The Forgotten Room

As usual, a winner from Lincoln Child! Jeremy Logan, enigmalogist, braniac and sleuth of the unexpected is summoned to a mysterious mansion where he is tasked to solve the strange death of a scientist there. A think tank is using this mansion, but it would seem that they have stumbled on something - a pandora's box that could destroy humankind: A forgotten room that holds many strange secrets.

I think the reason why I love Child's books so much is because it reminds me of The X-Files. Jeremy Logan is sort of like Fox Mulder, but with a more academic bent (the term is enigmalogist). Though, I have to admit, Logan's “empath” abilities always throw me off. It seems out of place, far too convenient and ability to have; it sometimes feels like a deus ex machina to me. Everytime it appears in a Jeremy Logan novel, I think to myself: “Spooky Mulder, much?”

Still, Child is a good thriller writer; he knows how to ratchet up the tension. Also, he does surprise me with the plot. Initially I thought the plot would go one way, but ended up in a totally unexpected area.

That's an ability I appreciate in any writer.