Book Reviews

Book Blurb

The Cold Case Squad has a problem: Someone won’t stop taunting Detective Everett Larkin. He’s been able to apprehend some of the worst criminals to ever stalk the streets of New York City, thanks in great part to forensic artist and boyfriend, Ira Doyle, but after their last case, events have taken a turn for the worse.

A body recovered from the Hudson River bears a message addressed to Larkin and another token from Victorian mourning culture. As nineteenth-century hair jewelry leads Larkin deeper into the growing tangle of interconnected crimes, it becomes evident that solving these mysteries will come at a profound cost. To be a good detective, Larkin will have to endure sleepless nights—lest the sender act on their threat against his partner—as well as put his relationship on the line when clues lead in the direction of Doyle’s past.

What began as a game of cat and mouse has turned into a fight for love and life itself.

 

Book Review

“If only you could see yourself, as I see you, then you would know why I want to be with you. Only you can lift me up this high.” ~ Caljohnson

 

Larkin and Doyle, from ‘Hudson River Homicides’ by C.S. Poe, have had a tough few years, handling one unusual case after another. Their previous ordeal caused so much distress that it has worn them down, both physically and mentally. As a result, Larkin has become more cautious, especially around Doyle, fearing his partner may be hiding something important. Despite these challenges, their love continues to grow because they are committed to helping each other—Larkin is drawn to supporting Doyle through his hidden pain, and Doyle values Larkin’s unique approach. They stay together, driven by a shared determination to make their relationship work, believing it gives them the strength to face future difficulties.

 

Just as things begin to settle for them, Larkin receives a call: police found a body in a refrigerator in the Hudson River. The unexpected summons raises questions—why was a cold case detective like Larkin called to an active scene? The answer appears quickly: scrawled on the fridge is “PIN ME TO DETECTIVE LARKIN.” Another clue appears—a brooch in the female victim’s tongue. Upon closer inspection, Larkin recognizes her as Matilde Wagner, a serial killer connected to one of his past cases.

 

Larkin returns to his office and calls Doyle to tell him what has happened. He would prefer to handle it alone, but excluding Doyle would be insulting. Doyle has struggled to gain recognition as a forensic artist, and Larkin isn’t doing anything to hinder his success. Also, Larkin needs his expertise on the brooch. He suspects it is costume jewelry, but when Doyle examines it, he identifies it as mourning jewelry. Considering that perpetrators often keep jewelry as a “souvenir,” the brooch is likely to be of great significance in solving the case.

 

With a clue to pursue, Larkin’s mind starts whirling, considering possible avenues of investigation. With Doyle along to challenge and complement him, they form an amazing investigative team; qualities that also permeate their romantic life, characterized by absolute loyalty, understanding, respect, and love.

 

‘Hudson River Homicides’ is the fourth book in the Memento Mori series. Like the others, it’s packed with mystery, clues, subplots, and plenty of twists, many of which are connected to the earlier books. The story is complicated and really makes you think—it’s not something you can skim. You must take your time with it. Larkin and Doyle’s unique bond is something special to watch unfold. Thanks, C.S., for such a great read. I eagerly await the next book.

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book was purchased by the reviewer.

 

Additional Information

Format	ebook and print
Length	Novel, 310 pages
Heat Level
Publication Date	31-July-2025
Price	$4.99 ebook, $17.99 paperback
Buy Link	https://www.amazon.com/Hudson-River-Homicides-Memento-Mori-ebook/dp/B0FCXTZ7ZL