I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Jekyll Revelation by Robert MaselloGenres: Historical, Fiction
Published by 47North Pages: 484
Format: eARC
Source: Netgalley
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While on routine patrol in the tinder-dry Topanga Canyon, environmental scientist Rafael Salazar expects to find animal poachers, not a dilapidated antique steamer trunk. Inside the peculiar case, he discovers a journal, written by the renowned Robert Louis Stevenson, which divulges ominous particulars about his creation of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. It also promises to reveal a terrible secret—the identity of Jack the Ripper.
Unfortunately, the journal—whose macabre tale unfolds in an alternating narrative with Rafe’s—isn’t the only relic in the trunk, and Rafe isn’t the only one to purloin a souvenir. A mysterious flask containing the last drops of the grisly potion that inspired Jekyll and Hyde and spawned London’s most infamous killer has gone missing. And it has definitely fallen into the wrong hands.
Barb and I are at it again with a new buddy read, but I think it’s happened again where she enjoyed the read more than me. After seeing what I thought head on over to check out Barb’s review at Booker T’s Farm.
First Line
Piloting his jeep up the old abandoned fire road, Rafael Salazar could see all around him further evidence of the terrible drought that was afflicting not only the Santa Monica Mountains, but all of southern California.
Here is what I thought
When I first grabbed this last year to review I thought it sounded like it was going to be a really cool read, but for some reason, I put it off. Now that I finally got a chance to read it I am really disappointed.
It’s got two stories going on with the past being told through the journal of Robert Louis Stevenson and present day in California, where Rafe an environmentalist finds a truck that contains the journal and some old clothing and a bit of potion.
It took me forever to read this and when I did I just really wasn’t that interested in the how the story was progressing, it was just so slow. The journal pieces were really long and boring up until about the halfway mark when Jack the Ripper started to come into play. I will admit to skimming through the journal.
Then the story with Rafe and everyone in the present day part really wasn’t much more interesting. Rafe and Heidi found the trunk but then something happened and they had to leave it behind then some idiots found it and brought to Miranda’s for her old man to look at as they just knew it would have something they could sell in it, but it really didn’t have a lot in it. I skimmed some if it too.
It was really hard to see how these two stories were going to come together and make any kind of sense. The end did clear up most of my confusion but it never really clears up why there is a wolf mentioned in the present day parts. I can only conclude that it must be a descendent of the one mentioned in the past sections?? One may never know.
Overall, I liked the concept, but I really didn’t enjoy it and almost DNFed it but I already DNFed a buddy read a few months ago and didn’t want to do it so soon again…lol. Can’t really recommend it.
I knew you weren’t liking it. Even though I liked it better, I did lower my rating after putting my thoughts down. It really did drag and I think that the fact that it took so long for the two tales to connect made it worse. As you know, I never did figure out what the large wolf sighting was all about and what/who it was. I’m glad I read it because I really wanted to do so but like you, unless someone really LOVES Jack the Ripper or Gothic tales, this one is probably one that should be skipped. However, I enjoyed buddy reading it with you. It’s nice to have someone to chat about with books other than my blog.
I really wanted to like it too but that happens. I am glad you enjoyed it though! 🙂 I love Jack the Ripper stories but this one just didn’t hold me.
Thanks, ladies. This one intrigued me but after reading both of your reviews I know it will not work for me. Alas, I have a zillion other books to read so don’t feel too bad for me 😉
This one was on my maybe list. It looked a little too horror-y for me but I loved the idea of the Jack the Ripper element. I think I’ll leave this be. Too many great books out there to waste time on those that just aren’t interesting.
Bummer! 🙁 That happened a few times with me and Berls too. I love Dr J and Mr H plus my pal jack so thats sad it didn’t work for you!
Great review!
It sounds like the author might have lost their focus and the story suffered for it. Too bad, as the synopsis sounded good.
This does sound like an interesting premise for a story. Sorry that it was long and drawn out. That can really ruin a story.
I saw this and it hadn’t really appealed so am now glad I didn’t pick it up. Journal entries are difficult things for me in books. I find them hard to read for some reason. I also get frustrated with inconsistency so sounds like this one would have driven me potty.
I read Barb’s review first but even though it seems like an interesting premise, I just don’t think the author really delivered on it. Sorry it was not a good read for you, Stormi! Hopefully the next buddy read you two do will be great for you both! 🙂
Oh DARN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was hoping it would be good 🙂