Review: The Interpretation of Murder by Jed Rubenfeld

TP, $17.50, 0312427050

Another first book and this one is historical. I really like it. It is 1909 and Sigmund Freud has come to New York to give a lecture. Needless to say, he was a very controversial figure of the time. A young doctor, Stratham Younger, greets Freud and enlists him to assist in the case of a young woman who was murdered. The woman had been whipped, mutilated and strangled. Another young woman is attacked in the same manner but survives.

The story takes many twists and turns and involves several other characters such as Carl Jung and other associates of Freud. The setting and principal characters are colourful and the description of place is excellent. The twists and turns had some surprises and I really like the ending. I have no hesitation in recommending this book.