NYPD homicide detective Lt. James Sakura is investigating a particularly gruesome and vicious series of murders. Nude bodies are found posed like desecrated fallen angels, with white wings inserted into their shoulders. As time goes on and the killings mount, Sakura has to risk everything to face the maniac alone.

So, another serial killer novel. Is there anything new here for readers of this genre? In terms of the plot, Moore does not really add anything new. The reasons behind the killer’s behaviour are interesting, since they are different to the usual depravity or madness that motivates serial killers. However, other than this, there is not s great deal to separate the book from other serial killer novels. There are the usual plot twists, but an established reader may quickly discover the identity of the killer.

Nevertheless, having said this, Moore does add a new dimension with his collision of two cultures. Sakura is a Japanese-American, and his wife is Japanese. Sakura’s ideas and their relationship to his mixed upbringing, as well as his wife’s agonising over various aspects of their life add substance to the novel, backed up by strong writing from Moore.

The ending of the novel is disappointing in two ways. One, it fails to give closure, and two; it falls into the trap of a stereotypical thriller ending. Perhaps it would be nice if, for a change, the police officer did not have to face the killer alone? It is easy to imagine, on reading ‘A Cruel Season For Dying’ that Moore had a film script in mind and the novel could easily make the transition to the big screen.

What I have said may seem more negative than positive and perhaps readers are now feeling that they should avoid the novel. This is not at all the case, as ‘A Cruel Season For Dying’ is an enjoyable read and an impressive debut novel. The problem is that this genre is packed with average novels. To be a major success, the book has to be brilliant. A few years ago, ‘A Cruel Season For Dying’ would have fallen into this category, but currently, it is one step below it on the ladder. If you want a good read, you could do a lot worse than this novel, but there are better around.