The Naming of the Birds, a companion to The House on Vesper Sands, is set in 1872 and later in 1894 London, depicting the grim realities of children's suffering under abusive adults. It follows Inspector Cutter, his sergeant Gideon Bliss, and journalist Octavia Hillingdon, as they navigate a world rife with deceit and death among the privileged. Through dark humor and incisive prose, O'Donnell explores identity, societal roles, and the monstrous nature of humanity, crafting a gripping narrative that captivates from start to finish.
O'Donnell's virtuosic style, a mashup of Henry James and Frankie Boyle, is worth the admission price alone, showcasing a blend of intricate narrative and sharp wit.
Cutter declares he might soon be London's latest victim, suggesting a grim awareness of the dangers lurking in a city where bodies with hatchets in their backs have been piling up.
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