Quirke, the cynical, formerly hard-drinking Irish pathologist is back and still haunted by the demons of the adventures outlined in Christine Falls , Benjamin Black's first mystery novel. In this story, The Silver Swan, it's been two years, but the revelations that rocked his family still reverberant.
His adopted father, a once powerful judge, is in a nursing home following a series of strokes and barely speaks to Quirke despite his weekly visits. His adopted brother has aged a decade in the two years since his wife's death, a woman Quirke also mourns deeply; and Quirke's daughter, Phoebe, whom he denied until she was 18, can't seem to find the grace to forgive him, despite her dutiful visits.
Billy Hunt
Quirke is buried in these family problems when a former medical school classmate, Billy Hunt, comes to him about Hunt's wife's death. It seems she committed suicide by drowning and the husband can bear the thought of an autopsy. Although he is disquieted by the request, he agrees to see what he can do.
Laura Swan
Back at the lab, a discrete needle mark makes it clear that a full investigation cannot be avoided. Quirke, unable to leave the case alone, pursues the principals in the case, stalking Hunt and others throughout the streets of Dublin. The dead wife, Deirdre Hunt (known professionally as Laura Swan) has more than a few secrets. Her business partner is the flashy (yet sinister?) Leslie White, whom Quirke finds squiring his daughter around town. Deirdre also had an undefined relationship with an Indian faith healer. What does all of this mean and why is Quirke so fascinated by the case? In the end, the reader (and the police) are way ahead of the pathologist despite all of his efforts.
The Silver Swan is a intense, well-written novel, worthy of Booker Prize-winner, Banville. Quirke is the classic anti-hero, with just enough contradictions to make him likeable. This is the perfect sequel to Christine Falls and hopefully not the last of the series.
About Benjamin Black/John Banville
Benjamin Black is the pen name of acclaimed author, John Banville. His recent novels include Shroud (2000), Eclipse (2002), and The Sea (2005), for which he won the Man Booker Prize. His first mystery novel, Christine Falls , was released in 2007. Mr. Banville lives in Dublin.
Novels like The Silver Swan
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- The Watchman by Robert Crais
Sandy Mitchell - Sandy Mitchell is a fulltime freelance writer, based in Cleveland Ohio. Her passion for reading began as early as she could hold a book ...
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