With the popularity of shows such as “Criminal Minds” or one of the several “CSI”s, forensic science has been the fashionable way to solve a crime. These shows have provided the practice a glitzy and glamorous platform to stand on for several years, but is it really as accurate and efficient as we’d like to believe? Caleb Carr’s latest crime fiction novel, “Surrender, New York” shines a critical light on that notion and manages to make a few other powerful statements along the way.
Random House ($30).
“Surrender, New York” is told through the perspective of Dr. Trajan Jones, the book’s primary protagonist. Dr. Jones (who we come to know as “L.T.”) is an exiled criminal psychologist from New York City. He, along with his colleague Dr. Michael Li (who we come to know as “Mike”), are teaching online courses in upstate New York when they get a visit from the police regarding mysterious deaths of local adolescents, all of which have a common thread: They all have been abandoned by their families, categorizing them as “throwaway children.” What unravels from there is a tale fit for the modern-day Conan Doyle, analyzing crime scenes, not so much with vials, hair follicles or blood samples, but mostly with good old-fashioned brain power and reasoning.
L.T. and Mike undoubtedly give off that Sherlock and Watson vibe, being eccentric and loyal with every page that’s turned. Their chemistry is a strong foundation for the novel, but perhaps a stronger and even more intriguing companionship is the bond between L.T. and his exotic pet, Marcianna, who for animal lovers, gets an exceptional amount of screen time
Other major characters are two “throwaway children” themselves, the brother and sister tandem of Lucas and Ambyr Kurtz, who aid our exiled heroes in breaking the case. The younger brother Lucas drops enough expletives to make even a Coen brother blush; he is perfect combatant to L.T.’s sometime “holier-than-thou” diatribes, which at times can be exhausting. And Ambyr, although extremely fleshed out, possesses similar “know-it-all” aggravations whenever she has a point to make.
The book does run a lengthy 582 pages, but as intimidating as that number seems (and it sure was to me) Mr. Carr keeps a steady momentum of excitement throughout, only being slowed down by the occasional in-depth description or historical factoid. Where some might encounter trepidation is in the book’s content and subject matter, which can only be described as “‘Law & Order: SVU’ on steroids.” It is quite graphic, but if you’re able to stomach such heavy material then you’re rewarded with a chilling and suspenseful education on several subjects.
The primary mark against “Surrender, New York” would be Mr. Carr’s tendency to sometimes lean on conventionality; a few of his plot twists are a little too telegraphed and perfect, seeming to come right out of the aforementioned prime-time shows that he lambastes on several occasions.
That criticism out of the way, many of the characters Mr. Carr has written for the book stand the test of time and then some. L.T happens to be one of the most unique protagonists I’ve had the pleasure of reading; his chemistry with the supporting cast is something that has a long shelf-life and the condemnations he makes against forensic science (along with its political hierarchy) certainly hit their mark.
Overall, “Surrender, New York” is an intense, yet creative read that is worth relinquishing some of your time to and with a little luck, might even free you up some DVR space.
Dominic DeAngelo is a freelance writer living in Pittsburgh.
First Published: October 30, 2016, 4:00 a.m.