Book Blurb:
In the bustling town of Columbus, Ohio, in January 1927, Nathan Bolton grapples with societal expectations while navigating his career and personal relationships. When the strange behavior of his childhood friend, Dr. Henry Grindle, begins raising alarms, Nathan's life spirals into chaos after a series of murders linked to their circle of friends, including the mysterious Jacob Jagger and the tragic death of fellow student and performer, Lady Sapphire. As Nathan uncovers dark secrets and faces the consequences of loyalty and ambition, he must confront his past and the relationships that shape his future.
Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/d29lIgB
Author Bio:
Will Bashor, MBA, Ph.D., earned his B.A. degree in French and a M.A. degree in French literature from Ohio University. He earned his Ph.D. in International Studies from the American Graduate School in Paris. In his spare time, he reads memoirs and researches the lives of royals and their courtiers. He hopes to share his fascination with the Bourbon dynasty and its quirky inhabitants and, at the same time, weave the historical record with creative fiction. Professor at Southern New Hampshire University, where he holds a M.A. in Creative Writing, Will is a member of the Society for French Historical Studies. He has also written for the Huffington Post, BBC History Magazine, CR Fashion Book, and Age of Revolutions. Visit him at www.willbashor.com.
Editorial Review:
“Frankly, I never like to see a man in a rut, but nothing can be done for men who never show any ambition. On the other hand, if you show the right spirit, you could have a splendid opportunity for advancement here. Do you understand what I’m saying, Nathan?”
“Yes,” he said, trying to look into his employer’s eyes and speak evenly despite a lump in his throat. “Thank you, Mr. Pearson.”
Nathan Bolton leads a very orderly life. He works as an accountant for Harper Pearson & Company, where he is highly regarded for his attention to detail and his calm, professional demeanour. However, behind this facade lies a man burdened by a nearly unbearable secret: his best friends are more than just friends. Nathan knows that if anyone were to discover this hidden aspect of his life, his world would come crashing down around him.
But there is an evil lurking in the shadows, that threatens to destroy everyone and everything he has ever loved.
With an enchanting atmosphere that draws you in, Will Bashor has crafted an unforgettable story in his new novel, The Bizarre Case of Dr. Grindle. From the very first sentence, this book captures the readers’ attention and holds it tightly until the very last word, making it a must-read for anyone seeking a compelling literary experience.
The plot unfolds gradually, introducing elements of suspicion, blackmail, and eventually murder. The pacing is well-managed, allowing the narrative to progress steadily as it reveals clues piece by piece. The connections between the various events are hinted at but not fully revealed, creating a great deal of suspense. As the death toll rises, so does the tension and it keeps the reader engaged and guessing as to who is behind all of these crimes. No one is above suspicion and the author encourages the reader to become something of a detective until all is revealed at the end.
Bashor skilfully creates a detailed and atmospheric setting of a city in the early 20th century, vividly bringing the period and location to life. The descriptions of the city’s streets, buildings, and weather—such as dusk, snow, and fog—immerse the reader in the environment and enhance the overall mood. The contrast between Nathan’s modest apartment, Henry’s chaotic office, and the opulent Pearson mansion highlights social inequality and Nathan’s rise through his connections to the Pearsons. Flashbacks to the Harvard campus further contribute to the story’s tone and tension.
Nathan is a well-developed character who lives a very structured life, but he harbours a deep secret that only his closest friends know: he is homosexual. In an era where homosexuality was banned, being discovered could lead to years of imprisonment. His determination to lead a normal life while concealing his true feelings is portrayed with great skill and care. At times, he evokes the reader’s sympathy; however, during moments like his wedding, where his best man is also his lover, even modern readers may question his morality.
“It’s just... I can’t help but feel suffocated by all these expectations. The way we’re supposed to fit into a mold of being proper gentlemen, it’s stifling.”
“But that’s the way it is, isn’t it? We must play our parts, put on our masks, and dance to the tune society dictates.”
Nathan occasionally appears quite selfish, particularly in his treatment of his mother and how he financed his education. His willingness to betray certain friends to protect himself also casts him in a less favourable light. He is also pragmatic about his circumstances. Despite the multiple deaths in the novel, he is upset but not as disturbed as one might expect. Ultimately, Nathan comes across as a rather self-centred individual. Although he grapples with many inner conflicts, his morality and empathy toward others remain complex and questionable.
Dr. Henry B. Grindle is a psychologist and an old and close friend of Nathan, meaning their relationship has an easy familiarity to it. However, Henry is a complex character – like an onion, he has many layers. His charm and quick wit make him instantly likeable and his parties are legendary, but there is also a sense of mystery surrounding his research. Readers are left intrigued by his frequent changes to his will and who will inherit his estate after he passes away. As the story progresses, Henry’s mental health becomes surprisingly unstable and this in turn hints at a darker element within the story.
Henry appeared to be retreating into isolation, often refusing to see anyone. When Nathan did manage to see him, Henry was a shadow of his former self. In fact, his decline was rapid and unsettling. His house, dark and cold, was filled with an oppressive atmosphere that made Nathan eager to leave, especially since Henry was so distant and gave him the cold shoulder.
Finally, unable to shake the feeling that something was terribly amiss, Nathan called Henry to see if he could drop by for a serious chat. However, Henry answered with a terse voice. “I’m too occupied at the moment. Another time.”
The writing style is clear, concise, and emotionally resonant. The author’s voice is unobtrusive but effective in conveying the characters’ emotions and the atmosphere of each scene. However, instead of writing descriptive text about what the characters looked like, he uses photographs instead. While the photographic choices were intriguing, stronger character descriptions would have rendered them unnecessary, improving the otherwise captivating narrative.
The Bizarre Case of Dr Grindle by Will Bashor is an engaging historical mystery and crime novel that can easily be read in one sitting. The story unfolds at a smooth pace, keeping the reader captivated from start to finish. With vivid descriptions, natural dialogue, and a well-structured narrative, it provides a enthralling reading experience.
5 STARS from The Historical Fiction Company
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