From the TBR Pile: The Illusion of Innocence by Jacqueline Jacques

Author:Jacqueline Jacques
Publisher: Honno Press
Date of publication: November 2015

Three people on a crowded train, brought there by the same crime.

Archie Price, painter and police artist, blessed with a photographic memory, is travelling to Chelmsford to testify in a murder trial.

The accused, Freddie Porter, is under police escort in the guard’s van.

Freddie’s sister, Polly, is desperately trying to escape her brother’s gang before they realise what she’s done, unaware he’s on the same train.

When the locomotive is derailed, Archie and Polly are injured, and put up by the same local family while they recover.

Where is Freddie?

Polly is so terrified she is driven to desperate measures and Archie finds himself being drawn into her nightmare…

I am usually about 50/50 when it comes to historical mysteries. sometimes they just grab me and sometimes it takes several times to get into a story. Unfortunately, The Illusion of Innocence falls into the later category. I started this book a few times, only to put it down again in favor of another book. On my final attempt, I got about halfway and gave up. It just didn't grab me. It dragged in parts and I found myself skimming. I will admit that some of the story line was a bit surprising especially for a story taking place in this time period. Part of the plot involves photos of a disgusting nature and ones that involve children. While I'm sure it went on back then, it just isn't something I am used to reading about having taken place during this time period.

The others on this tour have written some great reviews for this book, so make sure to visit them and check them out.. I think that any fan of this type will enjoy this book.

About Jacqueline Jacques

Jacqueline Jacques was born in war-time Anglesey, North Wales, but has lived most of her life within spitting distance of London; hence the East End references in each of her seven novels. She taught in mainstream primary and special needs schools, until the writing bug bit her and has never regretted her late career move. She is now the author of six books, this is her seventh, and the second of the Archie Price Victorian thrillers.

Find out more about Jacqueline at her website, and follow her on Twitter.

Purchase Links

Honno Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK