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FIEND IN HUMAN, THE
by John MacLachlan Gray
Minotaur, September 2003
342 pages
$24.95
ISBN: 0312282842


Buy in the UK | Buy in Canada

Someone has been attacking prostitutes in London. The victims are all found in public areas, each with a scarf wrapped around her neck. Edmund Whitty is a freelance journalist struggling to survive in the city as well as combat his various addictions. He created the idea of Cherokee Bill, which is the name used to describe the murderer. This has provided him with some money and a touch of notoriety. Once the police catch William Ryan, Whitty is ready to move forward to the next story. Henry Owler wants Whitty's assistance regarding this already completed story. Owler wants to get Ryan's confession to publish in his own paper. With Owler's assistance, Whitty gets an interview with Ryan. This interview convinces Whitty that Ryan might in fact be innocent. Although not a herald of justice, Whitty does know a marketable story when he hears one. He begins to look into the murders and attempts to find the true killer. Unfortunately for Whitty, he has numerous enemies, who use this as a means to attack him. If Whitty wants to continue living, he must find the true murderer before he too ends up dead.

THE FIEND IS HUMAN is somewhat dry. The book begins slowly and does not grab the reader's attention until the halfway point. This said, Gray does a great job of creating his characters. The entire first half of the book is used to explain characters and the situation in which they find themselves. Although the majority of characters are less than desirable, Gray has the ability to create interest in their lives.

Edmund Whitty is not the ideal protagonist. He is addicted to any number of drugs and uses them to function throughout his day. He is jaded but does not have the sarcasm and wit that makes disillusionment entertaining. In addition, Whitty has no desire to change his life or his mindset. Yet there is something almost appealing about him – at least there is once he begins to search for the truth and slowly begins to reevaluate some of his actions. Once cannot help but hope he accomplishes his goals.

THE FIEND IN HUMAN is the first book by John MacLachlan Gray. He is currently a columnist for The (Toronto) Globe and Mail.

Reviewed by Sarah Dudley, September 2003

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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)


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