Equinox (2006)

This is a murder story set in the 17th and 21st centuries. It's quite gripping as it switches between the two threads of the story. The 17th century story uses historical characters and makes it more interesting than just another detective story. At the end the author explains what was fact and what was invention, which is always useful to know. ( )

It is 2006 and a young woman has been found brutally murdered in Oxford. Her throat has been cut. But if that is not gruesome enough, in true "Ripper" style, her heart has been cut out of her chest cavity and in the place where it had been lies what appears to be an ancient gold coin. The following day, another woman is found, but this time her brain has been removed and a silver coin lies in the bowl of her skull.

The police force are baffled by the crimes. However, when Philip Bainbridge, a photographer attached to the police, and his one time lover Laura Niven become involved in the crimes they discover that these sadistic murders are not just confined to the present. A mystery begins to unfold which involves Sir Isaac Newton, a powerful man, but a man who lived over 300 years ago, with a deadly conspiracy. A conspiracy that echoes down the centuries and is as lethal today as it was all those years ago . . .

This is a well written book, well researched and executed. There are sufficient conspiracy theories, references to ancient crimes and interesting clues to keep the reader engrossed and turning the pages. ( )

The plot line is really interesting, but the dialogue is often stitled and unrealistc. Despite this, it's still an enjoyable read.

http://www.austcrimefiction.org/node/3838 ( )

http://www.jotema.lt/lt/catalog/item_view?pid=1&id=301 ( )