Reading this almost feels like watching a serial crime thriller with multiple cases highlighted throughout the book. Definitely a unique crime thriller, with most usually focusing on one or maybe two crimes throughout the entire book.

About the Book

Regrets are like birthdays—they keep coming, each one a new scar slowing you down and dragging you closer to your grave.

Ariel Fall, a seasoned private investigator, knew this well. After the devastating loss of his wife and young daughter, Ariel attempts to forge ahead, leaving behind the painful memories that threatened to ensnare him. But his quest for redemption proved more elusive than anticipated, and his entanglement in a series of harrowing investigations were proving rather useless, only serving to expose the darkest corners of humanity’s nature and the enigmatic depths of the human mind.

Haunted by the relentless pursuit of truth, Ariel embarks on a treacherous journey, encountering a seductive femme fatale and an enigmatic “guardian angel” along the way. As he delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding the Lavender Killer, the League of Damned, and the notorious Dirty Joe, he discovers the pervasive corruption lurking within the very heart of the London police force.

In a world where rules and morality blur, Ariel is forced to confront his own limitations and question the validity of conventional approaches. Struggling with the weight of his decisions, each one seeming to lead to his downfall, he realizes that true impact requires bending and even breaking the rules. With the specter of failure looming, Ariel must navigate treacherous waters where every choice feels like a waking nightmare.

My Thoughts

While each section focuses on different investigations, the characters and storylines create an overarching connecting story throughout the book. And what an intense, wild story it is. I’ve read some dark, messed-up detective stories but Ariel Fall takes the cake when it comes to gritty detectives just trying to make a buck and a difference. If you aren’t having a great time with your mental health lately, I need you to look at the triggers and consider whether this is a book you can read right now. It will always be there later and mental health is important.

After you’ve considered that, if you’re ready to dive in, there are some really interesting, messy, real characters here. The author is not pulling punches and is building very human, flawed characters who have experienced the dark, seedy sides of life. Because of that Ariel Fall is one of the best detectives you’ll read. He’s one of the literary greats. While he doesn’t read like a Sherlock knock-off, he has some elements like brilliance, drug use, and social awkwardness. But you’ll love and hate him all on his own merit.

I’m grateful to the author and Love Book Tours for having me on this tour. It was a unique experience, and I look forward to reading more by this author in the future.

Content Warnings: Suicidal Ideation/Suicide Attempt, Adult Situations, Adult Language, Violence, Murder, Pedophilia, Child Harm/Loss, Spousal Loss, Drug Abuse, Alcohol Abuse, Sexual Assault, Necrophilia, Graphic Death, Torture, War, Animal Abuse, Religious Ideology, Brainwashing/Control

Question of the Day

Do you have any trigger warnings that will make you avoid a book?

About the Author

Albert Jaskula wrote the novel The Fall. He never imagined he could write a book after living in London for nearly a decade. Working as an assistant manager and then as a driver gave him plenty of time to contemplate and write down ideas for something unique. The plot evolved over time until it came together as a cohesive whole. His writing career began in a very unusual way. When he became a co-author of a children’s book (which has yet to be published), he realised what a joy it was to write. He soon realised that children were not his intended target. His writing style, gloom, and unusual sense of comedy are aimed at a more mature audience.

Amazon US: https://a.co/d/feXowQm
Amazon UK: https://a.co/d/feXowQm
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/202678088-the-fall
Author’s Website: www.albert-jaskula.com