Recently, when browsing through a used book fair, I came upon The Chase by Brenda Joyce. The back cover made it sound interesting, so I dropped the dollar donation in the bin, and took the book. It turns out that it was the best dollar ever spent on a book, as I have truly found a gem!

The Chase uses one of my favorite writing techniques - that of telling two different stories, set in different eras across different continents. Of course you know the two stories will intersect at some point, the fun is figuring out how.

Basic Plot(s)

The book starts out as a typical murder mystery. Claire's husband David has been acting somewhat strangely lately. She sure hopes the 40th birthday party she planned for him will cheer him up. But, before the party's over, David disappears, and is found dead the next morning, murdered in his own home. As far as Claire knows, David had no enemies, and was never in any kind of trouble, so who wanted him dead? She looks for clues, along with a mysterious stranger, Ian, whom she just met at the party. Ian claims he was a friend of David's, yet his name isn't on the invitation list. And he seems particularly interested in helping Claire solve the murder. Is that because he's somehow involved?


Suddenly, you turn the page, and now you're in North Wales, in 1935. You're introduced to widower Benjamin Greene, and his three daughters. Orthodox Jews, the family is troubled by the tension they see growing in Europe. They set off for London, to attempt a reconciliation with some family members from whom they've been estranged for years. It is there that they come in contact with their cousin, Lionel, who seems to have a particular fascination for Hitler, and the German Army.

The rest of the book alternates between the two stories. Claire's trail takes her across the United States, as well as to Europe. And the Greene daughters grow up, their lives devastated by a war-torn Europe.

What I Liked

Both stories were fast-paced, and kept my interest the entire time. I was particularly moved by the Greene daughters' plight. They endured so much anguish during those horrid years; I found myself really moved by their story. Of course, all along, you're kept interested in Claire's story, as well. As she follows the clues to her husband's murder, she starts to worry that perhaps some people she's known, loved, and trusted her whole life aren't quite what they seem. Could one of them have killed her husband?

And, of course, you find yourself wanting to understand the connection between the two stories. Clearly, something you read in the Greenes' story is going to shed some light on David's murder, but those clues come slowly. Thus you keep reading this book, quickly turning each page, hoping to connect some of those dots!

All in all, I found this to be one of the most interesting books I've read in a long time. Over 460 pages and I wasn't bored for one minute.

What I Didn't Like

My only criticism with the book, is the complete detachment the professionals show regarding David's murder. Why is Claire having to solve this mystery on her own? Well, because the police basically do nothing to help. Even when she uncovers a major clue, and drops it literally on the desk of the detective, he dismisses her with a snide remark, and she never hears from him again. Later when it seems apparent that HER life might be in danger, still the police seem oddly disinterested. And it's not like we're ever given a reason for the indifference. I suppose the author just wanted the story to be about Claire, and her chase after the murderer, but the lack of professional assistance just seemed so unrealistic that I found it a distraction.



Since that's my only criticism, I guess you can tell that I really enjoyed this book. I highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys a good murder mystery.


Also by Brenda Joyce, House of Dreams

Recommended: Yes