Rose

I've read all seven of Martin Cruz Smith's "Arkady Renko" novels and most of his others, and I've enjoyed most of them. While this isn't an "Arkady Renko" novel, Rose is easily up there with the best of Smith's novels, with perhaps the exception of Gorky Park; it's THAT good. The story, set in England in 1872, is about the attempts of a disgraced mining engineer (Jonathan Blair), recently returned from Africa, as he tries to fight malaria and deal with his tarnished reputation while accepting the only form of employment available: locate a missing curate (John Maypole) who was engaged to Lord/Bishop Hannay's daughter in the coal mining town of Wigan.

For those new to Smith's writing, his narrative seems spare if you quickly flip through the pages, but it is packed with vast quantities of well-researched detail and commentary on the social situation of the time and place, as well as insightful character development. His writing is never limited to the mundane "he said/she said, he did/she did" style, nor is it an action-packed "run for one's life" stinker, which seems to plague so many mysteries and thrillers. And, I don't think his dialogue has ever been better: characters exchange smooth and witty banter, veiled threats, open hostility, all with a very stylized and unique flow.

The history is very fascinating, and he paints the town and coal mines vividly. There is a great deal of information about the methods and techniques employed during the times that should appeal to any history buff, even garnering the praise of the late Patrick O'Brian. As a good historical novel should do, Rose teaches us about the times, and gives us a feeling of progression from then until now. We learn about working conditions, social stigmas, attitudes, women's rights, and in such a way that makes us look at our own values today to see where we still need to go.

The plot, once fully revealed, is quite ingenious with a satisfying twist for the end--no small feat given how many writers try and fail. Even the romance, which I originally thought was merely formulaic, actually had a purpose to the story. Although not a character novel per se, the characters were real, believable and unique, never feeling contrived solely for the purpose of the scene. Rose and Charlotte, Blair and Maypole: each different, yet having parallells. And the title, in hindsight, is...well, perfect.

This one, like his others, is a well-written mystery, the kind of which I'd like to find more of. It treats the readers with respect, gives them somthing to think about, and provides escapism and enjoyment. A must read for his existing fans, and something for those disatisfied with what's out there.