Andrew Taylor - The American Boy - Book Review

The research that went into Andrew Taylor's 'American Boy' must have taken many years. He sets the period extremely well, adding to this effect with plenty of historical details, from clothing to architecture and with a artistic use of language.

The story follows young school master, Thomas Shield, as he gets caught up in a murder-mystery thriller. There is also a somewhat tenuous and in many way pointless link to Edgar Alan Poe, who is the American boy that gives the book its name. I feel the plot would have done better without that added pressure of adding this subplot, however, I am sure the mention of Edgar Allan Poe drew the attention of many that might not have otherwise read any of Taylor's work.

Overall, Taylor's American Boy is a successful thriller, with all the ingredients necessary to keep you on the edge of your seat. It is not quite unputdownable but you will want to return to it at the very next opportunity. With murders galore, mysterious foreigners, a blind girl that knows more than she lets on and family politics - Taylor really does fill the 485 pages (or thereabouts, depending on your edition). The American Boy by Andrew Taylor gets a Great Book Guide score of 86% - certainly worth a read, particularly if you enjoy period dramas on the television.

Note: The American Boy won the CWA Historical Dagger for Fiction and was also shortlisted for Richard & Judy's book club in 2005, ten years after the idea for the book first came to Andrew Taylor.