False Bodies
Author: J.R. McConvey
Publisher: Breakwater Books (2024)
One of the blurbs on the back cover, from Pasha Malla, compares False Bodies in part to True Detective. That’s a fitting comparison, though I’d also throw The X-Files into the mix, along with a healthy dose of classic Golden Age EC-style horror comics. The result is a mystery that’s atmospheric, unsettling, and filled with supernatural twists.
False Bodies is certainly a twisty tale, with a generous helping of weirdness woven throughout. Sometimes that weirdness worked perfectly for me, while at other times I found myself getting lost in the madness—particularly the passages involving an ancient book that frequently serves as the story’s vehicle for moving the mystery forward.
My biggest issue, however, was with the protagonist, Eddie Gesner.
Frankly, Gesner could have used a few moments where he truly came across as the hero of his own story. Instead, he spends much of the novel being swept along by luck, fate, and forces beyond his control. He rarely uncovers clues through his own insight or significantly influences the investigation. While he ultimately proves central to the story’s conclusion, it’s less because of his actions than because otherworldly powers seem intent on manipulating him like a puppet. As a result, Gesner never quite connected with me as a lead character.
If a sequel is in the works, that’s the first thing I’d like to see improved.
Fortunately, J.R. McConvey has laid the groundwork for one. Gesner, who is presented as something of a cryptid expert, could easily pursue another legendary creature—Sasquatch would even keep the series rooted in Canada, while False Bodies centers on a sea monster mystery set in Newfoundland. Just as compelling is the lingering mystery surrounding his missing wife, a storyline that hangs over the novel and provides a natural hook for a follow-up.
False Bodies may not earn a place on the very top shelf of my favorite books, but it was memorable enough that if J.R. McConvey writes a sequel, I’ll be first in line to read it. Sometimes that’s one of the strongest compliments you can give a novel—it leaves you wanting to return to its world long after you’ve turned the final page
About Author
Calvin Daniels is a Saskatchewan-born, self-taught journalist. He is currently Editor of Yorkton This Week, with 35-years in the newspaper business.
False Bodies
False Bodies
Publisher: Breakwater Books (2024)
One of the blurbs on the back cover, from Pasha Malla, compares False Bodies in part to True Detective. That’s a fitting comparison, though I’d also throw The X-Files into the mix, along with a healthy dose of classic Golden Age EC-style horror comics. The result is a mystery that’s atmospheric, unsettling, and filled with supernatural twists.
False Bodies is certainly a twisty tale, with a generous helping of weirdness woven throughout. Sometimes that weirdness worked perfectly for me, while at other times I found myself getting lost in the madness—particularly the passages involving an ancient book that frequently serves as the story’s vehicle for moving the mystery forward.
My biggest issue, however, was with the protagonist, Eddie Gesner.
Frankly, Gesner could have used a few moments where he truly came across as the hero of his own story. Instead, he spends much of the novel being swept along by luck, fate, and forces beyond his control. He rarely uncovers clues through his own insight or significantly influences the investigation. While he ultimately proves central to the story’s conclusion, it’s less because of his actions than because otherworldly powers seem intent on manipulating him like a puppet. As a result, Gesner never quite connected with me as a lead character.
If a sequel is in the works, that’s the first thing I’d like to see improved.
Fortunately, J.R. McConvey has laid the groundwork for one. Gesner, who is presented as something of a cryptid expert, could easily pursue another legendary creature—Sasquatch would even keep the series rooted in Canada, while False Bodies centers on a sea monster mystery set in Newfoundland. Just as compelling is the lingering mystery surrounding his missing wife, a storyline that hangs over the novel and provides a natural hook for a follow-up.
False Bodies may not earn a place on the very top shelf of my favorite books, but it was memorable enough that if J.R. McConvey writes a sequel, I’ll be first in line to read it. Sometimes that’s one of the strongest compliments you can give a novel—it leaves you wanting to return to its world long after you’ve turned the final page
About Author
Calvin Daniels
Calvin Daniels is a Saskatchewan-born, self-taught journalist. He is currently Editor of Yorkton This Week, with 35-years in the newspaper business.
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