The Affair of the Brains   By: Anthony Gilmore

The Affair of the Brains by Anthony Gilmore is a gripping and fast-paced detective novel that kept me hooked from beginning to end. Set in the bustling city of London in the late 19th century, the story follows the clever and analytical genius detective, Dr. Dudley, as he delves into a series of puzzling crimes committed by an elusive criminal mastermind known only as "The Brain."

Right from the opening pages, Gilmore establishes a tense and suspenseful atmosphere that persists throughout the narrative. The author's vivid descriptions of London's dark alleyways and fog-filled streets make the setting come alive, adding to the overall sense of mystery and intrigue. Gilmore effortlessly combines authentic historical details with his own imaginative twists, creating a setting that feels authentic yet fantastical.

The characters in The Affair of the Brains are well-developed and engaging. Dr. Dudley, the eccentric detective with his uncanny ability to solve complex cases, instantly captivated me. His unconventional methods and unorthodox approach to investigations add an extra layer of excitement to the story. The supporting characters are also intriguing, each with their own distinctive personalities and motives that play into the larger narrative.

Gilmore's writing style is highly engaging, with concise and descriptive prose that keeps the plot moving at a steady pace. The story is filled with unexpected twists and turns that constantly kept me guessing. The author's ability to create complex and intricate puzzle-like mysteries is evident, as each new clue and revelation adds to the overall intrigue and suspense.

Furthermore, The Affair of the Brains offers a thought-provoking exploration of the nature of intellect and power. Gilmore delves into the motives of both the criminal mastermind and Dr. Dudley, highlighting the ethical dilemmas that arise when intellectual superiority is misused or taken to extremes. This adds depth and complexity to the story, elevating it beyond a simple detective tale.

If there is one aspect of the book that fell slightly short for me, it would be the resolution of the central mystery. While the plot was undeniably captivating throughout, the final reveal felt somewhat rushed and lacked the same level of intricacy present in the rest of the novel. Nonetheless, this minor flaw did not dampen my overall enjoyment of The Affair of the Brains.

In conclusion, The Affair of the Brains is a captivating detective novel that lovers of the genre will thoroughly enjoy. Anthony Gilmore's storytelling skills shine through, creating a world of mystery, danger, and intellectual prowess. Despite a somewhat hurried resolution, the richly drawn characters and masterfully constructed plot make this book a must-read for fans of crime fiction.

First Page:

Though it is seldom nowadays that Earthmen hear mention of Hawk Carse, there are still places in the universe where his name retains all its old magic. These are the lonely outposts of the farthest planets, and here when the outlanders gather to yarn the idle hours away their tales conjure up from the past that raw, lusty period before the patrol ships came, and the slender adventurer, gray eyed and with queer bangs of hair obscuring his forehead, whose steely will, phenomenal ray gun draw and reckless space ship maneuverings combined to make him the period's most colorful figure. These qualities of his live again in the outlanders' reminiscences and also of course his score of blood feuds and the one great feud that shook whole worlds in its final terrible settling the feud of Hawk Carse and Dr. Ku Sui... Continue reading book >>