Title: Bits & Pieces: Bitd und Stücke
Author: James R. Taylor III
Publisher: Toplink Publishing
ISBN: 9781475990034
Pages: 326
Genre: Historical Fiction / Mystery / Thriller
Reviewed by: John Murray
Pacific Book Review
“Bits & Pieces: Bitd Und Stucke” by James R. Taylor III pits a fiercely intelligent young woman against an insatiable serial killer in an engaging historical thriller. The year is 1890 and Annabelle Wolfe is an anomaly in the rural Ohio town she calls home. In a time when women were expected to be complacent housekeepers, Annabelle shucks convention. She not only graduates college with high honors and excels in law school, she passes a trumped-up bar exam with flying colors. Unable to practice law, she begins writing mystery thrillers and clerking for her father—a local respected judge. On a trip up river, she chances across a disfigured corpse. The local authorities are at a loss and Annabelle decides to take her fictional detective skills to the real world. Bodies stack up and Annabelle is no closer to finding the relentless killer until a vital clue pays off.
“Bits & Pieces: Bitd Und Stucke” reads like a well-researched historical thriller. Much of the book seems to be drawn from actual history and features accompanying photos. Annabelle is a fascinating character to follow. She’s intelligent and determined yet remains seemingly untouched by the world at large. She doesn’t allow the world to hold her back and doggedly pursues justice at any cost. Even when it means putting herself and those she loves in the crosshairs. Annabelle is wonderfully crafted and fleshed out—making for a promising heroine to follow if the series continues.
The secondary cast of characters is a bit less well-rounded but equally interesting. Annabelle’s adventures with the heroic Jacob Sullivan provided a well-needed counter to the darkness and death. Jacob proves to be a strong foil to Annabelle and will hopefully return in future books in the series. Their dynamic doesn’t seem likely to become romantic but the tension between the two was a highlight in the book.
The villain in the story is a bit over the top. Too much of the narrative is devoted to his kidnapping, torturing, and killing. Once his motive was established, the extra time spent showing how he goes about his craft felt like overkill and hampered the otherwise smooth pacing and plotting. Additionally, the killer occasionally speaks in German. While the translation is provided, omitting the German dialogue would have been better. Often a page or two of dialogue could have been shortened to one single page without detracting from the tension and horror.
Featuring heavy inspiration from real historical events and people, “Bits & Pieces: Bitd Und Stucke” unspools an engaging read featuring a sadistic killer and a spirited heroine. Gruesome violence, clever thinking, and some lighthearted moments round out a quick read.
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