The Erimus team are back and with such style too! The second novel to feature the gang has smoother writing, more well-rounded and developed secondary characters, and dialogue that bounces off the page. The gang go all out in their search for an ancient Celtic cross that disappeared centuries ago. Along the way, there’s murder, betrayal and sub-plots galore – one serious, the other more light-hearted, until the twist that is. The pacing is faultless, with a careful balance between the threads and fine level of detail that brings the whole to life.
The author has changed his writing style for this novel and it much improves the readability of the story. What hasn’t changed is the dialogue, which remains as deft and focused as before. Once again, the style wouldn’t go amiss in a sit-com, and the joke rate is high enough to maintain your laughter without overpowering the seriousness of the tale. The central characters are even more sharply defined this time round and you get a real feel for both them and their surroundings. As you spend time with them, you realise how much you like them and that you’ll miss them once you put the book down. Ancillary characters well drawn and just the right side of pantomime, especially the dynamic duo of Cleveland Police’s finest.
The Lindisfarne Liturgy is an excellent follow up to the Romanov Relic and proof that John Regan is onto a fine idea. I can say, even more empathically than after reading their first adventure, that I cannot wait to see where the Erimus gang end up next.
I award 4.5 stars.
Not Available to Buy at The Book Dragon
