London forensics and police surgeon Thomas Bond is troubled. His investigations into the bloody Jack the Ripper killings and the Thames Torso Killer have disturbed him. Unable to sleep, he is haunted by his memories of the brutalities, and is having problems returning to his every day existence. He tried Opium and presently is trying to wean himself from Laudanum. The one bright spot is his growing relationship with his colleagues daughter, Juliana Harrington, and her son James.

Edward Kane arrives in London from America, bringing letters to him from his friend James Harrington. The letters are filled with frightening, sometimes mad and disturbing images. Edward wants to help James. However, it is too late. James is dead. Edward meets his widow, falls in love with her and takes her to America. He also meets Dr. Boyd and urges him to read the letters. What happens next is disturbing and weaves a macabre plot.

We walk the streets of London, visit the slums where seedy opium dens are scattered and we are witness to many brutal murders, including many children being hauled from the Thames. The UPIK, a demon like monster that latches onto a human host to carry out murder to satisfy it's nasty appetite, is front and center in this tense and gripping tale.

MURDER is not my favorite book, as I found the plot too dark and disturbing. The supernatural aspects are not appealing to me as I prefer not to read otherworldly plots. The shocking ending of MURDER leads me to believe there will be a sequel to this one but I will not be interested in reading it. If UPIK"S are appealing, this book is definitely for you.

Book Summary