Ticket to Ride by Janet Neel
When writing a piece of fiction it’s always said to be best to stick with what you know. Janet Neel does exactly that in her mystery novel Ticket to Ride. She uses her knowledge as a solicitor to write the story of young Jules Carlisle- the newest and youngest member of Paul Jenkins Solicitors. When Jules’ boss takes a few days off, she takes a meeting meant for him and gets submerged into a smuggling ring, an MI5 ongoing case and a string of mysterious multiple murders. There is also just enough of a dab of romance to spice things up.
Neel does an excellent job of describing everyday life in London, but may want to think about having a section in the front explaining some British terms for American readers. There were a few I didn’t recognize and eventually understood through the flow of the story but it makes the book a slower read. However, those who enjoy world politics will appreciate her simple flow while using actual world events to make the story-line more believable.
The back stories were exceptionally done, to the extent that you felt you knew each person. This was especially true with Jules Carlisle. You are there to experience her life as an abused, angry, and self-conscience teenager on to the witty, flirtatious woman she becomes. The only character that I felt somewhat slighted on this front was Richard Allenton, his character stays somewhat of a mystery throughout.
Finally, I don’t wish to give anything away…but I would like to applaud Ms. Neel for the sheer fact that I am seldom surprised with the end of a mystery and she managed to completely shock me in the end.
Review by Stacey Cook ( one of the other SP Bookgals)
Ticket to Ride by Janet Neel is published by St. Martin’s Minotaur and is available at : Simple Pleasures Online Bookstore and other retailers.
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