Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Search - River of Darkness (John Madden, Bk 1)

River of Darkness (John Madden, Bk 1)
River of Darkness - John Madden, Bk 1
Author: Rennie Airth
As rural England slowly emerges from the sorrow of World War I, a particularly vicious attack on a household in a small Surrey village leaves five butchered bodies and no explanation for the killings. Sent by Scotland Yard to investigate is Inspector John Madden, a man still recovering from his own war experience and from the deaths of his wife ...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780140291964
ISBN-10: 0140291962
Publication Date: 8/2000
Pages: 435
Rating:
  • Currently 4.1/5 Stars.
 51

4.1 stars, based on 51 ratings
Publisher: Penguin Books
Book Type: Paperback
Members Wishing: 0
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

reviewed River of Darkness (John Madden, Bk 1) on
Helpful Score: 10
I think this is one of the best British mystery novels I have ever read. Brilliantly written with detective/antagonist storyline development moving simultaneously toward ending. I highly recomment this book. Also the sequel and I am waiting for the third in the series which comes out this summer.
bkydbirder avatar reviewed River of Darkness (John Madden, Bk 1) on
Helpful Score: 4
Great mystery. Protagonist has his own issues to deal with while working the case which takes place in the shadow of WWl. Good character development; riveting plot; a little romance; a little humor. Well written and a page turner.
reviewed River of Darkness (John Madden, Bk 1) on + 25 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
this is the first book in Airth's new series on life in a small town after WWI, with a police inspector John Madden. The richness of the descriptions, of life as a London policeman, and life after WWI is very well done. A good solid read.
Mysbib avatar reviewed River of Darkness (John Madden, Bk 1) on + 82 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Excellent historical mystery
Skip avatar reviewed River of Darkness (John Madden, Bk 1) on + 43 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Excellent. The main characters are well drawn. The impact of WWI on these characters is very well described, and the horrors of that war made real. I enjoyed this book a lot, and recommend it to anyone who enjoys good mysteries, especially historical mysteries.
Read All 19 Book Reviews of "River of Darkness John Madden Bk 1"

Please Log in to Rate these Book Reviews

reviewed River of Darkness (John Madden, Bk 1) on
Rennie Airth does not fail to deliver. River of Darkness is not only a great mystery but is a touching account of a detective who was traumatized by World War I.
quilty45 avatar reviewed River of Darkness (John Madden, Bk 1) on + 100 more book reviews
Excellent, excellent mystery. I've been looking for this book for 2 years and it was worth the wait. Set in 1920's England, still influenced by WWI, Detective John Madden is faced with a serial killer. Very well written.
GainesvilleGirl avatar reviewed River of Darkness (John Madden, Bk 1) on + 215 more book reviews
Well written, but slow going. The moody old country English atmosphere is wonderful for those who are fans of this style. I am, so I am enjoying the story, but even for ME, it's very slow moving. The murders are horribly brutal, and the melancholy feeling is ever present. However there IS a little sunshine here and there, with a spark of romance to relieve the tension. Rennie Airth is good, very good. I will always read his books!
suzyshadow avatar reviewed River of Darkness (John Madden, Bk 1) on + 125 more book reviews
A very good mystery set in post WWI England
reviewed River of Darkness (John Madden, Bk 1) on + 9 more book reviews
Criminal psychology and good Scotland Yard detective work. This book takes place right after WWI and is an "edge of the seat serial killer thriller".
hardtack avatar reviewed River of Darkness (John Madden, Bk 1) on + 2686 more book reviews
A most excellent multiple, murder mystery set in post-World War I Britain. I was hooked before I had read 25 pages, and requested the other books in this series. The author does a very good job of inserting police investigative techniques into the story.

The only thing I'm willing to say about the ending is something Yogi Berra once said, "It ain't over 'til it's over."


Genres: