Terri Reid

I just finished the first book in this duology and have not yet read this one. However, I want to share the headsup for Brigit lovers that I did in the first one:

"Before you get excited, as I did, about a fantasy series centred on Brigit, apart from the order being named after her, she has NOTHING to do with this book.

"(Review to come.)"

Don't yet know if the same is true of this one, but as the first was a bit of a slog in some ways, I'll read this one after a few rest books.… (meer)

Contains tiny spoilers regarding things revealed in the first few chapters.

First and foremost, despite its promising title, this book has absolutely nothing to do with Brigit.

Her involvement is limited to this:

“The original agreement between the Tuatha da Danaan and the church was called Brigid’s Cross … Saint Brigid was one of the first patron saints of Ireland. Some claim she was a great abbess who did wonderful things for the people of Ireland; although there is also some documentation that she was one of the ruling class of the Tuatha da Danaan (sic), a queen.” (106)

There is no reason given for calling the agreement of the Order “Brigid’s Cross.” The symbolism isn’t explained, and the cross itself is simply described as an “old Celtic symbol.” (252) Brigid herself is not mentioned again.

That said, there is no reason for me to carry on with this review, from the point of view of a Brigit book. But I read it and I somewhat enjoyed it, so for the sake of those who are interested and are already here reading this review, I will carry on.

Terri Reid is the author of many books, independently publishing two or three books a year for a good while, and finding many readers for her tales of paranormal, romance, and mystery. (I am too lazy to count up all of her books.) This is the first of her novels that I have read.

The Order of Brigid’s Cross - The Wild Hunt is a mythic urban fantasy with some violent and gruesome bits and an under-theme of looming romance.

I have mixed feelings about this book. There are a number of things that make it a less pleasant read for me, some of which I will mention here, but there are other elements that I appreciate, even some that are relatively rare in the books of this genre that I have read.

The second spoiler must be given so I can tell you the rare bit. The beings our detective and the Order are dealing with are the Seelie and Unseelie Courts, some of whom are of the Tuatha Dé Danann (spelled “Da” throughout the book). Despite the usual warping of the personalities of beings from Irish myth, the author has actually taken a deeper than normal look at the texts and tales behind them and gets a number of things right. This was lovely.

On the other hand, the book suffers from inconsistent writing; it doesn’t read to me like a professional, fully polished novel. There are moments when it is clear that Reid is capable of pleasing prose. She often supplies details that bring the setting to life (Chicago, which she seems to know well, and particular environments therein) and which tell us something about the character who is observing them. Frequently in the interactions between the characters, though, there’s a certain awkwardness, either in the description of how they might be feeling, toward each other especially, or in their dialogue. Over-used character types are frequent, as well. But nevertheless she has a good handle on the forward movement and details of the narrative, and the storytelling is engaging. I found myself, a good way into the book, beginning to care a little about some of the characters. The main character is not the easiest one for me to care for. He is taken from the mould of the tough but sensitive cop, and doesn’t feel terribly real to me, but now and then we see something in his character which is not taken from that cast and is lovely.

A random note: I know it’s hard to portray another group’s speech patterns, but I cringed a little now and then at how the Irish in the book speak. Reid seems to do better with the black family from a tough neighbourhood, but maybe that is because we have listened to the same TV shows and so it sounds more right to me. I honestly don’t know. Suffice it to say that although they are secondary characters and aren’t on the scene a lot, Jamal and his grandmother are two of my three favourite characters in the book. They feel the most natural and I quite like them. (The third is an even more minor character named Hettie.)

And one more note: I appreciate the way she wrapped things up at the end of the book. Not just in terms of the plot, but in terms of the emotional rightness of it all. I found myself rather liking this Terri Reid.

In summary, the writing is not smooth enough to draw me in and easily suspend disbelief, or entice me to read more of her books (although I have to read the sequel to see if Brigit ever shows up). I am guessing that the roughness around the edges of this book has to do with the intensity of her writing schedule. I prefer books that are taken time over, perfected to the extent the writer is capable of. This isn’t a priority for everyone, and this very experienced writer is clearly not really writing for me. But there are enough strong elements here that I do recommend it for those interested in this kind of story.… (meer)

I loved this story!

Mary O'Reilly is a former cop, shot in the line of duty, and revived from death as a result of her experience. Now she's a paranormal investigator, helping ghosts cross over as a result of her near-death experience. Mary is wise-cracking and tough as nails, but now she's uncovered a scandal neatly hidden for the past 24 years. She's a loose end and The murderer wants her dead.

The Illinois setting was familiar to me, although the often misspelled JoDaviess County was misspelled by this native. That is the only fault I Could find with this well-crafted mystery filled with suspense and intrigue. Can't wait to read more Mary O'Reilly mysteries.

Some of the other reviews I noticed were critical of errors and amateurish writing. I tend to be overly critical myself at times, and I also noted those same people added that they'd pick up the next in them series. That should tell you that the story redeems itself from any minor writing glitches, and I've seen as many and more snafus in traditionally published novels. I actually had to go back and double check that this was an indie. Again, I say we'll done.… (meer)