting. He again uses multiple viewpoints, allowing us to understand more about characters such as Hanea, Sakura's wife. In addition, the events of the first book have clearly had an effect on the central protagonists and it is interesting to see how they develop and come to terms with what has gone on.

Moore also avoids the stereotypical thriller ending in this novel, throwing in a big twist at the very end, which neatly concludes the novel. Moore's descriptions are violent and graphic, particularly when he enters the mind of the killer, and the pace is fast throughout.

Overall, 'A Mourning In Autumn' is a distinct improvement on 'A Cruel Season For Dying', and with his third novel, I have no doubt that Moore will be able to improve even more. Serial killer thriller fans will find enjoyable reading here.

Luke Croll - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Luke Croll - RAM

Luke Croll - Conference interpreter and translator
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