🩸 Horror Fiction

Relentless Melt

✍️ Jeremy P Bushnell
Reader Score
4.5
(1 review)
$18.99
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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A 1909 Boston mystery about a woman disguised as a man investigating abductions.

The narrative centers on Artie Quick, who balances her day job at Filene's with nighttime studies in criminal investigation. Theodore accompanies her as they investigate violent crimes. Their journey shifts from public spaces to hidden tunnels and powerful corridors. The story highlights the tension between Artie’s professional ambitions and societal expectations for women in 1909. Bushnell uses this setup to explore themes of identity and justice. The plot relies on the discovery of abductions rather than supernatural elements. It offers a grounded look at early investigative methods.

Key Themes
criminal investigation Boston Common mass transit tunnel
Literary Context

The story is set in 1909 Boston, focusing on the social dynamics of the era. Artie works at Filene's, a known retail establishment. The narrative explores the intersection of gender roles and professional ambition in early twentieth-century America. It reflects the historical context of urban development and transit systems during that period.

Difficulty
●● Medium
Recommended For Fans Of
Tana French · Gillian Flynn · Agatha Christie
🩸
Horror Fiction
🏛 Melville House Publishing 📅 2023 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781685890322

📝 Description: Relentless Melt

Jeremy P Bushnell presents a narrative set in 1909 Boston featuring Artie Quick, an ambitious young woman who works as a salesgirl at Filene's by day. She disguises herself as a man at night to study criminal investigation. Her friend Theodore, an upper-crust bachelor, joins her on this path. Their partnership begins on Boston Common but quickly leads them into a series of violent abductions. The plot moves from high political circles to the depths of an abandoned mass transit tunnel. This story draws on the traditions of early detective fiction and gothic mystery. It examines the social constraints placed on women in the early twentieth century through Artie’s dual life. The narrative structure follows their investigation as they uncover secrets hidden within the city’s infrastructure. Readers interested in historical crime fiction will find this compelling. Those seeking fast-paced modern thrillers may prefer different authors. The book suits fans of character-driven mysteries set in specific historical periods. It does not appeal to readers who dislike slow-burn atmospheric plots.

💎 Our verdict on Relentless Melt

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
Jeremy P Bushnell delivers a grounded historical mystery that prioritizes character development and atmospheric tension over rapid action. By focusing on Artie Quick’s investigation into abductions within Boston’s infrastructure, the book effectively explores themes of identity and justice in 1909. It succeeds as a thoughtful examination of gender roles, appealing to readers who enjoy slow-burn narratives and historical settings. While it may not satisfy those seeking immediate thrills, it offers a rich, character-driven experience for fans of early detective fiction and gothic mystery traditions.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers interested in historical crime fiction will find this compelling due to its grounded look at early investigative methods and the tension between professional ambitions and societal expectations. It suits fans of character-driven mysteries set in specific historical periods who appreciate a slow-burn atmospheric plot over fast-paced modern thrills. The narrative offers a unique perspective on identity and justice through Artie Quick’s dual life, making it ideal for those who enjoy exploring subgenres that blend gothic mystery with social commentary.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.5
Based on 1 reviews
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Horror Reads editorial team

Jeremy P Bushnell delivers a grounded historical mystery that prioritizes character development and atmospheric tension over rapid action. By focusing on Artie Quick’s investigation into abductions within Boston’s infrastructure, the book effectively explores themes of identity and justice in 1909. It succeeds as a thoughtful examination of gender roles, appealing to readers who enjoy slow-burn narratives and historical settings. While it may not satisfy those seeking immediate thrills, it offers a rich, character-driven experience for fans of early detective fiction and gothic mystery traditions.

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