Initiated to Kill by Sharlene Almond

★★★☆☆  I was sent a Kindle copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

First off, some general rambling.  I love the cover of this book.  It is intriguing and I found myself going back to the cover to look at it again and again.  I think missing the covers of books is the biggest downfall to using eReaders.  Anyway, on to the review.

The book is surrounded by a mystery of Jack the Ripper, the Freemasons and a deaf woman, Anabella.  Anabella’s roommate, Celestina, disappears after a night out of partying and becomes involved with the case due to her supreme ability to read people’s body language.  The police, the teachers at Anabella’s school, Celestina’s co-workers, Annbella’s Aunt and Uncle all bring their own interesting stories to the book.  The “feeling” of the book as I read it was dark and beautiful simultaneously.  The symbolism is throughout the novel and I was glad to read the book.

The prologue begins to describe a scene that includes the Freemasons, which is always an interesting topic for mystery.  As I read the first several pages of the book I was lost.  I didn’t know who story teller was.  It changes from a character calling for “Mummy”, to descriptions of Easter celebration in Seville.   This and the editorial issues with the book were a bit frustrating but do not despair and keep reading! 

I have added Sharlene's Journey in Little Paradise to my "To Read" shelf on Goodreads.