Loyal Disloyalty

by Jeffrey Ashford

Richard Adeane begins to suspect that his brother-in-law has committed a brutal rape and must decide whether to risk infuriating his estranged wife, who values family loyalty above all else, by making... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 031219918X
• ISBN13: 9780312199180
• Release Date: November 1998
• Publisher: Minotaur Books
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.8" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

Above average crime novel and study into the ethics of loyalty

Although it describes itself as a mystery, the plot is not so much a "whodunnit" as a "will he get away with it" thriller which also includes some thought-provoking ideas on the rights and wrongs of loyalty. The novel begins with a meal at which Serena, the wife of successful businessman Thomas Walker-Jones, asks her sister Diana an unusual question, and one which is highly out of character for the prudish Serena. Later that day when Diana's estranged husband Richard Adeane comes to collect their daughter, Diana repeats the question to him in confidence. Shortly thereafter, Richard hears a police appeal for evidence in the case of a serial rapist who has now also begun to murder his victims. Unlikely as this might appear to be, Richard wonders if there is any possibliity that his brother-in-law could possibly be the murderer? Should be break Diana's confidence and disclose what he suspects to the police, or do nothing and risk betraying future victims if his suspicions are actually justified? Suspense in this novel is limited because the author lets the reader in at a fairly early stage about the real identity of the rapist and murderer. However, there is some doubt about whether the murderer will be caught - and whether he might succeed in framing an innocent man ... The plot also encourages some thoughts about the nature of loyalty and responsiblity. I would class this as an above average crime novel.

A Great Read!

What a joy to read a book where the writer has some skills! It was a pleasure to read this book. Jeffrey Ashford has a wonderful command of the language and Adeane's wry, sarcastic humor kept me laughing out loud throughout. I was puzzled as to why none of the other characters found him funny. I thought the evilness of Walker-Jones was well-crafted, and his character was well drawn. Patricia was hysterical...I just wanted to punch her out for not being in Adeane's corner! Anyway....excellent, excellent story.

Suspenseful, even when you know who is guilty!

This is the type of book that is so believable that as I read it I believed it really could have happened. Then, in the second half, even for a person who has read a great many mysteries, it seemed the killer might get off free. It was a short but memorable book to read.

Ashford's novel deserves more than just his loyal fans

Persons live in fear when it becomes obvious that a serial rapist preys upon them. Apparently, the assailant entices individuals into his car, subsequently drugs them, and sexually attacks his victims. Eventually, the rapist adds murder to his vicious activities. However, one person manages to escape from his clutches and provides the police with a description of her assailant. Richard Adeane recognizes the computer-enhanced picture as being eerily close in likeness to his former brother-in-law Thomas Walker-Jones, a successful businessman. Richard's judgment leans towards making an anonymous call to the police since he also knows some other information about Thomas' sexual pleasure that his ex-spouse told him in confidence. However, he temporarily defers action as he struggles with his conscience. He knows he must soon decide whether to betray the vow he once made to his ex-wife because of the strong possibility that Thomas is the culprit that the police are trying to find.. Either way he goes, Richard knows the price will be a bitter bite out of his soul. LOYAL DISLOYALTY is an extraordinary novel, especially through the first part of the book. Up to that point, the story line is incredibly fresh, introspectively intriguing, never slows down for a moment, and rates an A++. The latter part of the book is also a well-crafted English police procedural that readers will immensely enjoy, but scores an A- even as though it is much better than most sub-genre entries. Jeffrey Ashford remains one of the best mystery novelists on the market today and his current work will draw his loyal fans back awaiting his next terrific tale.Harriet Klausner