The Fate of Katherine Carr Paperback – 29 July 2010

This is a layered novel, being a story within a story within a story (and each has relevance to the reader's understanding, which might not at first be apparent). Although that sounds complicated in principle it needn't be, as similar structures are not that uncommon in lesser novels. But Thomas H Cook is not a common writer, and if you're expecting to understand this novel at a single reading, or fully unravel everything after even a second reading, I think you're going to be disappointed. (But I agree with others that it is the type of novel that rewards a second reading - just don't expect answers to everything, or more correctly don't expect the author to provide them directly.) On the other hand, if you like to be challenged to think, almost certainly the novel will leave a powerful impression, albeit rather depressing. And I don't mean to imply Cook's writing is other than excellent - Cook is stylistically a first class writer - it's just that if you're like me there will be places where you'll be thinking "what on earth is going on here?". So, thought-provoking, memorable and ultimately rewarding but if you're new to Cook I probably wouldn't start here - I've not read all Cook's novels but I think "Red Leaves" or "The Last Talk with Lola Faye" might be easier introductions (if you're not impressed I'd be surprised - and then come back to "Katherine Carr"). If you know Cook you'll know what to expect, and I don't think you'll be disappointed.

I have read just about every book Thomas H Cook has written. His themes always contain a sense of Conradian darkness, but I feel that now he is beginning to home in on a central premise. A premise which focuses on the nature of murder as a singular force and the balance of judgement/revenge.His last novel 'The Master of the Delta' brings in much mention of historical atrocities - the Spanish Inquisition, the gulag ships, and so on. Cook touches on this type of material again here - Countess Bathory, war crimes, various famous serial killers. (But not in any sensationalising way. As a crime writer he is one of the most philosophical and morally tenacious in searching through the murk and the sadism.)This is a truly multilayered book - and one of the strangest I think he has ever written. A previous reviewer states that the reader needs to go back to the first chapter after reaching the end to find out what has happened to George. This is spot on. (References in the story to 'a further turning of the screw' are definately relevant here.) It's not the kind of twist I expected from Cook, but then again he has never dealt in conventional 'twists' anyway. A further reason why he is so original and interesting as a crime author.'The Fate of Katherine Carr' is an uneasy, perplexing, horrifying and moving novel. I really hope it finds a big audience. It would also make a superb film.

Stories within stories within stories. On finishing this book, I had to think hard, revisit the beginning and it was then that I think I got the levels of invention clear, and what the intention of the narrator was.And then the story became even more powerful.As with many of Thomas H Cook's novels, there is much darkness here and exploration of the nature of evil.Cook writes elegantly. His best books are soaked through with secrets - often traumatic and murderous ones from childhood or the past that come pushing through into the present.And there is almost always a sense of dark revelation to come and much suspense.And often an unexpected and chilling twist as well."The Fate of Katherine Carr," like the marvellous "Breakheart Hill" and "Instruments of Night" and "Red Leaves" and others, is not a conventional "page-turning" mystery or thriller. It is deeper, more thoughtful and lasts longer in the mind.Thomas H. Cook is an under-rated or under-known writer I think - and one of those whose images and explorations into the dark heart stay with you (or stay with me, at least) long after the book is finished, unlike many ephemeral mysteries, which are very soon forgotten.For me this wasn't quite as satisfying as the other books I've mentioned, but it is still a very rich and rewarding story. And I've a feeling that its threads and echoes and haunting conclusion - which makes you reconsider the facts of the case - will not easily fade.

I would dearly have loved to have awarded five stars to this story as I am a devoted fan of Thomas H. Cook. However, to say I was totally confused at the end of the book is an understatement. I have taken the advice of a previous reviewer and started reading the first chapters again, but I am now on to the fourth chapter and I'm not any further enlightened. I shall persevere to the end, as it is a hauntingly sad tale, beautifully written as usual by TH Cook, but I don't think I will be any the wiser second time around and still feel confused when I reach the final page.

I really need to read this book again to fully get to grips with the various threads. Not a book to be read little by little. HOWEVER this is a fascinating psychological book - the two sleuths referred to in a previous review are not what they seem. To really understand what is going on here - read the book to the end and then read the first few pages again to discover exactly what has become of George. Extremely clever and a bit spine chilling.

I loved this book. A work of art that ties regrets, betrayal, desire for revenge together.

It is a very unique book,unlike anything i have read before and the ending is very unexpected.If you like a book that is lyrical, deep and haunting then this is the one for you.It stays with you for a while after you have read it which you cant say for a lot of books.

Great mystery!