The Colour of Death – The Review
Written by Nikki-ann on Saturday, 3 September , 2011 at 10:15 pm
Author: Michael Cordy
Publisher: Bantam Press
ISBN: 978-0-593-06067-4
I hadn’t heard of The Colour of Death before, but having checked out the list of books on offer for the Transworld Book Group Challenge, I thought it sounded like my kind of read. It is now the second book I have read for the challenge and, once again, Transworld have picked some great books! I loved The Colour of Death from the start…
A young woman in Portland, Oregon inexplicably senses evil in a house as she passes. Unable to help herself, she breaks in with an axe and discovers a shocking scene. When the police arrive, she is unable to tell them her name or how or why she was there. She doesn’t even know who she is, let alone what’s going on. They give her the name Jane Doe.
Jane is sent to Tranquil Waters, a psychiatric facility, and put under the care of Dr Nathan Fox, a forensic psychiatrist with troubles of his own. She likes Nathan, he’s the right colour. Together they must work out who she is.
Then a series of brutal murders begins in the city and somehow they are linked to Jane Doe. In a case that will test not only him, but his patient, Nathan must look beyond the normal parameters of a case and beyond normal life experience. He.. they… must confront her past… and his.
I was hooked on this book from that start. It’s one of those books that you don’t want to put down. In fact, I read the second half of the book all in one go – it’s that much of a page-turner!
The story is based around something called synaesthesia – a kind of neurological condition whereby somebody experiences sense that others don’t… such as the colour of letters and the taste of words. The Colour of Death takes synaesthesia to a whole new level in this crime thriller.
I found the story intriguing with its synaethesia, murders and religious cult. I liked that the story was just as much about Nathan as it was about Jane Doe. I did wonder if I would be “baffled by science” with the synaesthesia side of it, but it was explained in an understandable way and I had nothing to worry about on that score.
All in all, this is a great crime thriller and I’m glad the author gave up his job in marketing to write! I’ll definitely be checking out his other books.
Recommended!
Buy The Colour of Death at the Book Depository.
Michael Cordy is British, but was born in Ghana.
This is the 23rd book I’ve read eligible for the British Books Challenge.
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Please note: I received this book free from Transworld Publishers as part of the Transworld Book Group Challenge. However, this has in no way influenced my opinion of the book.
Comments (7)
Category: Books,Crime,Reviews,Thriller,Transworld Book Group Reading Challenge
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Comment by Friko
Made Saturday, 3 of September , 2011 at 10:56 pm
I am not sure I’be able to sleep for weeks if I read the book.
I like thrillers but only the normal, cosy, mostly bloodless ones which present a puzzle. anything bloodthirsty or paranormal scares me to death.
You really should go and visit Heath Chapel, it’s a wonderful place.
Comment by daystar12uk
Made Sunday, 4 of September , 2011 at 10:06 am
Glad you enjoyed it. I’m looking for others by him now.
Comment by Yvonne
Made Sunday, 4 of September , 2011 at 2:47 pm
Hi Nikki,
This is another definite for my reading list, ticks all the boxes of a great read for me.
Actually the title sounds quite familiar, so I had best check that it isn’t already sat in my TBR pile somewhere, first.
I think I recognise the author name from seeing several copies of one of his earlier books ‘The Messiah Code’, pass through the charity shop bookshelves.
Watch out if you are searching for any more Michael Cordy books, check them out on a site called – http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk – first, as most of his books have two different titles and cover art, which could easily lead to duplication.
Comment by Petty Witter
Made Monday, 5 of September , 2011 at 4:57 pm
Sounds like a winner to me. I’m not at all surprised to read of a woman who senses evil in a house – I think this is quite a common thing amongst women, I know I certainly picked up on the vibes of the houses we looked at before buying this house which by the way everyone says has a lovely atmosphere.
Comment by LindyLouMac in Italy
Made Tuesday, 6 of September , 2011 at 7:52 pm
I also taking part in the Transworld Challenge and have just received my first title.
This one sounds far too brutal for my tastes, thank goodness I did not pick this one.
What a great selection of titles we were to choose from though.
Thankyou also for calling by News From Italy and leaving a comment on my Bolsena post, it is appreciated.
Comment by The Book Whisperer
Made Sunday, 11 of September , 2011 at 3:03 pm
I love the sound of this one – I must get it from Transworld too (I haven’t given my full list in yet). Sounds great!
Comment by Jerome Parisse
Made Wednesday, 14 of September , 2011 at 7:54 am
Sounds like me too! I’ll have to give it a try!
