The Frightened Man - Softcover

Cameron, Kenneth

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0312628013 ISBN 13: 9780312628017

Publisher: Minotaur Books, 2010

Synopsis

London in 1900 is sprawling and chaotic, perfect for a man like Denton, an American with a violent past seeking anonymity as an outsider. But his notoriety as the author of several dark novels sometimes brings unwanted visitors to his door. When a terrified man shows up one night, claiming to be pursued by the long-gone Jack the Ripper, Denton dismisses him as one more victim of London’s lunacy. But then the mutilated body of a teenaged prostitute is found in London’s East End. . . .

Disappointed by the lack of police concern, Denton determines to pursue the murderer, even after it’s clear that he’s become the next target. As he begins to peel away the layers of the case, Denton finds himself following nothing but his instincts through the maze of London. Along the way he finds an ally in a woman with a past as haunted, and a spirit as independent, as his own.

Kenneth Cameron has brought turn-of-the-century London vividly to life in this intelligent and compelling crime novel. The Frightened Man delves far deeper than the circumstances of a murder to investigate the unseen—the secrets harbored in London’s immeasurable streets and in the dark side of human nature.

About this title

About the Author:

Kenneth Cameronis the author or coauthor of more than thirty books, including historical novels and novels of espionage, a critical history of the African safari, and an award-winning analysis of films about Africa. He lives most of the year in the woods of New York state’s Adirondacks.

Review:

International Praise for The Frightened Man

“Filled with rich period detail, a gritty London comes alive in this satisfying novel, which contains a thoughtful exploration of the relationship among love, sex, and perversion, and between violence and self-loathing.” —The Boston Globe

“A gripping page-turner, Cameron’s novel combines a devilishly clever plot, enigmatic characters, a foreboding atmosphere, and a shocking finale.” —Booklist (starred review)

“Cameron paints a striking portrait of London, and Denton is a hero whose unheroic side only makes his character more appealing.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Not only is [The Frightened Man] a refreshing change from 'usual suspects' like Prince Albert Victor, Sir William Gull, Walter Sickert, Lewis Carroll, and recently Frank Miles, but it also smacks of verisimilitude, so essential for writers of crime fiction. It is a wise decision, artfully delivered, and The Frightened Man is a worthy addition to the subgenre from a confident, competent author." --The Tangled Web (UK)

“Struggling to earn a living as a writer, [Denton] socialises with the bohemian crowd in their fashionable haunts such as the Café Royal, but is equally at home walking the dangerous streets of London's East End. He is well worth encountering again.” –Telegraph (UK)

“All too often, authors writing period pieces fall into the trap of contrived mockney accents and mannered exchanges. Cameron avoids this with some finesse while maintaining the mores of a Victorian London still in the shadow of Jack the Ripper. Strong characters and intrigue abound in this well-plotted and highly readable mystery.” –The Advertiser (Australia)

“Jack the Ripper may be back to his old tricks in 1900 London in Cameron’s chilling tale...[a] stunning and violent climax.” –Publishers Weekly

“There are no shining heroes in The Frightened Man, no plucky do-gooders. Denton and Striker make for a formidable, street-smart team who believably can survive the moody, fog-riddled night streets of London to find the truth and bring justice, and in the end, the tale is a satisfying one.” –LibraryThing.com

About this edition

• Publisher: Minotaur Books
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 0312628013
• ISBN 13: 9780312628017
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 272