Review by Amber Nichole -- The 11.05 Murders

[Amber Nichole]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The 11.05 Murders" by Brian O'Hare.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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The 11.05 Murders, by Dr. Brian O’Hare, is a thrilling experience. Containing elements of both contemporary fiction crime novels and classic mysteries alike, the audience for The 11.05 Murders can span across generations. It’s a tale that involves two crimes: the assault of a young woman – Lynda Bell – and her subsequent suicide and the gruesome murder of James Fitzpatrick, a heartless Loan Officer with a penchant for bankrupting clients for personal gain. It’s during the investigation of Fitzpatrick’s death that Lynda’s suicide is discovered, and it’s up to Chief Inspector Sheehan, Detective Tom Allen, and new-to-precinct Detective Sergeant Denise Stewart (along with the rest of the squad) to discover who killed James Fitzpatrick and if the murder is somehow connected to the terrible circumstances surrounding Lynda Bell’s death. Numerous promising leads appear, including some of Fitzpatrick's disgruntled clients, a psychotic and violent husband, and even Lynda’s unknown college boyfriend.

Dr. O’Hare’s storytelling feels refined and seasoned. This novel isn’t his first, and Dr. O’Hare has certainly already made a mark as an author with three award-winning fiction novels. Not to be constrained by genres, he has even written two memoirs. These accomplishments serve to reinforce the skill Dr. O’Hare has exhibited in constructing the characters, the themes, and the voice used in this book.

There are an array of characters present in this book, though not to such an extent that any become unnecessary or burdensome. Fitzpatrick proves to be the villain we all love to hate. Sally Weir, his mistress, is the battered wife we want to see escape to a better life. Inspectors Wilson and Chambers, from Denise Stewart’s previous precinct, are the embodiment of corruption within law enforcement. Tom Allen is the bumbling but honorable knight-in-shining-armor. Robert Turner is the sophisticated prosecution attorney. Easily the most loveable character is Jim Sheehan, the almost father-like figure to Denise and a wholesome man of the law.

My love for the characters does not, however, mean that I do not find any faults with them. My biggest issue with any character rests with Detective Sergeant Denise Stewart. At the forefront, she is a very likable presence within the novel. Coming from a corrupt precinct, Detective Sergeant Stewart is the underdog we all want to see come out on top, and after helping to put away a dishonorable officer, she easily becomes a champion for justice. That being said, Denise Stewart ends as nothing more than a convenient plot point. She’s described as having a hard shell toward her comrades and there seems to be some sort of effort to elevate her as a feminist, but little of this is supported beyond her own inner dialogue. It is entirely understandable that after enduring an atmosphere of sexism, harassment, and abuse that anybody would, at first, be uncomfortable and wary of a new environment. However, for much of the initial portion of the novel, Stewart hesitates to provide her input about the case. It is only at the constant encouragement of her male colleagues that she feels comfortable sharing her perceptions. Though support and encouragement are favorable qualities, these interactions leave Stewart seeming overly demure. Furthermore, when tasked with investigating James Fitzpatrick’s computer, Sheehan tells her not to confuse them with the technical aspects despite allowing explanations from male counterparts, whether willingly or at the insistence of the colleague. As far as Stewart’s role as a strong, empowering female, it does not extend far. She makes the occasionally sharp remark when she feels she is being objectified, but she is largely used as a source of romantic and sexual interest for several characters, and her evaluation of the men around her often boils down to their attractiveness. Dr. O’Hare attempts to create importance out of this by causing one of her attractions to result in the identification of a potential key suspect, but it does not feel like a redemption of her character. Toward the latter end of the novel, Stewart does seem to come into her own, and there is a moment during which Tom Allen has been injured where she takes charge and becomes the competent officer I’d hoped she’d be, but there is otherwise little depth to her character.

To be fair, most of the characters do not exhibit any kind of dynamic growth. While this might be considered a major flaw to some, I thoroughly enjoyed the tale. Dr. O’Hare chooses to focus upon other deep issues through his storytelling, and the lack of character development does not take away from the important messages he weaves throughout it.

There are a couple of major themes. The first theme is family. Having come from a precinct where corruption and abuse were rampant, Stewart is uncertain of her new comrades. Repeatedly, she is shown that they can be thoroughly trusted. They support her opinions and theories on the case. When she is harassed by Wilson and Chambers, her team assures her that they will protect her. When she feels she is being stalked, her safety is taken very seriously. Denise finds comfort, support, and safety in her new colleagues. These are things we all long for in our relationships.

Another theme deals with the corruption of law enforcement. This is an issue that has surfaced for as long as any form of law enforcement has existed, and it is one that many societies struggle with presently. Whereas Stewart’s old precinct saw corruption in the form of sexism, bullying, and interference with cases, the new precinct abides by more strict codes of conduct. Sheehan particularly emphasizes the importance of fair and thorough investigations. We see this in the use of tape recorders during questioning, in the demand for fair photo and live lineups, and in the directive to consider all possibilities. Sheehan does experience tunnel vision in one instance, so focused on the believed guilt of one suspect, but he is eventually reminded of the importance of being open-minded.

Dr. O'Hare's style of writing is not necessarily anything unique. The 11.05 Murders is from a third-person, past-tense point of view. Character focus changes throughout the novel. The chapters often tend to be short, with many spanning only one or two pages. Readers likely won’t feel rushed by this due to the fast pace of the novel, but it may cause some impatience when confronted by longer chapters. One aspect of Dr. O'Hare's style that I found interesting is his use of images at the beginning of each chapter. Though common in novels designated for young readers, this is not a creative choice often found in literature written for adults, and it adds a little bit of fun.

Overall, Dr. O’Hare has created a wonderful and exhilarating tale in The 11.05 Murders. Readers will be rushed from one lead and scandal to the next with almost every new chapter. There is not a dull moment to be had with this story or with the characters. There is also a satisfying amount of professionalism and care taken with this novel, shown through the very few errors found and the care taken to cover problematic issues within law enforcement and the legal system. That’s why I give The 11.05 Murders by Dr. Brian O’Hare 4 out of 4 stars.

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The 11.05 Murders
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Like Amber Nichole's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Manang Muyang]

Hi, Amber Nichole! It seems the good doctor gave you good medicine. Is he an MD or a PhD?

I've read many reviews of this book; I really want to get into it and catch this time-conscious killer.

[Amber Nichole]

Hi, Amber Nichole! It seems the good doctor gave you good medicine. Is he an MD or a PhD?

I've read many reviews of this book; I really want to get into it and catch this time-conscious killer.

Oh my! I must apologize for the lengthy delay in my reply. I was just skimming through my past reviews and could have SWORN that I'd written back to you. Clearly, I was mistaken. D'oh!

He has a Ph.D., to answer your question. Did you ever give the book a try?

[Cleis]

You make a great, strong analysis of Stewart! I especially appreciate your notes on character development, and am surprised that the story seems to excel without it. Thanks for your thorough review!

[Manang Muyang]

Hi, Amber! As a matter of fact. I did and enjoyed it too. Now I'm raring to read his next book which is about witches, The Coven Murders.

I like your name. Had I a daughter, I'd also name her after a gem, like Sapphire. Or Opal. Or Garnet. Oh, I got carried away.