Review: Things Half in Shadow by Alan Finn

Paperback: 448 pages
Publisher: Gallery Books (December 30, 2014)
ISBN: 978147676172
Source: Publisher

When Edward Clark was but ten years old, he witnessed the death of his mother at the hands of his father, the great magician Magellan Holmes. Since that horrific day, years ago, Edward has fought to eliminate all evidence of his past and the shame his father’s actions brought to their family name. Now, living under a name obtained by fate, Edward works as a crime reporter for one of Philadelphia’s largest newspapers.

In 1869 Philadelphia, the Civil War looms like a dark shadow. So many have lost their dear sons and brothers in battle that an influx of mediums has descended upon the city. Edward is assigned with the task of investigating the numerous mediums and exposing any who are preying on the families of the victims of war. Mrs. Lucy Collins, a young widow, is Edward’s first target of investigation. This investigation quickly takes on a new spin and suddenly Lucy and Edward become involved in the investigation of the murder of Lenora Grimes Pastor, the city’s most well-regarded and legitimate mediums. The secrets that become unearthed are voluminous, involving each and every individual that attended Mrs. Pastor’s last seance. Even Edward, and the past he’s kept secret all this years, cannot escape.

In this truly thrilling novel, Finn manages do something very few authors can do: grab the attention of readers & maintain a state of captive and heart-pounding attention throughout the entire novel. The intensity is unmatched; I can’t remember the last time I was held prisoner by a book (in a good way, of course) like this one. The story arcs are numerous and seem unrelated, yet Finn succeeds (and excels at) weaving them all together into a stunning and rewarding conclusion. Things Half in Shadow is a novel you cannot, and should not, ignore. I hope there is a future for Edward Clark, for I simply cannot get enough of this character! There is most certainly a future of praise and high regard for Finn, for this work is truly remarkable. Highly, highly recommended.